Five ways to find off-market property
1. Private real estate marketplaces
Private marketplaces connect people offering property with buyers searching outside MLS. Compare the actual inventory, listing dates, access requirements and fees—not just the platform's geographic coverage.
Some marketplaces publish previews while restricting addresses or documents. Check what you can see before registering or paying, and what additional verification is required.
2. Real estate agents
An agent may learn about opportunities through clients and professional relationships before broader marketing, where permitted by seller instructions, brokerage policies and applicable rules.
Ask whom the agent represents, what services they provide and how compensation works. A private transaction does not automatically mean no agent is involved. If an agent represents the other party, do not assume they are protecting your interests. RECO explains this distinction for Ontario consumers. [2]
3. Investor networks
Local investor groups, professional associations and existing business relationships can introduce you to owners and other buyers. They can also help you learn which property types and neighbourhoods fit your strategy.
Treat introductions as leads, not endorsements. Independently check the property, the person offering it and the financial assumptions. For platform-specific options, see OffMarketMatch for investors.
4. Wholesalers and assignment opportunities
Wholesalers may introduce opportunities or offer an interest in an existing purchase contract. Establish whether you would be buying the property itself or taking an assignment of contractual rights.
Ask about the original contract, authority to assign, required consent, deposits and fees. Assignment rules and tax consequences depend on the transaction and jurisdiction; BCFSA's consumer guidance explains important restrictions in British Columbia. [3]
Read about OffMarketMatch for wholesalers, and have your own legal adviser review the arrangement before committing.
5. Direct homeowner outreach
Some buyers approach homeowners through existing relationships, letters or other outreach. Explain who you are, avoid pressure and respect requests not to be contacted.
Commercial email, text and telephone campaigns may engage Canada's anti-spam and telemarketing rules. Check the applicable consent, identification, unsubscribe and do-not-call requirements before starting a campaign. [4] [5]
Where OffMarketMatch fits
OffMarketMatch is a private real estate platform focused on Canadian properties, operated by OffMarketMatch Inc. It connects buyers, sellers, investors, wholesalers and professional teams outside MLS.
It is not a brokerage, does not publish listings on MLS, does not represent either party and does not charge a percentage-of-sale commission. Platform access is not a substitute for independent legal, financing or property advice.
Explore listings and account tools
Browse public previews of eligible listings and read the buyer overview to understand the access requirements. Where your account is eligible, Search Profiles let you record criteria and review matching suggestions. Suggestions depend on available listings and do not guarantee a suitable property.
For information about offering a property, see how selling works, including listing visibility and publication requirements. Creating an account does not automatically publish a listing or unlock protected details, conversations or documents.
Coverage across Canada does not mean active listings are available in every community.
Membership and access information
See membership and access information for published terms and availability.
Compare any confirmed platform charges with the professional services and other transaction costs applicable to your situation. Using a private platform does not cancel obligations under an existing brokerage agreement. BCFSA explains negotiable commissions and contractual obligations in British Columbia. [1]
Understand what verification does—and does not—mean
Email verification confirms access to an email address. It does not establish a person's identity, property ownership or financial capacity. An identity-verification status, where displayed, is separate from email confirmation.
Do not assume that registration means an account is identity-verified or that protected features are immediately accessible. Check the specific account status and access requirements.
A verification badge is not proof of funds, mortgage approval, ownership or property condition. It does not guarantee that a listing is accurate, a buyer can complete a purchase or fraud is impossible. Independently verify the seller's authority, title and relevant property information. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada recommends measures including land-title searches and professional advice. [6]
How private is a listing?
Privacy depends on listing visibility and access rules—not a promise of complete secrecy. Some listing previews are public. Private listings use matching-based restrictions, while exact-address and document access have additional controls.
Avoid placing confidential information in public titles, summaries or photographs, and remember that images can identify a property. Read the privacy policy before submitting personal information or documents.
Before making an offer
Check ownership and authority to sell, the property's condition and permitted use, financing, contract terms and transaction costs. A private sale does not remove those responsibilities or guarantee a better price.
Legal requirements vary by province or territory and transaction type. Get advice appropriate to your circumstances. For detailed instructions, continue to the existing buyer guide or seller guide.
Canadian sources
These sources support specific points. Ontario and British Columbia guidance should not be treated as nationwide law.