5 Ways on How to Find a Valuable Off-Market Property

When it comes to building a property portfolio, the best opportunities

aren’t always front and centre on real estate websites. In fact, some of the most valuable opportunities are the ones you never see publicly listed. These are off-market properties, and they can be real game changers if you know where to find them.

Want to avoid bidding wars, move faster than other buyers, and improve your chances of better returns? Then learning how to find off-market properties in Australia is not just an option, it’s a necessity.

Let’s dive in!

What is Off-Market Property?

“What is off-market property?” This is one of the most commonly asked questions.

Off-market property simply means a home or investment that’s for sale but not advertised on major platforms like realestate.com.au or Domain. There’s no online listing, no open inspections, and usually no “For Sale” sign out front.

Sellers might choose to go off-market for different reasons. Some want to keep the sale private or avoid the stress of multiple viewings. Others may just be testing the waters or trying to sell quickly without making it public.

For buyers, the benefit is clear. There’s usually less competition and more flexibility to negotiate.

As more buyers enter the market and listings become tighter, knowing how to access these quiet opportunities could give you a serious edge.

Below are five practical ways to find valuable off-market properties, plus a bonus tip to help you finalise the deal once you find it.

Here Are 5 Ways on How to Find Off Market Properties

1. Leverage Real Estate Agent Networks

Real estate agents are usually aware of what’s coming down the pipeline. Sellers reach out to them privately to see what kind of interest there is or to handle the sale more discreetly. These are sometimes called quiet listings, and they usually get shared with a small group of trusted buyers.

To get on that list, build real relationships with local agents. Let them know what you’re looking for, your budget, and how fast you can move. The more serious you are? The more likely they’ll keep you in mind when some suitable off-market properties come up.

2. Work alongside of a Buyer’s Agency

Finding off-market properties takes time, research, and strong connections. That’s where a buyer’s agency like InvestorKit can really help.

We have access to real-time market data and well-established relationships with agents and developers across the country. That means we can source properties that never make it to public listings.

A good buyer’s agent will help you find the right fit based on your strategy, whether you’re focused on long-term growth, strong yields, or both. They can also help with negotiations, due diligence, and connect you with the right investment property financing.

3. Use Off-Market Property Platforms

A few platforms are now available that connect buyers with off-market sellers. Think of them as matchmaking services for real estate, where properties are shared privately and matched with interested buyers.

Some well-known off-market platforms in Australia include:

• Listing Loop
• Property Whispers
• Soho App

You can set up alerts, filter your preferences, and speak directly with agents. These platforms are a great way to stay in the loop and spot early opportunities. 

Just remember: these platforms are a tool, not a shortcut, so it’s important to combine them with the other strategies on this list.

4. Reach Out Direct to Property Owners

If there’s a suburb or even a specific property you love, don’t wait for it to show up online. Make the first move. It might take more effort, but approaching property owners directly can actually work. 

You could:

• Send polite, personalised letters to homeowners in your target area
• Use public records to find the owner’s contact details
• Reach out to landlords who might be thinking of selling soon

This method isn’t for everyone, but if you’re respectful and clear in your offer, you might spark a conversation that leads to a private sale. Just make sure you do your research and understand the risks of buying off the plan, especially if the deal isn’t a standard sale.

5. Search on Local & Online Communities

Sometimes, the best opportunities are hiding in Facebook groups or local forums. Many sellers test the waters by posting there before speaking to an agent.

Watch out for posts in:

• Facebook groups like Off-Market Properties Australia
• Local community boards or suburb-based groups
• Gumtree or other classified sites
• Online forums like Whirlpool

These listings can be casual, but if you’re quick and prepared, they can lead to great deals. Stay active, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to message sellers directly. Word of mouth and community connections still play a big role in real estate.

Bonus Tip: Stay Finance‑Ready and Negotiate Strategically

Finding an off-market property is great, but being able to act quickly is even more important. Many off-market sellers want an easy, quick sale and might pass over buyers who aren’t ready to go.

Here’s how to stay prepared:

• Get pre-approval before you start seriously searching
• Know your borrowing power and how it fits into your investment goals
• Speak to a mortgage broker or advisor who can help structure your loan

And when it comes to negotiating, the more informed you are, the better. Look at similar sales in the area, research local trends, and keep an eye on things like infrastructure projects or population trends. This gives you a clearer picture of the property’s true value and helps you negotiate with confidence.

At InvestorKit, we don’t just find off-market opportunities. We help you understand the numbers, assess the deal properly, and make a financially sound decision. 

Moreover, we always keep an eye on the Australian property market trends so we know where the next wave of growth is happening, before anyone else.

Conclusion

Off-market properties are one of the best-kept secrets in Australian real estate. They let you skip the bidding wars, avoid inflated prices, and often give you more room to negotiate. For serious investors, learning how to find off-market properties in Australia can be the key to faster portfolio growth and better returns.

The good news is, there are several ways to do just that. You can build strong relationships with local agents, join off-market platforms, reach out directly to owners, or stay active in local communities. And if you want expert help cutting through the noise, working with a buyer’s agency like InvestorKit can make the entire process much easier.

At InvestorKit, we specialise in helping buyers uncover high-value off-market properties and guide them through every step, from research and negotiation to securing finance and locking in the deal. Our goal is to help you invest with clarity, not guesswork.

So, if you’re ready to maximise your returns and grow your property portfolio with confidence, talk to a real estate buyers agency today.

References:

[1] – Buyersscout.com.au – A guide to off-market property sales in Australia

[2] – Realestate.com.au – What is an off-market sale and how does it work?

[3] – Templetonproperty.com.au – Understanding off-market properties and how to find them

[4] – Ourtop10.com.au – Everything you need to know about off-market properties