How do I know if a property is genuinely off-market or just marketed as such?

Genuine off-market properties are those not listed on any public portal and not advertised through public marketing materials. Some agents use "off-market" loosely to describe pre-portal activity — where the property will eventually list publicly but is being shown to qualified buyers first. Both can be valuable to buyers. Ask the agent directly: "Will this go to public campaign if we don't proceed?" The answer clarifies the actual situation.

Are off-market properties typically sold at auction?

No. Off-market transactions are almost always handled through private treaty or expression of interest — the absence of a public auction is precisely what makes them off-market. Some off-market transactions complete through an informal negotiation. Others use formal expression of interest processes where multiple pre-identified buyers submit offers. The specific mechanics depend on the vendor's preference and the property's buyer profile.

Is a buyer's agent the best way to access off-market properties?

A good buyer's agent with genuine local relationships and a specific mandate can be an effective way to access off-market properties — particularly if you don't have the time or inclination to build those relationships directly. Space Property Agency provides buyer's advisory services across the inner-Sydney suburbs covered in our guides, including proactive off-market and pre-campaign property access for registered clients.

Do sellers pay less commission on off-market sales?

Not necessarily — though some agents charge a reduced marketing cost component since there's no public campaign expenditure. The agent's commission is typically the same as for a publicly marketed sale. The vendor's benefit from off-market is not reduced agent cost — it's reduced disruption, faster transaction timeline, and privacy.

5 Reasons Inner-Sydney Off-Market Properties Are Worth Pursuing in 2026

Why are off-market properties worth pursuing in inner Sydney? Space Property Agency explains how off-market transactions work, why they happen, and how serious buyers access inner-city properties before they reach the portals.