The idea of buying a property that no one else knows about is naturally tempting. Many buyers hear about “secret” or “exclusive” listings and imagine snapping up a hidden gem without the stress of competition.
But does off-market automatically mean better value?
Not always.
Buying off-market can be a powerful tool when used strategically. But like any approach, it needs to be applied with care and a clear understanding of the local market.
Can You Actually Access Off-Market Properties?
One of the most common questions we hear is: “Can I really get access to off-market properties?”
The short answer is yes; if you know where to look.
There is no shortage of off-market opportunities available to active buyer advocates. However, the real skill lies in identifying which ones are worth pursuing at the right price.
Most true off-market deals come through trusted networks, not public portals. They often result from long-standing relationships with local selling agents, who know which buyers are prepared and ready to move.
While sites like Property Whispers and Listing Loop are growing in popularity (you can read more about these here), an experienced advocate will typically have far wider reach through personal connections.
What “off-market” used to mean (and what it means now)
Off-market used to mean something truly private. A vendor didn’t want a campaign, and the agent would offer the property quietly to one or two serious buyers. No online listing, no professional photos, no open homes. That’s a genuine off-market.
These days, the term is often misused. Many of the so-called “off-markets” we see now are simply unlisted. They’re not advertised publicly, but still emailed to thousands of buyers on an agent’s database. The property might not appear on realestate.com.au, but it’s far from discreet. Understanding the difference between off-market vs unlisted is important. One gives you access to a rare opportunity. The other is just marketing dressed up as exclusivity.
Off-Market ≠ Always a Good Buy
It is important to understand that not every off-market listing represents great value.
Some off-markets are overpriced, with vendors using them to “test the waters” before a full campaign. Others might be legitimate opportunities, but only if you act quickly and have your due diligence completed.
For example, we recently reviewed an off-market home in Bentleigh East. On first look, it appeared promising. But after carefully reviewing local comparables and gaining insight into the vendor’s expectations, we advised our client to pass. Two weeks later, it listed publicly for $80,000 less, and we secured it at that price.
Patience and knowledge often pay off.
The Real Strategy Behind Buying Off-Market
The real value of an off-market strategy is knowing when to buy off-market, and when it is smarter to wait.
It’s important to know when to secure a property before it reaches the open market and when to let it list publicly for a better deal. In some cases, meeting the seller’s expectations early can prevent competition from driving the price higher. In other cases, allowing a property to hit the market can provide better negotiation leverage.
A skilled advocate assesses timing and method. It is never about pursuing off-markets for the sake of it.
Why Buyer’s Advocates Are Key
A good buyer’s advocate doesn’t just secure off-market properties for the sake of it. They use the right strategy to ensure the best outcome for the buyer, whether that means purchasing off-market or waiting for the right time to act.
At Parker Buyer Advocates, we access off-market properties in Melbourne through long-standing relationships with local agents. We then apply a disciplined due diligence process to evaluate whether each property offers real value for our clients.
Ultimately, it is about acting with purpose, not getting caught up in the “off-market” hype.
Don’t Get Swayed by the Word ‘Off-Market’
Off-market is a tactic. It is not a guarantee of a better deal.
The real edge comes from knowing when to act, what to offer, and when to walk away.
If you’re hearing a lot about off-market opportunities and wondering what’s genuinely worth pursuing, we can help. We focus on true off-market properties, those shared quietly with a select group of buyers, not just listings that haven’t hit the portals yet. We don’t chase everything labelled “off-market.” We prioritise quality, timing, and value to help you buy the right property, not just any property.
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