What is off market property, and is it a good idea?

Collage of hands shaking on a yellow background, because they just made an off-market property deal.

Everyone’s looking for an angle into the ridiculously competitive property market. But for those hoping to avoid the emotional stress and risk of auctions, conducting ‘secret’ deals behind closed doors could be the way to go. In other words: buy off-market.

This isn’t nearly as shady (or cutthroat) as it sounds. Though not as common as the traditional auction route, buying off-market is standard practice. This method also suits specific kinds of buyers/sellers, and could present a potentially clever, time-saving way around all the hassle. 

But what is off market property? Why doesn’t everyone buy this way? And how do you know if it’s right for you?

What does buying off market mean?

Hands shake over cheering buyers for an off market property sale.

Buying property off market simply means purchasing a home that wasn’t advertised publicly for sale. 

Instead of trawling real estate portals, attending open houses, and vying to be the highest bidder at auction, prospective buyers go directly through an agent who privately matches them with an ideal property. Sounds amazing – right? 

Usually. Buying off market still requires research and is all about ‘who you know’, favouring buyers willing to work closely with real estate agents and move quickly on opportunities. Buyers might also have to pay a (sometimes hefty) premium to secure the property. 

However, if you’re willing to play the game, the benefits can be enormous – for both buyers and sellers. Buyers can enjoy a streamlined, non-competitive process with a wider and exclusive selection of choices at potentially cheaper prices, while sellers can keep their privacy and sell quickly. They might not get as good a price as they would at an auction, but time might be worth more to them. 

Sometimes you’re just a buyer standing in front of a seller, asking for the best price.

Cons of buying off market property

Off market property buys race to a vacant property auctioned by an agent. Collage.

Heck yes, exclusive property and secret deals sound great – why doesn’t everyone just buy property off-market?

Again, premiums. This can lock out a lot of prospective buyers and is often why off market property deals are the preferred method of celebrities or high-income earners.

There aren’t as many homes available off the market, either, and it can be risky for first-time buyers who don’t know the real estate market well. Can you unemotionally assess the value of a property at first glance? Do you have the capital (or home loan pre-approval) to make a compelling offer? These are critical questions to ask.

Buying off market also requires you to get ruthlessly clear about what you want and how much you’re willing to pay for it. Firm negotiating skills – or a good buyer’s agent – are absolute must-haves. 

But all of these are doable with the right time, effort, and resources, so consider your situation and what makes sense for you.

How do you find off market properties?

Collage of a woman googling off market properties.

So you’ve done a little soul-searching and decided: “Bring it on. Let's buy off market."

Brilliant! Aside from the usual home-buyers checklist, you’ll need to have a finger on pulse. Join a database or off-market subscription list and introduce yourself to some red-hot real estate agents (plural!). This way, you’re ready to pounce when that amazing property goes up for a sneaky, secret sale.

Buyers’ agents can help enormously in this regard, too, since they can do the digging and negotiating for you. 

Some things to decide in advance (and tell your agent) include:

  • Price range.
  • Ideal suburb/area (the more specific, the better!)
  • Property-type (house, apartment, magic castle, etc.)
  • Bedrooms/layout.
  • Proximity to amenities (transportation, schools, shops, etc.). This point in particular is important for gauging capital growth potential.
  • Any special features you can’t live without.

This “must-have” list is separate from a “would be nice” list, however. Maybe it’d be great to have a pool for the kiddies, but it’s not a dealbreaker.

However, keep your wish list in mind when browsing properties. That lovely coastal villa doesn’t have a pool right now, but it definitely has room for one later.

Looking to buy a home? We’ve assembled a guide for first-time buyers. Compare home loans in the table below.

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Last updated 19 September 2024 Important disclosures and comparison rate warning*

Home loan comparisons on Mozo

  • Unloan Variable

    • Owner Occupier
    • LVR <80%
    Interest rate
    5.99 % p.a.
    Variable
    Comparison rate
    5.90 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,995
    Go to site

    Built by CommBank, the Unloan is the first home loan with an increasing discount (conditions apply) for borrowers. No application or banking fees. No monthly account keeping or early exit fees. Apply online in minutes.

  • 3 Year Special Fixed Home Loan

    • Owner Occupier
    • Principal & Interest
    Interest rate
    5.69 % p.a.
    Fixed 3 years
    Comparison rate
    6.16 % p.a.
    Initial monthly repayment
    $2,899
    Go to site

    This home loan is available for purchase or refinance, complete with 1, 2 or 3 year fixed rate options. Minimum 10% deposit required.

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* WARNING: This comparison rate applies only to the example or examples given. Different amounts and terms will result in different comparison rates. Costs such as redraw fees or early repayment fees, and cost savings such as fee waivers, are not included in the comparison rate but may influence the cost of the loan. The comparison rate displayed is for a secured loan with monthly principal and interest repayments for $150,000 over 25 years.

** Initial monthly repayment figures are estimates only, based on the advertised rate. You can change the loan amount and term in the input boxes at the top of this table. Rates, fees and charges and therefore the total cost of the loan may vary depending on your loan amount, loan term, and credit history. Actual repayments will depend on your individual circumstances and interest rate changes.

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Mozo provides general product information. We don't consider your personal objectives, financial situation or needs and we aren't recommending any specific product to you. You should make your own decision after reading the PDS or offer documentation, or seeking independent advice.

While we pride ourselves on covering a wide range of products, we don't cover every product in the market. If you decide to apply for a product through our website, you will be dealing directly with the provider of that product and not with Mozo.