How Many Properties Are Sold Off-Market in the UK?

The UK property market has changed significantly over the last decade, with more homeowners choosing to sell privately rather than advertising on the open market. Off-market property sales are no longer limited to celebrity homes or ultra-prime London mansions. Today, they form a growing part of the residential property sector, particularly across Surrey and other sought-after locations.

But how many properties are actually sold off-market, and why are private property sales becoming more common?

What Is an Off-Market Property Sale?

An off-market property sale is where a home is sold without being publicly listed on major property websites such as Rightmove or Zoopla. Instead, the property is introduced directly to a carefully selected network of buyers through estate agents, buying agents, private contacts, or specialist off-market property companies.

In many cases, the property never appears online at all.

This type of sale is particularly common within the luxury property market, where privacy and discretion are often just as important as achieving the best price.

How Common Are Off-Market Property Sales?

Although exact figures are difficult to confirm due to the private nature of these transactions, property industry estimates suggest that around 10% to 20% of high-value UK homes are sold off- market each year. In affluent areas such as Surrey, Chelsea, Kensington, and other prime commuter locations, the percentage is often much higher.

Many buyers specifically search for off-market properties because they want access to homes before they reach the wider market. As demand for exclusive property opportunities grows, private sales continue to increase across the UK.

Why More Properties Are Being Sold Off-Market

Several factors have contributed to the rise in off-market property transactions.

• Privacy for Homeowners

  One of the biggest reasons sellers avoid the open market is confidentiality. Public listings reveal photographs, floor plans, property values, and personal details to anyone browsing online. For business owners, high-net-worth individuals, public figures, and families seeking discretion, this level of exposure is often undesirable.

  Selling privately allows homeowners to maintain complete control over who views the property information.

• Access to Serious Buyers

  Off-market property sales are usually handled through established buyer networks. This means sellers are introduced to genuine buyers who are financially qualified and actively searching for property. As a result, there are often fewer wasted viewings and less disruption throughout the process.

• Demand for Exclusive Homes

  Many buyers actively prefer off-market opportunities because they offer access to homes that are unavailable to the general public. Exclusive properties often create stronger buyer interest, especially within competitive luxury markets where unique homes rarely become available.

• Greater Control Over the Sale

  Some sellers simply prefer a quieter, more controlled approach to moving home. Off-market selling allows greater flexibility over timings, marketing, negotiations, and viewings without the pressure of public exposure.

Which Properties Are Most Likely to Be Sold Off-Market?

Off-market sales are especially common for:

• Luxury homes

• Country houses

• High-value Surrey properties

• Prime London homes

• Development opportunities

• Investment properties

• Architect-designed homes

• Probate or sensitive sales

In many cases, these properties appeal to a niche audience, making targeted private marketing more effective than traditional advertising.

Are Off-Market Properties Harder to Sell?

Not necessarily. In fact, many private sales complete more quickly because the property is introduced directly to suitable buyers from the start. The success of an off-market property sale largely depends on the quality of the network behind it.

Experienced off-market property specialists already have relationships with buyers actively searching for premium homes in specific areas. Without the right contacts, however, private marketing can limit exposure.

The Growing Demand for Off-Market Property in Surrey

Surrey remains one of the strongest locations for off-market property sales in the UK. Buyers relocating from London, international investors, and families searching for premium homes often prefer private introductions rather than waiting for properties to appear online.

As competition for desirable homes increases, off-market property is becoming an important part of the Surrey property market.

Looking to Buy or Sell Off-Market Property?

At Queenwood Property, we specialise in discreet off-market property sales across Surrey and surrounding areas. Whether you are looking to sell privately or gain access to exclusive homes unavailable on the open market, we connect serious buyers and sellers through a tailored and confidential approach.

Contact us today for more information.

Julian Peak

1st May 2026