The Misconceptions of Off-Market Properties

When searching for a property, most buyers rely on online listings, assuming they’re seeing all available properties. It’s often forgotten that there are off-market properties that never make it to these online listings – homes that change hands quietly, behind the scenes. 

Off-market properties offer unique opportunities, but they also come with plenty of misconceptions. Many buyers either don’t know how to access them or hold incorrect assumptions about pricing, quality and competition. If you’re serious about finding your next home or investment, it’s time to separate fact from fiction. 

Off-Market Properties Are Rare

A common belief is that off-market sales are a niche part of the market, available only to a select few. In reality, thousands of properties are sold off-market every year. 30-40% of my houses I purchase are off-market.

Sellers often choose this approach for privacy, convenience, or to test buyer interest before going public. Some high-end vendors don’t want open inspections, while others want to avoid marketing costs or time-consuming sales campaigns. The reality? Off-market homes are everywhere – you just need to know where to look.

Off-Market Properties Are Always Cheaper

It’s easy to assume that off-market homes sell for less because there’s no public competition, but that’s not always the case. Some sellers do price competitively to encourage a quick, low-hassle sale. Others, however, expect a premium – especially if the property is in high demand and they have multiple buyers interested.

Because these properties aren’t publicly listed, pricing transparency can be lower. Some off-markets are underpriced due to limited exposure, while others are overpriced because sellers are simply testing the waters. That’s why due diligence and understanding market values are essential when considering an off-market purchase.

Off-Market Properties Are “Dud” Listings

Some buyers assume that if a property is being sold off-market, it must have something wrong with it. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Many prestige and in-demand properties are sold off-market simply because the vendor prefers a discreet sale.

This is especially common in high-value areas, where privacy is a priority. In locations like Brighton, Melbourne, a significant percentage of homes sell off-market each year, particularly at the top end of the market. Some vendors don’t want large crowds at open inspections, while others want a quick, direct sale without the stress of a full campaign.

If an Agent Knows What I Want, They’ll Call Me

Many buyers think that once they tell a few agents what they’re looking for, the agents will automatically notify them about off-market opportunities. This rarely happens.

Agents have hundreds of buyers on their books, and if you’re not consistently following up, you won’t be top of mind. 

The best way to access off-market properties is to build strong relationships with multiple agents, check in regularly, and be proactive about your search. Some buyers work with a buyer’s advocate to gain immediate access to off-markets through industry connections.

Off-Market Properties Are Easier to Buy

With fewer buyers aware of off-market properties, you might assume they’re easier to purchase. But in many cases, they can actually be more challenging.

Some off-market sellers are only testing the waters and aren’t fully committed to selling. Others have unclear pricing expectations, making negotiations tricky. Because there’s no auction deadline or set marketing strategy, deals can take longer to finalise, and competition still exists when multiple agents have access to the same property.

Off-Markets Are the Ultimate Solution for Every Buyer

While off-market opportunities expand your options, they aren’t always the perfect fit. Some buyers assume that if they haven’t found the right home online, there must be better options hidden off-market. 

The reality is that off-markets reflect the broader market – some are great, some are overpriced, and some don’t suit your needs. A balanced approach is best – leveraging both off-market and public listings to ensure you’re seeing the full picture.

Off-market properties aren’t a private club reserved for the few, but they do require a different approach. Simply relying on online searches won’t cut it. Buyers who stay proactive, build strong agent relationships, and tap into industry networks will always have an advantage.

If you’re only looking at publicly listed properties, you’re missing out on a huge part of the market.