Find Off Market Homes

Category : Investment

This short guide will detail how exactly you can find off market homes, from local estate agents and networking, to approaching homeowners directly.  
 
So, you’ve decided you want to invest in an off-market property. This is a fantastic option for investors, but it can be challenging to know where to start when it comes to finding an off-market home. After all, these property types are kept out of the public eye for a reason. That’s why we’ve put together this short guide to help you uncover an off-market home that suits your needs.  
 
For more information on off-market properties, take a look at our beginner’s guide on the topic.  
 

What is an Off-Market Property?

Quickly, we’ll cover what exactly buying or selling off-market means. These are essentially homes for sale that aren’t visible to the public. This means you can’t find them on multiple listing sites, and need to actively search for them.  
 
Some homeowners choose to sell off-market because they want to keep the sale of a house private, save money on real estate commissions, or even create an exclusive feel that means they can sell at a higher price. Whatever the case – finding one of these properties involves a committed effort.  
 

How to Find Off-Market Properties

There are a few different routes you can take to find off-market homes. It can take a bit of effort and creativity, as they aren’t listed on traditional property listings like Rightmove or Zoopla. Here are some tips to help: 
 

Local Estate Agents

Building relationships with your local estate agents is a great way to gain exclusive access to properties before they’re advertised. Simply research and contact the top agents in your area, and enquire about any properties that meet your requirements.  

Benefits: You gain access to properties before they’re advertised.  

Challenges: Agents may prioritise buyers they’ve worked with previously. Building strong relationships can take time and persistence.   

Property Developers

Local property developers, such as new build developers, may sell units before they’re publicly advertised. These are sometimes available off-market in the early planning ages, or at the end of development.  

Benefits: Early access to new build properties or developments before they’re marketed publicly.  
 
Challenges: Some investors may already have agreements with specific developers, making it more difficult for new buyers.  

Networking  

Simply networking and telling friends, family, colleagues, and any other contacts that you want to buy a specific type of property is a good way to spread the word. You can also attend local events, or advertise the fact you’re interested in purchasing a property  -  whether that be via newspapers, posters in your local neighbourhood, or social media. 

Benefits: Direct recommendations can lead you to properties with little to no competition or bidding wars.  
 
Challenges: This relies heavily on your network, which can take time to build in your target area.  

homes on a street

Local Property Networks

You can also join local property investment clubs or forums, where members often share any off-market opportunities. These can be found via Facebook property groups, or LinkedIn property networks.  

Benefits: You’ll gain access to a community of sellers and investors with plenty of off-market properties to select from. 
 
Challenges: Membership to these groups may require a fee, and there is often much more intense competition.  

Working with a Property Management Company

Property management companies like The Right Property Group often work with landlords and investors to give insights into off-market properties. These professionals specialise in finding you the right property for your specifications, and can even do most of the legwork for you when it comes to the buying process.  

Benefits: Management companies often have insider knowledge of landlords looking to sell without advertising, and can connect you with these motivated sellers directly. They can also help you with the buying process, as much or as little as you’d like.  
 
Challenges: Property opportunities can depend on their current client base.  

Approaching Homeowners Directly

Another option is for you to approach homeowners directly and express your interest in buying their property. Although the chances of success are lower, and the work required is higher, this can be a good method for more run-down homes that you can then renovate.  
 
Homeowner names and contact details for any property can be found by buying a copy of the title register from the HM Land Registry

Benefits: If you find a motivated seller who hasn’t considered going to market yet, this could lead to a better deal for you.  
 
Challenges: This is considerably more time-consuming and not all homeowners will respond positively to unsolicited offers.  

Auctions

Auction houses frequently have properties available that haven’t been advertised on the open market yet. These may be properties at risk of repossession, and often sell for below market value.  

Benefits: You can often get a property quickly and for a bargain.  
 
Challenges: This requires quick decision-making, and often comes with more limited information on the property’s condition. For example, the property could require significant refurbishment.  

Online Resources

There are a few websites available where you can source off-market homes – such as OpenRent and local Facebook Marketplace pages, which will sometimes include properties that aren’t listed anywhere else.  

Benefits: These websites are easy to browse and connect with property owners without the need for third parties.  

Challenges: Property listings can be limited, and property owners listing here may still expect market value or slightly higher prices even if the property isn’t widely advertised.  

Ultimately, making an active effort is the best way to find the most ideal off-market opportunities. But this isn’t always easy for busy investors, which is where working with a property management company like The Right Property Group can help.  
 
A management company can handle finding properties for you, and even carry out the bulk of the investment process. This gives you time back to focus on other investment opportunities without getting too overwhelmed by the groundwork. Simply get in touch with us to discuss your options.    

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