Not everyone who would sell their home is actively on the market.
That might sound obvious, but it is something we think is often overlooked in the property market. There are the people who are actively selling. There are the people who are actively looking. There are the people who would absolutely not move under any circumstances.
But then there is another group entirely: the “maybe movers”.
These are the homeowners who are not on Rightmove every night. They have not booked a Home Report. They have not instructed an estate agent. They may not even describe themselves as looking to move.
But if the right buyer came along at the right price, they would consider it.
Equally, there are buyers who are not desperate to move, but would make a move if their dream home became available.
This idea was explored by Rory Sutherland in The Spectator, where he discussed the psychology of homes that are not technically “on the market”. He referred to an example where letters were sent to the owners of 25 suitable homes that were not listed for sale. Five homeowners responded with interest.
That is the part of the market we find fascinating.
Because the property market is not just made up of listings. It is made up of opportunities.
The hidden part of the property market
The traditional way of buying and selling property is quite structured.
A seller decides to sell, instructs an agent, prepares the property for market, launches online, hosts viewings, waits for offers, and then decides whether to accept.
That works well for many people.
But it does not suit everyone.
Some homeowners would sell, but only if they could achieve a certain figure. Some would move, but only if they could secure a specific type of property. Some do not want the stress, disruption, or uncertainty of openly marketing their home unless there is a genuine opportunity in front of them.
This is particularly relevant in Scotland, where local knowledge, buyer demand, timing and relationships can all play a huge role in whether the right move becomes possible.
At Monarch Legal, we regularly speak to people at all stages of the property journey — some actively selling, some actively buying, and some who are simply open to the right conversation.
That tells us something important.
Not every successful property transaction starts with a public listing.
You might not be “selling”, but you might still be open to selling
There is a big difference between saying:
“My house is for sale.”
And saying:
“I would consider selling if the right buyer came along.”
For many homeowners, the second option feels much more comfortable.
You may love your home, but still have a price in mind that would make you think. You may not want to go through weeks of viewings, but would consider a discreet conversation with a serious buyer. You may not want to move for the sake of it, but would move if the right house, street, school catchment, garden, or lifestyle opportunity became available.
That is where Monarch Legal can help.
As both estate agents and conveyancers, we are regularly speaking to buyers, sellers, investors, developers, and local homeowners. We often know what people are looking for before that demand appears publicly on the portals.
So if you are sitting in the “maybe” category, there may be no harm in having a conversation.
What if your dream home is not on the market?
This also works the other way around.
Many buyers wait for the perfect property to appear online. But sometimes, the perfect home is not listed.
It may be owned by someone who has thought about downsizing but has never taken the next step. It may be owned by someone who would relocate if the right price was offered. It may be a property where the owner has no urgent need to sell, but would consider it if approached properly and professionally.
That does not mean knocking on doors or sending speculative letters without strategy. It means understanding the local market, knowing what a realistic offer looks like, and approaching the situation in the right way.
A discreet, well-managed approach can sometimes open up opportunities that would never appear publicly.
The “maybe mover” market
At Monarch Legal, we believe there is a real opportunity in this middle ground.
You may be:
Considering selling, but only at the right price.
Interested in moving, but only if the right home becomes available.
Curious about what your property might achieve in the current market.
Open to a private buyer, but not ready for a full public launch.
Looking for a specific type of property and frustrated by what is currently online.
This is where local knowledge and a joined-up estate agency and legal approach can make a difference.
We can speak to you about your property, your ideal outcome, your price expectations, and whether there may be a buyer already looking for something like yours. Equally, if you are searching for a particular type of home, we can help you think beyond what is currently listed.
You do not need to be “on the market” to explore your options
Not every move starts with a For Sale board.
Sometimes it starts with a conversation.
If you would consider selling for the right price, or if you would move for the right property, we would love to hear from you.
Monarch Legal can help you understand your options, explore potential private buyer interest, and keep an eye out for the kind of property that would genuinely make a move worthwhile.
Whether you are ready to sell now, quietly considering your next move, or simply curious about what might be possible, get in touch with Monarch Legal today.
Your next move might already be closer than you think.
