Should you sell your home ‘off market’?

When it comes to selling your home, the traditional route of listing it on property portals and marketing it far and wide is what most people picture. However, there’s an alternative that’s gaining traction: selling off market. 

This approach might not be for everyone, but in certain circumstances, it could be the perfect solution. Many of our sellers within our JS Signature range choose to market their homes ‘off market’, so we’re well versed with the process and what it takes to get properties without mass marketing. You can learn more about our JS Signature service here.

Let’s explore what selling off market involves and whether it’s the right choice for you.

What does it mean to sell off market?

Selling off market means your property isn’t publicly listed on platforms like Rightmove or Zoopla, you likely won’t have a for sale board outside and it isn’t advertised through other mediums like social media, email marketing or in magazines. Instead, it’s introduced to a carefully selected pool of potential buyers, proactively, by your estate agent. These buyers are often pre-qualified, motivated individuals or investors looking for specific property opportunities that aren’t widely available.

The benefits of selling off market

1. Discretion and privacy

If you value privacy, selling off-market is an excellent choice. Perhaps you’ve a seafront property and want to avoid nosey tourists, you’re not ready to tell your family you’re moving out of Hove, or you simply don’t want your neighbours to know you’re selling just yet.

Unlike traditional listings, where your property details, photos, and price are widely advertised, an off-market sale keeps this information discreet. By limiting exposure, you reduce the risk of unwanted attention while maintaining control over who gets access to your property details.

2. Attracting serious buyers

Off-market sales often attract serious, pre-vetted buyers who are motivated and financially ready to make a purchase. Since these buyers are typically introduced through our trusted networks and exclusive buyer lists, the likelihood of encountering time-wasters is significantly reduced. Unlike traditional listings, where casual browsers and speculative buyers may book viewings with no real intent or ability to proceed, off-market buyers tend to have a genuine interest in securing a property quickly. This results in more meaningful interactions and a smoother sales process.

3. Flexibility in negotiations

Without the pressure of public competition that sets expectations, off-market sales can offer greater flexibility in negotiations. Buyers who gain access to an exclusive, unadvertised listing may feel privileged and more inclined to submit stronger offers to secure the property before it becomes publicly available. Additionally, sellers have more control over discussions, allowing them to negotiate on their terms without the stress of price reductions due to prolonged market exposure. This can lead to a more personalised, strategic approach to finalising the sale.

4. Quick transactions

In many cases, selling off-market can lead to faster transactions. Buyers actively registered with estate agents in order to hear about new properties are often well-prepared, with their finances in order and a clear intention to move forward quickly. Since the process avoids the delays caused by excessive public interest, open houses, and competitive bidding wars, transactions can progress smoothly.

Is selling off market right for you?

Like anything, there are some circumstances where selling ‘off market’ won’t be suitable, even if you do enjoy your privacy! Marketing has a huge array of benefits, with the most obvious being the opportunity to reach a wider audience of potential buyers, including those moving from out of the area.

That said, selling off market is particularly well-suited for:

• Unique properties that may not appeal to the mass market but are highly desirable to niche buyers
• Sellers in no rush who are happy to wait for the right buyer
• Sensitive situations where privacy is a priority, such as divorce, financial issues, or celebrity status

Why choose Jacobs Steel for your off-market sale?

At Jacobs Steel, we understand that every seller’s situation is unique. Our experienced team has access to an extensive network of qualified buyers, ensuring your property gets the attention it deserves. We’ll guide you through the process with discretion, professionalism, and a focus on achieving the best possible outcome.

If you’re considering selling your home and want to explore off-market options, get in touch with Jacobs Steel today. We’ll help you weigh the pros and cons to decide if this approach works for you and your property.