Unlocking Australia’s hidden homes: How buyer’s agents do it

This is how thousands of Aussie buyers are skipping open homes, auctions and bidding wars to buy before anyone else even knows the property is for sale.

13 June 2025

3 minute read

Bea Nicole Amarille

This is how thousands of Aussie buyers are skipping open homes, auctions and bidding wars to buy before anyone else even knows the property is for sale.

In Australia’s red-hot property market, properties are being snapped up at unprecedented speeds.  

Nationally, the average time a home stays on the market has decreased to 30 days, with some hotspots like Leda in Perth seeing homes sell in just 8 days.  

Even in major cities like Sydney and Brisbane, certain suburbs are experiencing rapid sales, often within two weeks. 
 
This swift pace means that by the time a property is listed online, it's often already under offer. The high demand and limited supply have intensified competition, making it increasingly difficult for buyers to secure homes through traditional channels. 

Off-market buying is something most people never realise is even an option, but there are ways to get access to these hush-hush properties.  

20% of homes are sold off-market* and the trend is growing 

According to the Australian Financial Review, up to 20% of residential properties* in capital city suburbs are sold off-market without ever being publicly listed online or sent to auction. That figure is even higher in prestige areas and during periods of low supply. 

What’s driving this rise? 

More sellers are opting for private sales to save time, reduce hassle, and cut advertising costs, which can range from $2,500 to over $10,000.  

According to ABC News, two Australian flat‑fee home‑sale platforms reported a 25–30% increase in seller inquiries** over the past year, driven by homeowners looking to reduce traditional agent and advertising fees 

For buyers, this means one thing: if you're only looking at what’s online, you’re potentially missing out on 1 in 5 homes, and the great deals often happen before the public sees them. 

You might also be interested in: Can’t find the right home? It might be time to change how you buy 

Why off-market properties exist 

There are plenty of reasons why sellers might want to keep things quiet. 

For some, it’s privacy. They may be going through a separation, managing a deceased estate, or simply don’t want neighbours knowing they’re selling. For others, it's convenience, skipping open homes and tire-kickers to focus on qualified buyers. 

Sometimes, sellers are testing the waters. They’ll float the property privately before deciding to go to market, giving buyer’s agents the first look. 

And in a tightening market, where good homes are scarce, off-market deals let sellers access ready-to-go buyers, often without the delays, stress or cost of a public campaign. 

Don’t know where to start on your property journey?

We’ll compare thousands of loans from 25+ Australian lenders to find suitable options for you.

How Aussie Buyer’s Agents find hidden gems 

So how do you actually access these secret listings? Aussie Buyer’s Agents use a mix of deep local connections, direct seller relationships, and advanced tools to spot the homes others miss. Here’s how they do it: 

  • Exclusive agent networks: Aussie Buyer’s Agents work with local real estate agents, developers, and brokers every day. These pros often tip them off about upcoming listings before they’re advertised. 

  • Direct relationships with sellers: Some sellers reach out directly to buyer’s agents when they want a quiet, no-fuss sale, skipping the public route altogether. 

  • Data and tech tools: Platforms like LocationIQ and PropertyXplorer help identify suburbs with low stock, owners likely to sell, and homes with investment or lifestyle upside before they go live. 

This edge is especially helpful in a competitive market, where the best opportunities are often the quietest. 

You might also be interested in: How to find off-market properties in Australia 

Real off-market wins with Aussie 

At Aussie, we don’t just talk about off-market wins, we live them. Every week, we help everyday buyers access properties most people never even know are for sale.  

These real-life stories show the power of expert networks, smart tools, and the kind of persistence you can’t find online. 

1. Rachel and Chris | The upsizers who avoided the auction crush 

After six months of heartbreak trying to upsize in Melbourne’s west, Rachel and Chris were constantly outbid.  

Within two weeks of working with an Aussie Buyer’s Agent, we secured them a four-bedroom off-market home in Seddon, no open home, no auction, saving $35,000. 

2. Christian | The seasoned investor who was getting priced out 

Christian had been trying to break into the Gracemere market for months. In just over a week, we secured him an off-market property on a large block, $10,000 below asking. 

3. Alejandra and Luis | The first-time investors who needed reassurance 

New to investing, Alejandra and Luis were stuck in research mode. With our help, they secured an off-market home in just seven days and saved $5,000. 

These aren’t one-off wins. They’re what happens when buyers access the hidden side of the market with expert help. 

Let our Buyer's Agents help secure your perfect property

Unlock Australian properties, curated to match your individual buying goals.

Tools and strategies behind off-market wins 

It’s not just about who you know, it’s about what you use. Aussie Buyer’s Agents have access to proprietary tools that help them identify opportunities early and act fast: 

  • LocationIQ: AI-driven suburb analysis platform for spotting growth trends, infrastructure investment, and zoning changes. 

  • PropertyXplorer: Predictive analytics tool that identifies homes likely to sell before they’re publicly listed. 

  • Live Equity Insights: Real-time home equity tracking to help identify owners ready to downsize or move on. 

These aren’t consumer-facing tools, they’re expert-level insights that give buyers a serious edge. 

Why it matters in today’s market 

Off-market buying isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s becoming essential. 

  • As much as 20% of homes sell off-market*, and that number is rising 

  • DIY sellers are up 25-30%** thanks to rising ad costs and tighter campaign budget 

  • Homes are selling faster than ever with many snapped up before the first open  

If you’re only watching public listings, you’re behind the curve. 

You might also be interested in: How a buyer’s agent simplifies home-buying 

How to get your own off-market advantage 

Want in? Here’s how to get started: 

1. Book a free initial strategy session 

Your first step is obligation-free. Your buyer’s agent will learn what you want and where to find it. 

2. Get your finance sorted early 

Being buyer-ready makes all the difference. An Aussie Broker can help fast-track your pre-approval. 

3. Use the right tools 

Aussie Buyer’s Agents combine tech and experience to give you an edge in today’s competitive market. 

4. Move with clarity, not pressure 

Off-market buying isn’t rushed, it’s focused. We help you act with confidence and protection. 

Start finding the homes others miss 

Buying a home doesn’t need to feel like a race you keep losing. With Aussie Buyer’s Agents, you’ll access listings before they’re live, and get expert support to help you move faster, pay smarter, and avoid regret. 

Ready to find your hidden gem? 

Book your free initial strategy session today and unlock Australia’s hidden homes. 

Schedule a strategy call with a Buyer’s Agent

Back to top

Follow us

Twitter
LinkedIn
Facebook
Youtube
Instagram

Download the Aussie App

We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the many lands where we live and work and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We celebrate the stories, culture and traditions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of all communities from the many lands where we live, work and gather.

© 2026 Lendi Group Distribution Pty Ltd ABN 27 105 265 861 Australian Credit Licence 246786. The Lendi Group Pty Ltd, which is the ultimate holding company of the Aussie and Lendi businesses is owned by numerous shareholders including; banks such as CBA, ANZ and Macquarie Bank, the Lendi founders and employees, and a number of Australian institutional investors and sophisticated investors including UniSuper.