How to find the best off-market properties

Most property for sale is offered openly via methods such as estate agents, property portals or property auctions. Off-market properties are those that are for sale but are kept off the traditional real estate market.

This means they aren’t listed on public platforms and are only privately advertised to a small number of interested buyers. Selling off-market is more common than you might think: according to figures from TwentyEA, 23% of property in London is sold this way.

Sellers may have a few reasons to sell off-market. These include:

• Privacy: Sellers who are in the public eye or have a complicated personal situation might prefer to keep the sale discreet.
• Testing the water: Sometimes sellers want to gauge buyer interest before committing to a public listing.
• More control: If the market is busy, selling discreetly can mean sellers only have to deal with the most motivated and well-qualified buyers, who are ready to act fast. This avoids time-wasters.
• Expert knowledge: The right partner will have the connections to find a qualified buyer quickly.

The property market is all about connections. Building relationships with people in the know is key. Investors are constantly looking for new deals. Joining landlord groups and online forums can connect you with people who might have leads on off-market properties.

Estate agents often have their fingers on the pulse of the market. Develop a rapport with local agents in your target area. They may come across potential sellers who are considering selling discreetly or haven’t decided on listing yet.

And don’t forget the value of chats with friends, family or neighbours. Someone you know might have an inside scoop on a property owner who’s thinking of selling.

Another way to find off-market properties is by reaching out directly to the owners of properties that catch your eye. Write them a letter – nothing ventured, nothing gained!

If you’re looking for an investment opportunity, neglected houses with overgrown lawns or boarded-up windows can be indicators of owners who might be receptive to offers.

As well as forging your own contacts, you can connect to an organisation like LP Exchange that specialises in sourcing off-market properties.

We leverage our extensive network and expertise to find properties that haven’t hit the public market yet. That means you gain access to a wider range of off-market opportunities and benefit from our experience in navigating these discreet transactions.

Finding off-market properties takes time, effort, and perseverance. But with the right approach and a sprinkle of detective work, you can unlock fantastic opportunities that could be just what you’ve been waiting for.