You've probably heard the term "off-market" thrown around. It sounds exclusive — and sometimes it is. But a lot of what gets called off-market is just a property that hasn't hit the portals yet. Here's how to tell the difference.

There are really three types

Pre-market
Listing signed, photos done — just not live on the portals yet. Comes through agent databases and Pricefinder alerts. Not secret, just early.
Genuine off-market
Seller wants no open homes, signage or advertising — divorce, deceased estate, tenants in place, or privacy. Accessed through relationships.
"Off-market" that isn't
A scarcity tactic — a property dressed up as exclusive that hits the portals a week later anyway.

How do we tell them apart? By how long a property's been quietly listed, and whether similar properties from the same agent followed the same pattern. The genuine ones come to us because agents know we have serious, pre-approved buyers who can move quickly.

Our approach

We don't chase off-market for its own sake. We chase the right property for you.

Sometimes that's off-market. Sometimes it's sitting on realestate.com.au with terrible photos and a badly written description — overlooked by everyone else, but perfect for you.

This article is general property market information only — it isn't financial, tax, legal or investment advice. Your specific situation should always be discussed with a qualified, licensed professional (financial adviser, mortgage broker, tax agent or solicitor) before you make any decisions. FiveFold Property Partners helps clients buy property; we are not licensed financial advisers.

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