An off-market sale is a sale arranged without advertising the property publicly. Instead of listing it on the property portals with a board outside, we introduce it directly to buyers we have vetted and who are likely to be interested.
Why sellers choose it
- Privacy. Neighbours, tenants and the wider market do not see the property advertised, and there is no public record of price reductions.
- Less disruption. Fewer viewings, usually by buyers who already know what they are looking for. Tenants can often stay in place.
- Speed. Buyers in our network are ready to proceed, so there is no wait for the right buyer to appear.
- Properties the open market finds difficult. Homes that need work, tenanted properties and portfolios often suit buyers who specialise in them.
What off-market does not mean
- It does not mean no viewings. Most buyers will want to see the property, or at least detailed photos, before they make a firm offer.
- It does not mean complete confidentiality. Buyers, their advisers and both solicitors will see the details they need. Once the sale completes, HM Land Registry publishes the price paid, as it does for every sale.
- It does not skip the legal process. Solicitors still carry out the normal searches and checks.
The trade-off on price
Fewer buyers see an off-market property than an advertised one, so there is less competition. That usually means a lower price than a well-run open-market campaign might achieve. For many sellers, the speed, privacy and certainty are worth it. For others, they are not, and we will say so. Where it makes sense, we introduce a property to more than one suitable buyer so you have offers to compare.
Off-market or on the market?
| Off-market private sale | Open market through an agent | |
|---|---|---|
| Who sees it | Buyers we introduce | Anyone browsing the portals |
| Typical buyers | Cash buyers and investors | Mostly owner-occupiers with mortgages |
| Price | Usually lower | Usually highest for homes that suit mortgage buyers |
| Speed | As little as 7 days with a cash buyer; typically 6–12 weeks with an investor | Usually months |
| Privacy | High | Low |
If you are weighing it up, our guide to quick, private sales explains the process step by step, and our comparison of the four routes shows the alternatives.