[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/2026\/08\/21\/gazumping-nsw-accepted-offer\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/2026\/08\/21\/gazumping-nsw-accepted-offer\/","headline":"Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer?","name":"Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer?","description":"Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer? Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer? Watch this video on YouTube. You make an offer on a Sydney property. The selling agent calls you back and says: \u201cCongratulations, the vendor has accepted your offer.\u201d You start organising the contract, building and \u2026 Read: Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer?<\/a>","datePublished":"2026-08-21","dateModified":"2026-08-21","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/author\/nicholasparpistruthpropertycomau\/#Person","name":"Nicholas Parpis","url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/author\/nicholasparpistruthpropertycomau\/","identifier":216551164,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f6058d552df68dbaf53120d13f9e89fc9834e3e1ba22039065b40df84bd9df29?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/f6058d552df68dbaf53120d13f9e89fc9834e3e1ba22039065b40df84bd9df29?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Truth Group Pty Ltd","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TRUTH-GROUP-2.png","url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/TRUTH-GROUP-2.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-21-2026-05_19_15-PM.png?fit=1672%2C941&ssl=1","url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/truthgroup.com.au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/ChatGPT-Image-Aug-21-2026-05_19_15-PM.png?fit=1672%2C941&ssl=1","height":941,"width":1672},"url":"https:\/\/truthgroup.com.au\/2026\/08\/21\/gazumping-nsw-accepted-offer\/","video":{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LPjScx-4Xl8#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LPjScx-4Xl8","name":"Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer?","description":"Had your offer accepted on a property in NSW?\n\nYou may still be at risk of being gazumped before contracts are exchanged.\n\nIn this video, I explain what gazumping means for property buyers in Sydney and NSW, including:\n\n\u2022 Why an accepted offer does not always mean the property is secured\n\u2022 When another buyer may still submit a higher offer\n\u2022 Why exchange of contracts is the critical point\n\u2022 How buyers can reduce delays\n\u2022 Why comparable sales and your maximum price still matter\n\u2022 What to do if the agent says another buyer has made an offer\n\u2022 Why you should not let emotion push you into overpaying\n\u2022 When walking away may be the better deal\n\nThe selling agent represents the vendor.\n\nIf another buyer appears, your goal should not simply be to beat them at any price.\n\nAsk yourself:\n\nWhat is the property worth?\nWhat is my maximum?\nDoes paying more still make sense?\n\nIf you're actively buying property in Sydney, NSW and want professional representation through property assessment, due diligence, multiple-offer situations and negotiation, contact Truth Group.\n\nTruth Group | Sydney Buyer\u2019s Agent\nBuy Smarter. Borrow Better.\n\nGeneral information only. Obtain advice from your solicitor or licensed conveyancer regarding contracts, exchange, cooling-off periods and 66W certificates.\n\n#Gazumping #GazumpingNSW #sydneyproperty #nswproperty #buyersagentsydney #sydneyrealestate #propertynegotiation #homebuyingtips #propertybuyers #buyingproperty #realestateaustralia #TruthGroup","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/LPjScx-4Xl8\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/LPjScx-4Xl8\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/LPjScx-4Xl8\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/LPjScx-4Xl8\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/LPjScx-4Xl8\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2026-08-21T07:20:19+00:00","duration":"PT1M26S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/LPjScx-4Xl8","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCl_CSrwS5ltS8cuq5VYEvxg#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCl_CSrwS5ltS8cuq5VYEvxg","name":"Truth Group Pty Ltd","description":"Truth Group is a Sydney Buyers Agent and Mortgage Broker helping home buyers, first home buyers and property investors make smarter property decisions.\n\nI\u2019m Niko, a licensed Buyers Agent based in Sydney, helping clients find the right property, negotiate confidently and structure their finance correctly.\n\nOn this channel you\u2019ll discover:\n\n\ud83c\udfe1 Sydney Buyers Agent advice\n\u2022 What properties are really worth\n\u2022 Sydney suburb comparisons\n\u2022 Auction and negotiation strategies\n\u2022 First home buyer tips\n\u2022 Property buying mistakes to avoid\n\n\ud83d\udcb0 Mortgage & Finance Guidance\n\u2022 Home loans and refinancing\n\u2022 Borrowing power strategies\n\u2022 Preparing to buy property\n\u2022 Understanding lender requirements\n\nWe help clients with:\n\u2705 Established homes\n\u2705 House & land packages\n\u2705 Investment properties\n\u2705 Residential & commercial property\n\u2705 Home loan solutions\n\nServing Sydney and Australia-wide.\n\n\ud83d\udccd Hoxton Park, Sydney\n\ud83c\udf10 truthgroup.com.au\n\nSubscribe for weekly Sydney property insights, buyer strategies and finance tips.\n","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/6cfbKmHc32AQQ7Jvy8Uk8-gTgkKgXKQ-ntmPlJQwqFyRcDmR-1UVKvPvSqhmucy6vnM6a5UNSz4=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LPjScx-4Xl8#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LPjScx-4Xl8#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=LPjScx-4Xl8&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"}},"about":["Latest Post"],"wordCount":2199,"articleBody":".wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0\"]{font-style:normal;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0 mark.kt-highlight, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0\"] mark.kt-highlight{font-style:normal;color:#f76a0c;-webkit-box-decoration-break:clone;box-decoration-break:clone;padding-top:0px;padding-right:0px;padding-bottom:0px;padding-left:0px;}.wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0 img.kb-inline-image, .wp-block-kadence-advancedheading.kt-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0[data-kb-block=\"kb-adv-heading49703_3f9823-88_0\"] img.kb-inline-image{width:150px;vertical-align:baseline;}Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer?Gazumping in NSW: Can Another Buyer Beat Your Accepted Offer? Watch this video on YouTube.You make an offer on a Sydney property.The selling agent calls you back and says:\u201cCongratulations, the vendor has accepted your offer.\u201dYou start organising the contract, building and pest inspection, finance and deposit.Then another buyer appears with a higher offer.Can the vendor change their mind and sell the property to them?In NSW, potentially yes until contracts have been exchanged.This is commonly known as gazumping.For buyers, it can be one of the most frustrating parts of purchasing property because an accepted offer can feel like you’ve secured the property when legally you may not have.Understanding the difference between an accepted offer and exchange of contracts is critical.What Is Gazumping in NSW?NSW Government describes gazumping as occurring when an agent or seller accepts your offer to purchase a property at an agreed price but then sells the property to someone else, commonly because another buyer has offered more. For example:You offer:$1,500,000The vendor accepts.Before contracts are exchanged, another buyer offers:$1,525,000The vendor decides to proceed with the second buyer.If that buyer exchanges contracts first, you may have been gazumped.Does an Accepted Offer Mean the Property Is Yours?No.This is probably the most important thing for NSW property buyers to understand.An agent saying:\u201cYour offer has been accepted\u201ddoes not generally create the same legal certainty as exchanging contracts.In NSW, the property sale becomes binding when both parties have signed their copies of the contract and those contracts are exchanged. Until then, the vendor can generally change their mind.So think of the process as:Offer accepted \u2192 negotiation agreed in principle \u2192 contract prepared\/reviewed \u2192 contracts exchanged \u2192 property secured contractuallyThe dangerous period is between:\u201cOffer accepted\u201dand\u201cContracts exchanged.\u201dCan the Agent Continue Showing the Property?Potentially, yes.Before exchange, the vendor can continue negotiating with other prospective purchasers.The selling agent acts for the vendor, not the buyer.NSW Government guidance specifically reminds buyers that before contracts are exchanged, a seller may continue negotiating with other buyers for a higher offer.This is why you should not assume:\u201cThey accepted my offer, so nobody else can buy it.\u201dDoes the Agent Have to Tell the Vendor About Another Offer?Generally, yes.An agent acting for the vendor is required to pass offers to their client up until exchange of contracts unless the vendor has given instructions otherwise in writing.For example, a vendor could instruct the agent not to present offers below a certain amount. So if another buyer appears after your offer has been accepted and offers more, the agent generally cannot simply ignore that offer.That is one reason gazumping can occur even when the selling agent appeared genuinely happy to proceed with you.Can Another Buyer Beat You With a Lower Offer?Potentially.Another important point is that the vendor does not necessarily have to choose the highest offer.NSW Government guidance notes that a vendor generally isn’t compelled to sell to a particular buyer and may even accept a lower offer from another prospective purchaser.Why would they do that?Because price isn’t always the only consideration.A vendor may prefer another buyer because of:a shorter or more suitable settlementfewer requested contract changesdeposit arrangementsgreater certaintytimingthe buyer’s readiness to exchangeother terms important to the sellerThis is why a strong property offer isn’t always simply:the highest number.Example: How Gazumping Can HappenImagine a Sydney property is advertised around:$1.45m\u2013$1.5mYou inspect it, analyse the comparable sales and offer:$1,485,000After negotiation, the vendor accepts:$1,500,000You then begin:arranging a building and pest inspectionhaving your solicitor review the contractconfirming financeorganising the depositTwo days later another buyer offers:$1,520,000You receive a call:\u201cWe’ve received another offer. Do you want to improve yours?\u201dYou now have a decision to make.But the first question shouldn’t automatically be:\u201cHow much do I need to beat them by?\u201dIt should be:\u201cDoes paying more still make sense based on the property’s value and my maximum?\u201dDon’t Let Gazumping Turn Into an Emotional Bidding WarThis is where buyers can become vulnerable.You believed you had secured the property.You’ve mentally moved in.You’ve told family and friends.You’ve already spent money on inspections and legal work.Then suddenly somebody else wants it.Emotion can take over.Your $1.5 million offer becomes:$1.51mthen:$1.52mthen:$1.535mbecause:\u201cWe’ve already come this far.\u201dBut another buyer appearing doesn’t automatically change the property’s underlying value.Before increasing, return to:comparable salesproperty conditionlocationlandrenovation requirementsdefects and risksyour budgetyour finance positionyour predetermined maximumDon’t allow the fear of losing the property to become the reason you overpay for it.Can You Ask the Agent to Take the Property Off the Market?You can certainly ask.You could request that the vendor:stop further inspectionsstop negotiating with other buyersproceed immediately toward exchangeBut an accepted offer by itself doesn’t necessarily require the vendor to do those things.If exclusivity or another contractual protection is important to you, that is something to discuss with your solicitor or licensed conveyancer.Don’t rely purely on verbal assurances.Does Paying a Holding Deposit Stop Gazumping?Not necessarily.Sometimes a buyer may be asked to pay an expression of interest deposit or preliminary deposit.That does not automatically secure the property.NSW rules require buyers to be informed that an expression-of-interest deposit:does not oblige the vendor to selldoes not oblige the buyer to purchaseis refundable if a sale contract is not entered intoAgents can also receive expressions of interest relating to the same property, and if another buyer enters into the contract, your expression-of-interest deposit must be refunded. So don’t confuse:paying a preliminary depositwithexchanging contracts.They’re not the same thing.Can You Get Your Costs Back If You’re Gazumped?Generally, don’t assume so.You may already have paid for:solicitor or conveyancer feesbuilding inspectionpest inspectionstrata reportother due diligencefinance-related enquiries or costsNSW Government states that if you’re gazumped, the seller and selling agent are not obliged to compensate you for those kinds of costs.An expression-of-interest deposit, however, must be refunded. That’s one reason gazumping is so frustrating.You can lose the property and have already spent money trying to purchase it.How Can NSW Buyers Reduce the Risk of Gazumping?You can’t necessarily eliminate the risk before exchange, but you can reduce unnecessary delays.1. Have Your Contract Reviewed EarlyDon’t wait until your offer has been accepted before first requesting the contract.Ask for it as soon as you’re seriously considering the property.Have your solicitor or licensed conveyancer review it early.That means you’re in a stronger position if negotiations move quickly.2. Have Your Finance Position PreparedUnderstand your borrowing position before making serious offers.You don’t want the vendor ready to exchange while you’re only beginning to investigate whether you can obtain the finance required.3. Complete Important Due Diligence PromptlyDepending on the property, this could include:building and pest inspectionstrata reportcontract reviewcouncil\/planning considerationscomparable-sales assessmentproperty-specific investigationBeing organised before or during negotiation can reduce the period between accepted offer and exchange.4. Put Your Offer Clearly in WritingWritten offers create a clearer record of:pricesettlementdepositproposed termsconditionsNSW Government also recommends that offers may be made verbally or in writing and notes that putting them in writing can help buyers keep track of negotiations. 5. Be Ready to Exchange When AppropriateIf you’re satisfied with the property, your legal advice, due diligence and finance position, unnecessary delay can expose you to more competition.But speed should not replace proper due diligence.The objective isn’t:exchange as fast as humanly possible.It is:be prepared enough that you don’t lose the property simply because you weren’t organised.What About the NSW Cooling-Off Period?For most residential private-treaty purchases in NSW, buyers generally receive a 5-business-day cooling-off period after exchange.The period starts when contracts are exchanged and generally ends at 5pm on the fifth business day after the day of exchange. There are important exceptions.For example, there is no cooling-off period when purchasing at auction or when contracts are exchanged on the same day after a property has been passed in at auction. Your solicitor or conveyancer should advise you on the applicable position before exchange.What About a 66W Certificate?A buyer can waive the normal cooling-off period by providing a 66W certificate.That may sometimes make an offer more attractive to a vendor because the contract becomes immediately unconditional in relation to cooling-off rights.But that is a significant legal step.Once you waive cooling-off rights, you lose an important protection.A 66W should therefore never be treated simply as:\u201cthe trick to beating another buyer.\u201dGet legal advice before agreeing to waive your cooling-off rights. NSW Government specifically recommends seeking advice before doing so. (NSW Government)What If the Agent Says: \u201cWe’ve Received Another Offer\u201d?Don’t panic.Ask useful questions.Depending on the circumstances, you may want to understand:Is another offer actually on the table?Has it been put to the vendor?Is the vendor asking for a revised offer?Is there a deadline?Are price or terms the issue?Is the seller asking everyone for best and final offers?NSW Government suggests that if you’re told another offer has been made, you may ask for that information in writing, although an agent isn’t required to provide it in writing. Then return to your strategy.Should You Increase Your Offer If You’re Being Gazumped?Sometimes.But not automatically.Suppose you offered:$1,480,000Another buyer offers:$1,500,000Your pre-determined maximum is:$1,510,000Comparable evidence still supports that level.You might decide to increase.But suppose your maximum was already:$1,480,000Another buyer appearing does not magically make the property worth $1.52 million to you.There is a difference between:losing a good propertyandavoiding a bad purchase decision.Sometimes Walking Away Is the Better DealThis matters particularly when buyers feel they’ve already \u201cwon\u201d the property once.If another buyer pushes the price beyond what you believe the property is worth, walking away can be difficult.But paying $30,000, $50,000 or $100,000 more purely because you don’t want someone else to have it can be much more expensive than losing the property.Another property will come.The money you overpay doesn’t necessarily come back.Sometimes securing the property is the right decision.Sometimes walking away is the better deal.How a Sydney Buyer’s Agent Can Help During Gazumping and Multiple-Offer NegotiationsSituations involving gazumping can move quickly and become emotional.A buyer’s agent can assist by helping you:assess comparable salesestablish a purchase-price rangedetermine your maximum before negotiations escalatecommunicate with the selling agentunderstand the competing-offer situationstructure your offer and negotiation strategycoordinate with your solicitor or conveyancerremain disciplined if another buyer appearsdecide when to increase and when to stopThe selling agent represents the vendor.A buyer’s agent represents the buyer.The objective isn’t simply to beat another purchaser.It’s to secure the right property at a price and on terms that still make sense for you.Had an Offer Accepted on a Sydney Property?If you’re actively negotiating on a property, dealing with multiple buyers or worried about paying too much simply to secure the deal, Truth Group provides professional buyer representation across Sydney.Services can include property assessment, due diligence, comparable-sales analysis, negotiation and auction support as part of the buyer representation service.Explore Sydney Buyer’s Agent ServicesView Buyer’s Agent FeesDiscuss My Property SearchFull-service residential buyer representation starts from $9,500 + GST for purchases up to $1.5 million.Final ThoughtsAn accepted offer in NSW does not necessarily mean the property has been secured.Until contracts are exchanged, the vendor may still receive and consider other offers.That’s why serious buyers should:prepare early, understand the property’s value, complete due diligence efficiently, know their maximum and be ready to exchange when appropriate.But don’t allow the possibility of being gazumped to push you beyond the price you decided the property was worth.The goal is not simply to beat the other buyer.The goal is to make the right purchase.Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, credit or property advice. Property transactions and individual circumstances vary. Obtain advice from an appropriately qualified solicitor or licensed conveyancer regarding contracts, exchange, cooling-off periods and 66W certificates.I checked the legal\/process sections against the NSW Government’s current Making an Offer on a Property guidance, updated 8 July 2026, and NSW Government contract and deposit guidance. 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