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Buying Off-market: The New Trend?

July 12, 2022
Property stock is currently in short supply and it has resulted in many buyers securing property that has not yet been listed publicly for sale. i.e. is off-market. This is also proving a popular method increasingly used by sellers, as some of the benefits include limiting time wasters and only dealing with serious buyers.
By selling off-market the property will not be advertised on the mainstream market — there will be no ads on property portals or in estate agents windows. Regular buyers will not be able to find any “for sale” adverts using traditional methods. 
According to data from Hamptons, 20 per cent of London sales in 2021 were sold off-market, a figure that increased to 25 per cent for homes priced £1 million or more. Previously, this hush-hush method of property purchasing was only used by the very wealthy, but now buyers looking in the sub-£1 million bracket are now using this to source a property!

 

 

What is an off-market property?

An off-market property, also referred to as a discreet property listing, is where a seller does not want their property name or address to be visible on portals, such as Rightmove, on social media, through digital advertising, in windows of high-street agencies, in print or with a ‘for sale’ board. 

Off-market buyers

Typically, off-market property buyers are in a good position and are ready to buy, meaning they have the cash funds, have nothing to sell or have sold subject to contract. Those interested are usually in rented or sold properties and cannot find what they are looking for online or are looking for the rarity factor. These buyers are usually in a position where they are prepared to wait until they find the property of their specific requirements and buy right away. 

How do Estate Agents sell off-market?

Contacting a database of buyers 

A good agent should know their applicants and their requirements well to secure you a quick and simple sale. Your estate agent will contact the appropriate potential buyers directly with your property and can even set a date that you need to exchange by to get the process moving along much faster.

 Portals 

If you have not had any interest in your property through contacting a database of buyers, then discreetly marketing your property on portals can tempt applicants.

To market discreetly, an agent will use internal or view photos, set a general location or the estate agency’s office location and add some brief text.

 VIP Closed Members Groups 

Another marketing option is for your estate agent to share your property on a closed VIP members group via email or on Facebook. This is a great way to get your property in front of a large number of serious buyers, discreetly and at no cost.

Thinking of selling a property? Tap into our services and black book of conracts. We are one of London’s leading bespoke real estate firms and would be delighted to help you acquire your dream property. Call direct on + 44 (0) 207 993 4081 or simply send an email for a fast response.

 

Media Enquiries
Stonelink International Media Team London
Tel: + 44 (0) 207 993 4081 or send an email

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