What Percentage of Properties Sell Off-Market in Brisbane?

Why is the off-market percentage higher for buyers agent clients?

While only 20-30% of properties sell off-market industry-wide, our clients access 60% of properties off-market because:

• Agents contact us first: Real estate agents call buyers agents before listing properties publicly or contacting other buyers
• Pre-qualified buyers: We represent serious, finance-approved clients ready to purchase quickly
• Established relationships: Years of successful transactions with agents across Brisbane suburbs
• Multiple buyer representation: At any given time, we're searching for properties on behalf of multiple clients with different criteria
• Professional process: Agents trust we'll handle due diligence efficiently and negotiate fairly

As a buyers agent client, you get first access to these properties before the general public even knows they exist.

What does off-market and pre-market actually mean?

Understanding the terminology helps clarify the opportunity:

• Off-market: Properties sold without any public advertising. The seller and agent negotiate exclusively with a buyer (or buyers agent) without listing on realestate.com.au, Domain, or other public platforms.
• Pre-market: Properties shown to select buyers (typically through buyers agents) before official public marketing campaigns begin. If a suitable buyer is found, the property never reaches public advertising.
• Pocket listings: Another term for off-market properties that agents keep "in their pocket" and only share with trusted buyers agents and select clients.

All three categories represent properties that individual buyers searching online or attending open homes will never see.

Why do sellers choose to sell off-market?

Sellers opt for off-market sales for several strategic reasons:

• Privacy: High-profile individuals or prestige property owners who don't want public attention
• Save marketing costs: Avoid $15,000-$20,000 in photography, styling, advertising, and open home expenses
• Test the market: Gauge buyer interest and pricing without publicly listing (and potentially failing to sell)
• Speed: Quick sales without the 4-6 week marketing campaign timeline
• Convenience: Avoid constant open homes, inspections, and property preparation
• Neighbourly discretion: Sell without neighbours knowing (useful for divorces, financial distress, or personal reasons)

Whatever the reason, these off-market opportunities are only accessible to buyers with the right connections.

Does the off-market percentage vary by suburb?

Yes. Off-market sales are more common in certain Brisbane suburbs:

• Prestige suburbs: Higher off-market percentage in suburbs like Ascot, Hamilton, Clayfield, and Paddington where privacy is valued
• Tightly held suburbs: Areas like Carina, Camp Hill, and Bardon with low turnover often see off-market sales to avoid competition
• Character home areas: Suburbs with Queenslanders where owners prefer discreet sales
• Lower in growth corridors: Newer suburbs and growth areas typically have higher on-market percentages

Our network spans all suburb types, giving you access to off-market opportunities regardless of location.

How do I access the 60% of properties sold off-market?

There are only two realistic ways to access off-market properties:

1. Engage a buyers agent: The most effective method. We have established relationships with agents across Brisbane who contact us first with off-market opportunities.
2. Build your own network: Spend years developing relationships with dozens of agents across multiple suburbs, attend industry events, maintain constant communication, and prove your credibility as a serious buyer. This is unrealistic for most buyers.

For the vast majority of property buyers, engaging a buyers agent is the only practical way to access the significant percentage of properties that sell off-market.

What happens if a property doesn't sell off-market?

If off-market negotiations don't result in a sale, the property typically moves to public marketing:

• Agent prepares full marketing campaign (photography, floorplans, styling)
• Property listed on realestate.com.au, Domain, and other public platforms
• Open homes and inspections commence
• 4-6 week marketing campaign before auction or private treaty sale

At this point, the property is accessible to all buyers. However, by then you've missed the opportunity to secure it before competition drives up the price. This is why first access through a buyers agent is so valuable.