Off-Market Deals: What They Are and Why They Matter

Not all great properties hit realestate.com.au or Domain. In fact, some of the best purchases happen quietly, behind the scenes. These are off-market deals - and if you're not working with a strategic Buyer's Agent, you're probably missing them.

What Is an Off-Market Deal?

An off-market deal is a property transaction that happens without public advertising:

• No listings
• No open homes
• No online photos

Instead, the property is sold discreetly through private networks, agent relationships, or buyer databases. These deals move fast - with fewer competitors and more flexible terms.

Why Do Sellers Go Off-Market?

You might wonder: why wouldn't sellers just list publicly to get more eyeballs?

Here's why:

• Privacy: High-profile or sensitive vendors often don't want public exposure
• Speed: Some sellers want a quick, no-fuss deal without marketing delays
• Testing the Market: Vendors might quietly float a price before committing
• Avoiding Costs: No need to spend on staging, marketing, or auction fees (which can average $10K-$20K for a median-priced home)

According to REBAA, it's estimated that up to 25%-30% of transactions in hot markets like parts of Newcastle or Sydney's Inner West are off-market.

Note: The volume of off-market listings can vary significantly by suburb and market conditions. In slower or transitioning markets, or in areas where sellers lack disposable income and want to avoid upfront listing costs, off-market deals are often more common. In contrast, in healthy, medium-priced markets, off-market properties tend to underperform publicly listed ones. A 2023 PropTrack report found that off-market properties in higher-value areas sold for over 5% less than their on-market counterparts, and even in lower-priced areas, the average loss exceeded 3%.

How Buyer's Agents Access Off-Market Deals

Real estate is a relationship business. Buyer's Agents are in daily contact with local selling agents - and are often the first to know when a property is about to be listed. In many cases, a match is made before the public ever sees it.

Agents only share these deals with BAs they trust - ones who bring serious, finance-ready buyers that won't waste time or fall over late in the deal.

Here's how we unlock access:

• Agent Networks: Built over years of honest deals
• Databases: Agents call trusted BAs first
• Credibility: We bring serious, qualified buyers
• Speed: We move fast - and clean

Why Off-Market Deals Matter to You

• Less Competition: You're not bidding against 50 other buyers

• Better Negotiation: No auction pressure - more flexible terms

• First Dibs: Access to listings before the public sees them

• Strategic Advantage: You're on a different playing field than DIY buyers

   

Case Study

A Sydney client was ready to buy in Newcastle. Through our contacts, we secured a 3-bed home in Georgetown for $815K - off-market and $10K below the agent's expected price.

After a $50K cosmetic+ reno (new kitchen and bathroom upgrades), it revalued at $1.15M just months later. More options, more equity, less stress.

Key Takeaways

• Off-market properties give you a strategic edge in competitive markets
• They're accessed through trusted relationships, not search engines
• With a Buyer's Agent, you're first in line for properties others never see

Final Word

Off-market deals aren't a secret club - they're a strategy. If you're buying in a competitive market, they could be your edge.

Working with a Buyer's Agent opens the door to properties you'd never otherwise see. That means less stress, smarter buying, and more upside.