How To Access Off-Market Properties

An off-market property is available for sale but isn’t publicly advertised. In these cases, sellers choose not to promote their property through traditional methods, instead relying on their real estate agent to find buyers through more discreet channels. 

So, how can I access an off-market property if it isn’t advertised online?

Real estate agents often approach buyers directly or work with buyers’ advocates with whom they have established relationships. To start finding off-market listings, a great first step is to connect with a buyer’s advocate. Alternatively, you can regularly contact local real estate agents and check in with them weekly to stay informed about potential opportunities. If this sounds too time-consuming or tedious, consider working with a buyer’s advocate who specialises in the area where you’re looking for a property.

In this article, we’ll cover off:

1. Why do some vendors choose to sell off-market?
2. Why is the number of off-market transactions increasing?
3. Why do real estate agents contact Infolio when they have an off-market property?
4. Why do buyers choose Infolio as their buyer’s advocate?

Why do some vendors choose to sell off-market?

There are several reasons why vendors choose to sell their property off-market:

• No advertising expenses: Some sellers need quick access to cash and prefer to avoid advertising costs and time associated with running a formal sales campaign. This may be due to a change in circumstances, such as divorce, death, or financial hardship.
• Testing the market: Some vendors aren’t fully committed to selling but would consider it if the right offer came along. Others may plan to sell within the next year but would accept an off-market offer if the price meets their expectations sooner.
• Discretion: Privacy is a key reason for off-market sales, especially those who don’t want neighbours or the public to know they’re selling. This is particularly common for high-profile individuals like celebrities who wish to avoid media attention.
• Special conditions: In some cases, vendors need specific terms in the contract of sale, such as shorter settlement periods, larger deposits, or requirements for leases or permits, which can make a traditional sale less practical.
• Property presentation: If the property is rented or part of a deceased estate and doesn’t present well, sellers may opt for an off-market sale to avoid displaying less attractive images online.

Why are off-market transactions increasing?

Off-market transactions are on the rise primarily because many vendors want to test the market without fully committing to a sale. Given the current unpredictability of the real estate market, accurately valuing properties has become increasingly difficult. By selling off-market, vendors can gauge demand and price expectations without the pressure of a public campaign or a commitment to sell. This allows them to “dip their toes in the water” and explore opportunities without a formal sales campaign.

Why do real estate agents contact Infolio with off-market opportunities?

We recently spoke with Sam Gamon from Chisholm & Gamon in Bayside and Simon Gowling from Jellis Craig in Port Phillip to learn why they contact Infolio when they have an off-market property.

“[Infolio are] likely to have someone ready to buy and make an offer. The research and the hard work have been done. Infolio has already qualified and got them ready to buy by showing them other properties. Then we can show them the off-market property and hopefully bring everything together.”

“They’re quick to act and give us a very rapid decision. From an owner’s point of view, we get really good feedback and a qualified response in a much quicker time frame and ultimately, that helps sell the property.”

Sam Gamon, Chisholm & Gamon.

“We contact Infolio because we know they have a depth of buyers. Their buyers are well qualified. When Infolio has a buyer for something, there is a very good chance that they will buy it; otherwise, they are just not interested in the property. It’s really clear cut.”

Simon Gowling, Jellis Craig, Port Phillip

Why do buyers choose to work with Infolio?

Infolio is a well-established firm with decades of experience in the property market. Specialising in Melbourne’s inner blue-chip suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula, and Central Victoria, we take pride in our long-standing relationships with real estate agents and our in-depth understanding of property values in these key areas. On average, clients who choose to work with us buy faster and on better terms.

“I think many buyers would contact Infolio because they’re a prominent firm, and they are one of the first buyer’s advocates that any real estate agent would call with their off-market properties. That’s why they are one of the first calls for a buyer.”

Simon Gowling, Jellis Craig, Port Phillip

Examples of recent off-market properties we have bought for our clients:

Brady Road, Bentleigh East

Infolio was delighted to purchase this three-bedroom, two-bathroom, two-storey home for our client. We worked with our friends at Buxton Bentleigh to secure this opportunity off-market.

Acacia Street, Elsternwick

We assisted our lovely Infolio clients in purchasing this stunning four-bedroom, two-bathroom house in the heart of Elsternwick. We partnered with Gary Peer to secure this property off-market.

Spray St Elwood 

We were thrilled to secure this rare gem for our clients in Elwood. The property had not changed hands in over 30 years and offered our clients the perfect place to transform into their forever family home.

To discover how we can help you access the full market, including both on-market and off-market properties, book a free 15-minute discovery call with us today.