Off-market sales: when they suit and what to ask
Helps you decide whether a sale without public advertising suits you and what to check first.
- An off-market sale still uses a normal sale and purchase agreement with the same legal steps; only the advertising changes.
- Without public competition, price is harder to test, so get an independent registered valuation first.
- Ask the agent how many off-market sales they have actually completed for similar homes nearby.
- If an agent mentions a ready buyer, ask whether the buyer has signed anything or committed any money.
- You can usually switch to a public listing later if no suitable buyer appears.
Check the details. Check with your lawyer and a registered valuer before agreeing to an off-market arrangement.
Official pages
Shortened from a Berry article first written 2026-05-18. Figures we could not check against a public source were taken out. This is general information, not advice.