Some of the best Australian properties for sale never make it to the public market.
These are known as “off-market” properties — homes sold without being advertised through traditional channels.
For many buyers, especially those seeking a strategic advantage, accessing off-market opportunities could be the key to securing a dream home.
Experienced buyer advocates Michael Sier and Lou Lihari uncover how these silent/private/off-market listings work, why they matter, and how buyer advocates help clients gain access to this hidden segment of the market.
What Is an Off-Market Property?
Off-market properties are homes that are offered for sale without public advertising on major platforms like realestate.com.au or Domain.
Sellers might choose to go off-market to test the waters, maintain privacy, or seek a quick and quiet sale.
The lack of public competition can create an opportunity for buyers — but only if they know where to look.
This is where buyer's advocates bring unique value.
"We get access to information and to properties before they're listed," said Michael Sier of BuyerX Mornington.
"We really know the (Mornington) area better than anyone else, because we're really focused on those markets on a day-to-day basis."
At BuyerX, advocates operate within hyper-local territories, often living in the communities they serve.
This means they’re deeply embedded within agent networks and are first to hear about off-market opportunities.
"We're intertwined in their community. We know them personally... and the benefit to the client is they get more of a finely tuned service and really great advice."
Less Competition, More Control
Off-market transactions aren’t just quieter; they also offer buyers a more relaxed and strategic environment.
"We don’t have a lot of auctions down here," said Michael, referring to the Mornington Peninsula.
"So in many cases, (buyers) take the advice of an agent without really understanding what they're getting into."
With off-market deals, there is often more time for due diligence and negotiation without the pressure cooker of an open auction or online frenzy.
However, knowing the true value of a property is critical.
"You've got to get your values really spot on, because you don't know what your competition is paying, and you could be spending $100,000 more than you need to."
How BuyerX Advocates Unlock Access
One of the key reasons off-market properties remain out of reach for everyday buyers is access.
Real estate agents are more likely to share these opportunities with trusted advocates who can move quickly and discreetly.
"We run businesses within (our BuyerX) brand in our local area," Michael explains.
"The benefit to the advocate is that we work in a big group... they have a wider group that they can collaborate with."
This collaborative network allows buyer advocates to tap into a larger inventory of off-market homes and match buyers with properties before they hit the open market.
For many clients, this results in a more tailored search and better fit.
The Auction Alternative
For some buyers, the appeal of off-market deals lies in avoiding auctions altogether.
"Everyone thinks they're a real estate expert and they know the market, but it's not the case," said Lou Lihari, founder of LP Advisory.
"We do it on a daily basis."
With more than 300 auctions under his belt, Lou understands the risks of bidding emotionally or without proper preparation.
Off-market deals allow buyers to bypass these risks.
"Your average buyer, they're more emotionally involved, so they might go and pay way over for a property where we wouldn't allow that," Lou said
Buyer advocates ensure their clients pay fair market value by benchmarking off-market properties against comparable on-market sales and using established agent relationships to secure favourable terms.
Why Sellers Like Off-Market Deals
It’s not just buyers who benefit from a discreet sale.
Sellers may choose to go off-market for a range of reasons:
- They want privacy or wish to avoid public inspections
- They are testing price expectations before launching a public campaign
- They are motivated to sell quickly to a qualified buyer
"We knew what value they'd put on it," says Michael about a property he secured for clients in Mount Eliza.
"We managed to buy that property for a really good price... and our clients are absolutely over the moon."
Hidden Market, Hidden Advantage
In a competitive year like 2025, with prices climbing and open campaigns attracting dozens of buyers, having access to off-market properties offers a distinct edge.
It’s not about skipping the process — it’s about doing it smarter.
"The benefit of having someone who really knows the market well is you don’t overspend when you’re actually putting your offer in," said Michael.
In a market defined by speed, scarcity, and emotional decisions, off-market purchases — guided by professional advocates — offer a calmer, more calculated path to success.
