26/08/2026
31% of UK buyers have had at least one sale hijacked by a higher bidder.
It's called gazumping - and while it feels deeply unfair, it's completely legal in England and Wales.
Here's what you can do to protect yourself:
✅ Ask for the property to be taken off the market once your offer is accepted
✅ Have your mortgage Agreement in Principle in place before making an offer
✅ If you have a property to sell - find a buyer first, making you a more attractive, proceedable buyer
✅ Stay in close contact with your solicitor and estate agent to push towards exchange as quickly as possible
The faster you get to exchange, the less time there is for someone else to swoop in.
Read our guide:
Gazumping is, essentially, when someone succeeds in acquiring a property, by placing a higher offer than one already accepted but is it legal?