Selling Off-Market? Here’s why I wouldn't do it.

Claude Iaconi
Dec 24, 2025
3 min read

Over the past few months, many homeowners have told me they’ve been approached by agents suggesting they sell their property off-market. It’s often positioned as a “quiet”, “easy” or “exclusive” option—particularly appealing when buyers are active and demand is strong.

But in a strong seller’s market like we've never seen before, selling off-market can significantly limit your result.

Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the disadvantages of selling quietly— and why a properly structured marketing campaign is still the most reliable way to achieve the highest possible price.

Off-Market Means Fewer Buyers — and Fewer Buyers Means Less Competition

Price growth is driven by competition.

When a property is sold off-market, it is typically shown to:

One buyer
Or a small, controlled group of buyers
Often sourced from a single agent’s database

No matter how qualified those buyers are, limiting exposure limits competition. And without competition, buyers have little reason to stretch beyond their comfort zone.

A full marketing campaign, on the other hand, creates:

Multiple inspections
Multiple points of emotional attachment
Competitive tension between buyers

That tension is what pushes prices beyond expectations.

2. You’ll Never Know What the True Market Was Willing to Pay

One of the biggest risks of selling off-market is not knowing what you missed.

When a property is openly marketed:

The market speaks clearly
Buyer feedback is transparent
Pricing is tested in real time

With an off-market sale, you’re relying on:

One agent’s opinion
One buyer’s offer
One moment in time

There’s no way to confirm whether another buyer would have paid more—because they were never given the chance.

3. Off-Market Sales Often Favour Speed Over Price

Off-market transactions are often designed for convenience:

Faster turnaround
Less preparation
Less public exposure

While that may suit some sellers, speed and simplicity often come at the expense of price.

A well-planned marketing campaign allows time to:

Present the property at its best
Build anticipation
Allow buyers to emotionally engage and compete

In a seller’s market, patience is frequently rewarded.

4. A Strong Marketing Campaign Works With the Market, Not Against It

In high-demand conditions, buyers expect to compete. Public marketing:

Validates the property’s value
Creates urgency and fear of missing out
Encourages buyers to put forward their strongest offer

Buyers are far more likely to stretch when they know others are interested.

Off-market buyers, by contrast, often negotiate conservatively—because there’s no visible pressure to do otherwise.

5. The Best Results Come From Strategy, Not Secrecy

There are situations where an off-market sale makes sense—privacy concerns, unique properties, or very specific circumstances.

But in a genuine seller’s market, the highest prices are consistently achieved when:

The property is fully exposed to the market
Competition is created deliberately
Buyers are given a reason to act decisively

A professional marketing campaign isn’t about noise—it’s about control, leverage, and maximising demand.

Final Thought

If buyers are actively approaching agents in your area, that’s not a reason to sell quietly—it’s a sign the market is working in your favour!

Dont get caught up in the persuasive argument of a lazy agent saying that you will save money on marketing costs and commission. A price maximising agent will more than recoup your expenses with a great price on the open market.

Before agreeing to an off-market sale, it’s worth asking one simple question:

“What would happen if we let the entire market compete for my home?”

Before committing to an off-market sale, speak with Claude Iaconi, Inner City Specialist at Edison Property. With deep local insight and a proven, data-driven approach, Claude can help you determine the strategy most likely to deliver the strongest possible result for your home.

Reach out anytime for confidential, obligation-free advice—when it suits you.