What due diligence should be done before buying off-market?

Short answer: Buying off-market still requires full due diligence. Investors typically review legal title, comparable sales, refurbishment costs, funding structure, and exit assumptions to ensure the opportunity fits their strategy and risk tolerance.

Off-market simply means the property isn’t publicly advertised.
It does not reduce risk or remove the need for scrutiny.

Skipping checks to save time often increases risk rather than efficiency.

Most off-market due diligence includes:

• Legal review: title, restrictions, covenants, and planning history
• Market context: recent sold comparables, not asking prices
• Property condition: visible defects and likely refurbishment scope
• Cost assumptions: works, contingencies, and holding costs
• Funding structure: finance terms, timelines, and exposure
• Exit strategy: resale, refinance, or rental assumptions
   

Each element protects capital rather than maximising projections.

Structured due diligence helps investors:

• understand downside scenarios
• compare opportunities consistently
• avoid emotional or rushed decisions
• proceed with confidence when numbers stack up
   

Speed comes from preparation, not shortcuts.

This guidance is particularly relevant for:

• investors buying outside their local are
• those using deal sourcers or intermediaries
• investors balancing speed with risk management.