Can You Accept Another Offer After Agreeing a Sale?

It’s one of the most common questions sellers ask, usually at the exact moment things start to feel real.

You’ve accepted an offer. The property is “under offer”. Then out of nowhere, a new buyer appears with more money on the table.

So… can you accept another offer on your property after agreeing to a sale?

The short answer is yes. But the real answer is a bit more nuanced, and understanding it properly can save you from costly mistakes.

This is where most of the confusion comes from.

In England and Wales, accepting an offer does not make the sale legally binding straight away.

• Before exchange of contracts
  You are free to change your mind. You can accept another offer, withdraw, or renegotiate. Nothing is legally locked in at this stage.
• After exchange of contracts
  The deal becomes legally binding. Pulling out at this point can lead to serious financial penalties and potential legal action.

This “in-between” stage, known as the conveyancing process, is where most of the uncertainty and opportunity exists.

Yes, you can.

If a higher offer comes in before contracts are exchanged, you are legally allowed to accept it. This is commonly known as gazumping.

However, just because you can, does not always mean you should.

Gazumping happens when a seller accepts a higher offer after already agreeing a sale with another buyer.

It’s completely legal, but it can be frustrating for buyers, especially if they’ve already spent money on:

• Surveys
• Solicitors
• Mortgage arrangements

From your perspective as a seller, it’s about balancing financial gain with risk and timing.

By law, your estate agent must pass on all offers, even after you’ve accepted one.

At Comfort Estates, this is where experience really counts. A good agent won’t just relay offers, they’ll help you assess:

• The buyer’s position (cash, mortgage, chain)
• How quickly they can move
• The risk of delays or fall-throughs

Because a higher offer is not always the better offer.

Here’s what many sellers overlook.

You accept a higher offer. Great.

But then the new buyer pulls out.

Now you’ve:

Lost your original buyer

Lost valuable time

Potentially weakened your position in the market

This is one of the biggest risks of gazumping, especially if your original buyer was ready to move quickly.

Technically, yes.

But in practice, it’s not advisable.

Transparency is key. Informing all parties keeps things professional and can even work in your favour. Your original buyer may decide to increase their offer to stay in the deal.

Sometimes, you don’t need to start again.

If a higher offer comes in, you may choose to renegotiate with your current buyer instead.

This can be a smarter move because:

• It avoids restarting the conveyancing process
• It keeps your timeline intact
• It reduces the risk of losing momentum

Renegotiation is also common when:

• Issues are found during surveys
• Property searches reveal problems
• Market conditions shift

Gazundering is when a buyer lowers their offer just before exchange.

This often happens when:

• You are under pressure to complete
• There is a chain involved
• The buyer senses urgency

It can leave sellers in a difficult position, especially late in the process.

It comes down to more than just price.

Before making a decision, consider:

• How far along you are in the process
• The reliability of both buyers
• The potential delay of starting again
• Your own timeline and circumstances

A slightly lower offer from a committed buyer can often be the safer, faster route to completion.

If you’re navigating multiple offers or unsure what to do next, speaking to an experienced local agent can make all the difference.

At Comfort Estates, we guide you through every decision with clear, honest advice so you can move forward with confidence.