How Buyers Agents Find Off-Market Properties

Planning to buy or sell in the Australian real estate market? If so, a buyer’s agent could give you direct access to ‘off-market properties’. An off-market property is never listed on Domain, never shown on REA, and won’t have a ‘For Sale’ sign posted outside its door. In simple terms, this classification is given to a property that is never widely marketed to the public.

So, how exactly do buyers agents find off-market properties and present them to clients? We’re here to break it all down.

Off-Market Properties: An In-Depth Look

Before we get too deep into the buyer’s agent process, let’s quickly cover the fundamentals. First things first, as the name implies, this refers to a property sale that takes place outside of the regular real estate market.

In these circumstances, the property owner contacts their agent or advocate notifying them of the intention to sell. The agent will then present the property to potential buyers in a confidential manner.

The final transaction still involves the same processes but comes without the hassle of public viewings, staging, marketing, or auctions.

The Buyers Agent Process: Finding Off-Market Properties

Finding an off-market property isn’t as simple as scrolling through real estate listings. If you partner with the right buyer’s agent or advocacy firm, however, it can actually be more smooth and easy than the traditional route.

Here’s how experienced buyer’s agents can help you to uncover these hidden opportunities.

Industry Networks

One of the most valuable tools a buyer’s agent has is their network of industry contacts. Agents naturally cultivate relationships with selling agents, property developers, buyers, sellers, and private vendors, all of whom can provide early insights into properties before they officially hit the market. This network gives them direct access to exclusive listings that the average buyer is unlikely to ever hear or know about.

The Right Contacts

Connecting sellers and buyers is another fundamental role of the buyer’s agent. From the moment the owner decides to sell all the way to contacting interested parties, the agent becomes the middle man who facilitates the entire transaction, helping to make it as smooth as possible.

For example, if the agent already has buyers ready at multiple price points, a sale could be facilitated within a relatively short turnaround.

Local Market Expertise

In addition to a network of industry connections, a buyer’s advocate relies on their local market expertise. Specialists who operate in a particular suburb or region have an in-depth understanding of the area, from recent sales trends to upcoming developments.

Their local knowledge allows them to identify potential sellers who may be open to private negotiations, even if they haven’t officially listed their property.

Direct Outreach

Another important method is direct outreach. Many off-market opportunities come from property owners who haven’t yet made the decision to sell but might be open to the right offer. Buyer’s agents will proactively reach out to homeowners in sought-after locations, presenting them with genuine buyers who are ready to make a competitive offer.  

 

Proprietary Databases

Some firms also maintain proprietary databases of off-market properties. These databases include properties from past clients, developers, and private sellers who prefer a discrete transaction. With the right resources, buyer’s agents can match clients with homes that fit their exact criteria.

Monitoring Market Trends

Additionally, agents monitor public records and upcoming listings to spot potential off-market deals. Probate filings, pre-foreclosures, and upcoming development projects can all indicate properties that may soon become available for private sale.

By staying ahead of these trends, buyer’s advocates can position their clients to secure a property before it even reaches the market.

Interested in off-market properties? At BuyerX, you can partner with an award-winning buyer’s agent in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide, Perth, Mornington Peninsula, or the Sunshine Coast. Contact us now for a consultation! 

Why Buyers and Sellers Choose to Go Off-Market

While every situation has its own set of nuances and factors, there are common threads that lead people to choose this route.

Confidentiality

One of the biggest driving factors for sellers is confidentiality. High-profile individuals, investors, or homeowners who value privacy often prefer to keep their property sale discreet. Selling off-market, therefore, allows them to avoid unnecessary public exposure and limits the number of people who gain access to their home.

This is particularly appealing to sellers who do not want their neighbours, colleagues, or the general public to know they are selling. Deciding to keep the transaction private leads to less unwanted speculation, intrusion, and finally, reduces the stress of managing large-scale public interest.

Exclusive Access

For buyers, the biggest draw of off-market properties is exclusivity. In this sense, exclusivity could create a certain mystique around the property, or simply mean there’s far less competition when compared to publicly listed homes. In high-demand areas where homes often receive multiple offers within days of hitting the market, this exclusive access gives off-market buyers a significant advantage.

Not every seller wants to go through the rigmarole of property marketing, public inspections, and auctions. The same can be said for buyers as well. Without the extra pressures of bidding wars or rushed decision-making, they are able to thoroughly assess a property before making an offer.

Convenience

Off-market sales offer a certain level of convenience that traditional property transactions often lack. In these circumstances, sellers don’t have to go through the usual hassle of staging their home for inspections, hosting open houses, or dealing with a large number of enquiries. This is particularly beneficial for sellers who value their time and want to avoid the disruptions that come with public listings.

Buyers, on the other hand, have the chance to enjoy a more tailored search process, as buyer’s agents present them with pre-vetted properties that match their specific needs. Overall, this makes the buying experience more efficient and less stressful.

Lower Costs

Between professional photography, home staging, advertising fees, and auctioneer costs, selling a property through traditional channels can really add up. By selling off-market, property owners can bypass these expenses and potentially save thousands of dollars.

These cost savings can also translate into more flexible price negotiations, as sellers may be more willing to accept a fair offer without factoring in the expenses of a full-scale marketing campaign. For buyers, this could mean better value and an opportunity to negotiate more favourable terms.

Time Efficiency

Time is often a crucial factor in real estate transactions. Off-market sales tend to move faster because they are targeted at serious buyers who have been vetted by buyer’s agents. With fewer competing offers and less back-and-forth, deals can be finalised more efficiently.

For sellers, this means a smoother and more predictable sales process, free from the uncertainty of waiting for a suitable buyer to appear through traditional marketing efforts. For buyers, it means the ability to act quickly on a desirable property without getting caught up in lengthy bidding wars.

Direct Negotiations

Off-market transactions create an environment where direct negotiations between buyers and sellers, facilitated by their respective agents, can take place in a more controlled and professional manner.

Without the public pressure of auctions or multiple competing bids, both parties have the opportunity to engage in open and transparent discussions, leading to smoother transactions and mutually beneficial outcomes.

 

 

The BuyerX Experience: A Recent Case Study

P & R were searching for a unique, private, and modern holiday home by the beach in Blairgowrie or Sorrento, but their busy schedules made the process challenging. As business owners based in Melbourne, they lacked the time and local market knowledge needed to navigate the competitive Mornington Peninsula property scene.

Understanding the value of a buyers’ advocate, they engaged us to take over their search and negotiations. Initially, we assisted them to negotiate for a large ocean-facing property, but after identifying a more suitable off-market option through my connections, our strategy pivoted to a better opportunity. Using relationships with Liz Jensen of Kay & Burton, we were able to secure a stunning Inform/Playsier Perkins luxury home located at the end of a private lane, just a short walk from Montfort’s Beach.

Set on a large, immaculately landscaped block with a pool, the property perfectly matched their brief. This successful purchase was made possible through our deep local knowledge and strong industry relationships.

Interested in Our Off Market Property Services? Tell Us About Your Plans Today

Do you want to sell your home confidentially? We have buyers ready at multiple price points.

Our team will not pass on your details to anyone. Simply talk to us first and we’ll get the ball rolling.

As an award-winning buyer advocacy firm, we specialise in buying and selling off market property for our clients. Whether you need a buyer’s advocate in Melbourne, Sydney, or another Australian city, you’ll be paired with a local advocate who knows the area like the back of their hand.

Reach out to us today for an initial consultation!