What is an off-market property sale?
Off-market sales happen without a public listing. Here is how they work, who they suit and what to watch for.
13 November 2026
The short version
An off-market sale is one where the home is never advertised on the big portals. The buyer and seller find each other another way, through word of mouth, a letter through the door, or a matching service like nosey.
Who it suits
- Owners who value privacy, or don’t want the disruption of viewings and photos.
- Owners who are “not in a rush” but would move for the right buyer.
- Buyers set on one street or school catchment, where homes rarely come up.
What to watch for
- Price: without competing bids, check the estimate and recent sales nearby.
- Proof of funds: ask for a mortgage agreement in principle early.
- Paperwork: the legal process is the same, so instruct a conveyancer as normal.
How nosey helps
We show real demand and recent sales so both sides start from the same facts, and only introduce people who fit each other.