The word "gazumper" is not commonly used, but it refers to someone who outbids another buyer on a property that has already been sold subject to contract, sometimes even after a handshake agreement has been made. The spelling of "gazumper" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ɡəˈzʌmpə/. The syllables are pronounced with a soft "g", followed by a short "uh" sound, then a stressed "zump" and ending with an "uh" sound.
Gazumper is a term commonly used in real estate transactions, particularly in the United Kingdom. In simple terms, a gazumper refers to a person who accepts a higher offer for the purchase of a property, after previously accepting a lower offer from another buyer. This practice typically occurs when the initial deal has already been agreed upon between the seller and the first buyer, but before the transaction is legally sealed.
The term 'gazumper' derives from the word 'gazump,' which means to cheat or deceive by raising the price of something previously agreed upon. In the context of real estate transactions, gazumping refers to the unethical and often controversial action of accepting a higher offer at the last minute, thereby breaking a prior agreement and leaving the initial buyer disappointed.
This practice is particularly prevalent in fast-paced real estate markets, where property prices are rapidly rising and demand is high. The motivation behind gazumping is typically financial gain, as the seller can make more money from accepting a higher offer. However, it is widely criticized due to the unfair treatment of the first buyer, who may have already invested time, effort, and finances into the process.
Gazumping can lead to frustration, disappointment, and financial loss for the first buyer, who may have already incurred costs such as surveys, legal fees, and searches. To combat this issue, some countries and regions have implemented laws and regulations to discourage or prevent gazumping, including the requirement of binding contracts and deposits.
The word "gazumper" has its origin in Britain and specifically in the real estate industry. It first appeared in the early 20th century, particularly in the 1920s. The term is derived from the words "gazump" and "gazunder", which were already in use at the time.
The word "gazump" initially meant to cheat or defraud someone by raising the price of a property transaction after an initial agreement had been made. It is believed to have emerged from Yiddish or Hebrew slang, where "gazumph" meant to overcharge or overinflate prices.
On the other hand, "gazunder" meant to reduce a previously agreed-upon offer just before the finalization of a property transaction. This word could be related to the act of "undermining" a transaction by lowering the price.