Imagine being able to make an offer on practically any property that catches your eye –not just the small handful officially listed for sale. The world of off-market property makes that possible.

While only 4% (on average) of Australia’s housing stock is listed for sale at any given time, the remaining 96% is considered off-market inventory. These are homes currently unlisted, but not necessarily off-limits.

As the old saying goes, “Everything is for sale for the right price”. It’s always been possible to knock on someone’s door or pop a letter in their mailbox, expressing your interest in buying their home. It’s time-consuming, and the results are mixed and often disappointing. But now, there’s a smarter way to search, buy and sell off-market property (more on this later).

An off-market or unlisted property refers to any home that is not currently advertised for sale through conventional public listing channels, like real estate agency websites and property search platforms. While these properties may not be officially listed, that doesn't necessarily mean the owner isn’t willing to sell under the right circumstances.

There are plenty of reasons homeowners may choose to keep their properties off-market for the time being:

• They aren't in a rush to sell immediately.
• They want to avoid paying high real estate agent fees and commissions.
• They want to test the waters before committing to a listing.
• They wish to sell discreetly without public marketing efforts.
• The home was previously listed but failed to sell.

Estimates vary across the country, but on average, only 4% of Australia’s housing stock is actively listed for sale each year. That leaves the remaining 96% as potential off-market opportunities for savvy buyers who know where to look.

For proactive homebuyers who don't want to fight over a limited pool of properties and end up paying more as a result of fierce competition, off-market property opens up a huge opportunity. The key benefits of buying off-market are:

• Less competition–You won't be facing off against dozens of other buyers and professional real estate investors.
• Direct seller negotiations–No realtors as go-betweens. You engage the owners yourself to make your best case.
• Access to exclusive inventory–Have your shot at homes that may never get officially listed through traditional marketing channels.
• Better pricing–Avoid getting caught up in auction/bidding war scenarios that drive sale prices higher.
• More choice–Get access to way more properties than the 4% listed at any given time.

We’ll level with you. Buying off-market requires a more hands-on, proactive approach. But the effort is often worth the reward. From expanding your scope of available properties to negotiating on more favourable terms, it's a promising pathway to homeownership that’s often overlooked and, if you ask us, seriously underrated.

Buying a property is a huge decision. We understand that some people feel more comfortable handing over the reins to an agent. Others simply do it because they think it’s the only way.

While the traditional method provides some convenience, it also comes with limitations. You see what's publicly listed, make your offers through the agent, and cross your fingers and toes that the owner accepts. Given how tight Australia’s housing market is right now, most buyers are going back and forth over several days, being squeezed by the agent to offer more and more money in order to price out the other bidder.

Pursuing off-market property avoids so many of those drawbacks, but it’s not for everyone. Buying off-market is ideal for people who:

• want to remain engaged and in control throughout the entire process.
• are sick of fighting over limited options.
• want a fairer chance at securing their home.

If you’re frustrated and unsatisfied with the traditional purchase process, it might be time to try a new approach. Deciding to explore off-market opportunities could be the thing that finally gets you into your dream home.

Artis is leading the off-market property space for Australian homebuyers. Our property network seamlessly connects engaged buyers directly with property owners.

Using advanced search filters, you indicate your desired home criteria like location, features, and budget range. Artis' smart matching system surfaces all available inventory that fits –including quiet-listed off-market options. Or you can use the interactive map to search for listings in your dream neighbourhood and beyond.

From there, you can send an enquiry registering your interest for as little as $9. For listed properties, you can message the owner directly. For unlisted homes, we’ll reach out to the owner and see if they’re interested in selling. Then, you can start an honest conversation about the purchase, negotiating the price and managing the sale –all in a secure app.

Artis has a simple upfront cost structure, so there is no surprise added expenses down the line. It's a refreshingly transparent way to explore off-market possibilities and execute a home purchase with certainty.

Finding your dream home is now more achievable than ever, thanks to Artis’ extensive off-market property network. Here's a quick rundown of the process:

1. Join Artis by downloading the app and creating an account.
2. Use the search tools to find listed and unlisted properties meeting your criteria.
3. See a home you love that’s not listed? Tap to submit an enquiry indicating your interest.
4. Connect directly with owners to make an offer and negotiate the sale.
5. Then, it’s moving time!

Australians deserve a home-buying process that’s fair, transparent, and empowering. Now, you finally have it. More property options, better pricing leverage and a streamlined process for securing your dream home. So, let’s get started, shall we?

Download the app today.

Available on iOS and Android.