On-Market, Or Off-Market? What Does It Mean, And What’s Best?

Here’s a quick breakdown of On-market property sales and Off-market property sales.

Simply put, on-market sales involve public advertising, providing exposure to a broad range of potential buyers. Off-market transactions are conducted privately, usually through the agent’s network or existing buyer lists, without using public marketing strategies.  

Here’s a more detailed breakdown:

On-market:

Public exposure: The property is listed on real estate websites, advertised in newspapers, and promoted through open houses. 

Broader buyer pool: This approach attracts a larger number of potential buyers, potentially leading to higher offers and a faster sale. 

More competition: On-market sales can involve competitive bidding, especially in a strong market. 

Potentially higher price: While there’s more competition, the increased exposure can lead to a higher sale price. 

More complex process: On-market sales can involve more parties (e.g., more potential buyers) and potentially more legal complexities. 

Off-market:

Private sale: The property is not publicly advertised, and the sale is handled through the agent’s network or a pre-existing list of buyers. 

Reduced marketing costs: Sellers avoid the costs associated with public advertising and marketing campaigns. 

Potential for quicker sale: With a smaller pool of buyers, the sale process can be faster, potentially appealing to sellers wanting a quick transaction. 

Less competition: Off-market sales can offer less competition for buyers, potentially leading to a more relaxed negotiation. 

Greater privacy: Off-market sales offer more privacy, as the sale is not publicly announced. 

Potential for lower price: Some research indicates that off-market sales may result in a lower sale price compared to on-market sales. 

Less negotiation flexibility: Off-market sales may limit the flexibility in negotiation for some buyers. 

Wondering if an off-market sale is right for your circumstances? Professional agents know the ins and outs of selling property off-market, and as trusted real estate advisors have extensive experience in advising on the right sale type for each vendor. 

Disclaimer: This information has been compiled based on industry research and every effort has been made to ensure its accuracy. However, we accept no responsibility and disclaim any liability for errors, inaccuracies, or misstatements contained herein. Prospective purchasers are encouraged to conduct their own due diligence to verify all details provided.