Pre-Market Property in Melbourne: How to See Homes Before the Campaign

Pre-market is the short window after a vendor signs with an agent but before photography and portal advertising. In Melbourne it often lasts a few days to a few weeks. ## Why vendors go pre-market It lets them test interest and price without paying for a full campaign. If a strong offer arrives, they may sell before the campaign starts. ## Why it suits buyers The property is genuinely for sale, the Section 32 is usually prepared, and competition is smaller because only the agent's shortlist knows about it. ## How to get on the shortlist - Be known to the agents selling in your suburbs. - Keep pre-approval current. - Have a written brief with suburbs, budget and bedrooms. - Respond quickly when called. ## Before you offer Check comparable sales, read the Section 32 with your conveyancer, and set a walk-away price. A pre-market offer is often accepted only if it saves the vendor the campaign, so expect to pay a fair price, not a discount. Read [off-market vs pre-market vs on-market](/blog/off-market-vs-pre-market-vs-on-market), then set up your [buyer brief](/brief) to get notified about matching homes.