Selling

Is an accepted offer legally binding?

Updated September 2026England & Wales2 min read

The short answer

No. In England and Wales an accepted offer isn’t legally binding until contracts are exchanged. Until then a seller could accept a higher offer (gazumping) or a buyer could lower theirs (gazundering).

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Questions this guide answers

  • Is an accepted offer legally binding?
  • What is gazumping?
  • What is gazundering?
  • What happens after accepting an offer?

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