How to Find Off-Market Homes
Most home buyers start their search on one of the major online portals. After all, that’s where you’ll find the majority of housing stock for sale in the UK. It’s not the only way to find a property, though. And in recent years, buying off-market has become a popular method for getting the keys to a house.
But what does it entail, and should you consider purchasing an off-market home the next time you move? Here’s everything you need to know about how to find off-market properties and why it might just be a savvy move.
What is an off-market home?
Essentially, an off-market home is a property not listed on the market. It involves avoiding conventional house-buying means, such as looking at the listings with an estate agent and searching on a property portal.
You won’t find an off-market home on major property portals, nor will it be in the window at a high-street agent or listed at an auction. Basically, you won’t be able to find it using traditional methods. More often than not, you need to go through the seller directly.
Off-market on the rise?
Between 2022 and 2024, more than one in six residential properties in England and Wales changed hands off-market. That’s a significant slice of the housing pie, 15.8% of all sales, to be precise.
Interestingly, the off-market trend peaked in 2022 (17.8%), dipped slightly in 2023 (17.2%), and then fell more sharply to 11.4% in 2024. So, while the appetite for off-market homes is still very much there, the recent dip may reflect shifting market dynamics. Particularly as supply increased by 10% in 2024, and sellers responded to falling interest rates by opting for full-scale marketing campaigns instead.
Why might you want to buy an off-market home?
When a home is listed on the open market, the goal is clear: drum up as much interest as possible, spark a bidding frenzy, and (hopefully) sell for the highest price. Great news for sellers, less so for buyers caught in the crossfire.
Buying off-market, however, often means less competition and a smoother sales process. There’s also less risk of being gazumped at the last minute. While it doesn’t guarantee a bargain, the reduced stress and exclusivity can be worth their weight in gold.
Another bonus? Off-market deals are often chain-free. Especially if the seller hadn’t originally intended to sell. With fewer links to manage in the property chain, your chances of a quicker move go up.
That said, buyers need to be realistic. Particularly for high net worth homes, sellers may expect a premium for the privilege of privacy.
Is off-market right for every buyer?
Off-market homes tend to be more common at the top end of the market. Properties priced over £1 million were sold off-market 20.1% of the time. Compared to just 6.7% for homes under the £1 million mark. Why? Buyers and sellers in this price bracket often value discretion, limited viewings and exclusive access.
For the rest of the market, maximum exposure is usually still the best bet. And with the average time to go sold subject to contract (SSTC) now at 77 days, the longest in the past five years, it’s worth asking whether avoiding the open market is really the right move for sellers looking for speed and certainty.
Where to find off-market homes
Directly with the estate agent
While estate agents don’t typically advertise properties off-market, they might catch wind of one about to go on sale. Consequently, they could inform you about the home if it matches your requirements. This would allow you to make an offer to the vendor before it officially goes on the market sales listings. An estate agent may do this if you’ve been looking for a new place with them for a while and they think you’re a good match for the property.
Go straight to the developer
Property developers are eager to sell their stock as quickly as possible to make a return on their investment. Therefore, it might be worth contacting local developers if you know of any sites about to complete in the area where you’re looking for a home. They may be willing to do a deal on the property before it officially goes to market.
Buy the house you rent
If you’re currently renting and the property offers you a long-term option, ask your letting agent, or landlord directly, if they might consider selling. Buying the house you rent could be an off market option. You never know, so always worth asking.
Door drop houses
Another option involves knocking on the door of the house you want to buy and making an offer on the spot. This method of purchasing off-market homes is rare but has been known to happen. You’ll probably need to pay over the valuation price, as the owner is unlikely to be in a position where they thought about selling. But if they receive an offer too good to refuse, they could be inclined to sell their home to you.
With off-market agencies
Special off-market agencies can help you find homes not listed on the sales market. They typically have contacts with developers, owners and agents, meaning they can get ahead of the curve and identify properties that may be available but aren’t listed for sale. These services usually come with a fee, but they can give you access to homes you didn’t know were for sale.
Current market trends: A buyer’s watchlist
Q3 2025 data shows residential property activity is slightly above 2024 levels, with supply of new instructions up by 1.7%, and sales agreed volumes rising by 3.2%.
Price reductions are the name of the game in 2025. So far, 919,000 price drops have been recorded up 16% year-on-year. A whopping 38.7% of completed listings involved at least one reduction.
Land Registry data continues to provide a key reference point for tracking these price shifts and verifying property sale timelines.
Fall-throughs are on the rise, too exceeding 82,000 in Q3 alone. In a market where it takes four months to exchange contracts, many buyers are pulling out before deals are done.
So, while off-market buying has its perks, keep your eyes wide open. The right strategy depends on your budget, your timing, and how flexible you can be.
Buying off-market
Buying a home off-market can be a clever way to dodge the property frenzy and find a hidden gem. It’s not for everyone, and success often comes down to timing, persistence, and local knowledge. But with the right approach, you could find your next home in a place no one else thought to look.
Before making any offer off-market or otherwise, arm yourself with the facts. A Move iQ property report can help you understand everything from local crime rates to planning applications, school catchments and more.
FAQs off-market home buying
What does “off-market” mean when buying a home?
It refers to homes not advertised publicly via property portals, estate agents, or auctions. They’re usually sold privately or through exclusive networks.
Are off-market homes cheaper?
Not necessarily. In some cases, sellers may ask for more due to the convenience and privacy of a private sale.
Is off-market buying faster?
Often, yes. Particularly if the sale is chain-free. But it depends on the seller’s situation and how ready both parties are to move forward.
Can first-time buyers buy off-market?
Absolutely! In fact, being chain-free could make you more attractive to sellers willing to negotiate privately.
How can I improve my chances of buying off-market?
Build relationships with local estate agents, register with off-market agencies, approach developers directly, and keep your ears open to word-of-mouth opportunities.
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Last Updated: November 4th, 2025
