What is Gazumping and How to Avoid It
don't make things difficult for yourself
If you’re selling a property, you might have heard the term gazumping — but what does it actually mean?
Gazumping happens when a seller accepts a verbal or informal offer from a buyer, but later, after the buyer has invested time and money, the seller accepts a higher offer from someone else. This leaves the original buyer frustrated and out of pocket, especially if they’ve spent money on inspections, appraisals, or legal fees.
Why Gazumping is a Problem:
It’s unfair to the buyer – Gazumping feels like a betrayal to buyers who thought they had a deal in place.
It can cause financial loss – Buyers who’ve spent money preparing for the sale could lose out if the deal falls through.
It could be illegal – In some cases, gazumping can be considered fraudulent or in bad faith, leading to legal consequences for the seller.
How to Avoid Gazumping:
Formalise the sale quickly: Once you’ve agreed on a price, get a written contract signed ASAP. This locks in the deal and prevents the buyer from being outbid.
Stay transparent: Keep the buyer informed, especially if you’re considering other offers.
Be respectful: An honest approach leads to smoother transactions.
A quick note before you dive in:
We share what we’ve learned to help property owners make confident decisions — but we don’t yet know your personal goals or financial situation. So while we hope our advice gets you thinking in the right direction, it’s general in nature and not legal or financial advice.
We’d honestly hate to see anyone make a big decision based purely on what’s on our website — so let’s talk! Book a chat with one of our Owners Agents and we’ll look at your situation together, create a plan that fits, and help you sell with clarity and confidence.
