How to Find Off-Market Investment Properties in NZ (Before Everyone Else)
By the time a great property hits the market, thousands of investors have already seen it.
At Wolfe Property, part of our unique eco-system is we help clients buy off-market properties through out network of agents and deal sourcers across the country.
What “Off-Market” Really Means
It’s a property that is sold without ever going to “market”. This means its not advertised on TradeMe or anything publicly facing.
Some property owners choose to sell off market because of varierty of reasons, including:
don’t want to let tenants know
want to keep the transaction not publicly known
don’t want to deal with open homes
would rather deal with one buyer
wants a deal to be done quickly
might not in a state that can be sold on market
Because there is no competition investors can negotiate more favourable terms and transform undervalued assets through renovation.
Off-Market Deals Can Deliver Better Returns
Less competition = better pricing
You’re negotiating , not bidding against others.Renovation potential
Off-market properties are rarely turnkey rentals - and that’s the advantage. They often hold untapped value that can be unlocked through smart, modern renovations.Faster progress
With support from our Power Team, off-market purchases can move from contract to renovation within weeks. No need to wait for listing advertising cycles.
How Wolfe Property Finds Off-Market Deals
Finding off-market properties has taken a decade of building relationships with agents and deal sourcers across the country.
They understand that if they bring a property that meets our criteria - that we have clients who are pre approved and ready to buy.
These are the lessons we teach our clients also:
Stay in regular contact with local agents.
Define the criteria clearly. Price, layout, potential yield.
Be ready to act quickly with pre-approved finance.
Build a reputation for being organised and decisive.
If you’re serious, agents will remember you, and you’ll start receiving those quiet calls when something fits your brief.
Boardroom Case Study: Off-Market “Unicorn” Multi-Unit Project
Off-market boardroom site from the August Reno Road Tour
Purchase Price: $1,100,000
Renovation Cost: $230,000
Original Rent: $65,000 per year
New Rent: $140,400 per year
Gross Yield: 10.5 %
This off-market property was a true “unicorn”: sourced through trusted agent connection.
The existing layout was under-utilised, so our client added four new bedrooms and modernised key areas to attract higher-value tenants.
The result?
The investor more than doubled annual rental income, transforming the property into a multi-income performer yielding over 10%.
This is an example of how clarity, network, and timing can create extraordinary results.
