Finance glossary
Gazumping
Also known as: Gazundering
In simple terms
Gazumping is when a seller accepts a higher offer from another buyer after already agreeing to sell to you — but before contracts are exchanged, so nothing is legally binding yet.
On this page
What does gazumping mean?
Gazumping is when a seller accepts a higher offer from a different buyer after they have already accepted your offer, but before contracts have been exchanged. Because a property sale is not legally binding until exchange, the seller is free to do this.
The reverse move, “gazundering”, is when a buyer lowers their offer at the last minute — again exploiting the fact that nothing is binding until exchange.
How gazumping works
In England and Wales, the period between an offer being accepted and contracts being exchanged can take weeks or months. Throughout that time either side can walk away, renegotiate, or accept a better offer, with no legal penalty.
This is different from Scotland, where the system means an accepted offer becomes binding much earlier, so gazumping is far less common there.
How could this affect me?
Being gazumped can lose you money already spent on searches, surveys, valuations and legal work, as well as the home you wanted. It is stressful and, unfortunately, entirely legal before exchange.
You can reduce the risk by moving quickly to exchange, keeping your finances ready (such as an agreement in principle in place), staying in close contact with the seller, and considering options like asking the seller to take the property off the market or using an insurance product.
Things to watch out for
- Nothing is legally binding until contracts are exchanged, so a seller can accept a higher offer at any time before then.
- You can lose money already spent on searches, surveys and legal fees if you are gazumped.
- Delays increase the risk — the longer to exchange, the more chance another buyer appears.
General information, not personal advice
Consumer Credit is an independent information service. We do not provide regulated financial advice or sell financial products. For advice on your own situation, speak to an appropriately authorised firm or a free service such as MoneyHelper. About Consumer Credit.
Sources
We checked this page against these official and authoritative sources.
- GOV.UK, How to buy a home — making an offer (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.
- MoneyHelper, Gazumping and gazundering explained (opens in a new tab). Accessed 22 Aug 2026.