You may have heard the terms exclusive property or off-market listing and wondered what they really mean. In Ontario, exclusive listings are still allowed, but the rules around how they’re handled have changed significantly — especially when it comes to marketing.
An exclusive listing is a signed agreement between a seller and one brokerage to list a property for sale without putting it on MLS®. The property is for sale, but it’s not publicly advertised. That means no lawn signs, no social media, no websites, and no broad promotional campaigns.
Under today’s rules, an exclusive listing can only be shared privately:
Within the listing brokerage, and
One-on-one with individual agents or individual buyers
If a property is advertised publicly in any way, it must be placed on MLS® within 3 days.
Why Would Someone Choose an Exclusive Listing?
While most sellers benefit from full exposure on MLS®, exclusives can make sense in certain situations, such as:
Privacy concerns (high-profile individuals, sensitive circumstances, divorce, medical issues, etc.)
Preparing the property before going public (repairs, staging, photography, paperwork)
Testing timing or price quietly, without a public days-on-market clock
In these cases, exclusive listings offer more control and discretion.
Why Did the Rules Change?
The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) introduced these policies in January 2024 to promote fairness and transparency. Broad public advertising of exclusives was limiting buyer access and sometimes reducing competition for sellers — which could impact sale price. Today’s structure ensures sellers understand the trade-offs and that buyers are treated equitably.
How Do Buyers Find Exclusive Listings?
Because they won’t appear on Realtor.ca or be advertised publicly, access happens within brokerages and through relationships, networking, and agent-to-agent communication. Working with a local REALTOR® who’s well connected is the best way to hear about opportunities that aren’t yet on the public market.
Is an Exclusive Listing Right for You?
For many properties, MLS® exposure is the best path to achieving maximum value. But depending on your goals, privacy needs, or timing, an exclusive listing can be a strategic option.
If you’d like to talk about whether exclusive or off-market makes sense for your situation — or if you want to be kept in the loop about private opportunities in Kingston and area — we’re always happy to chat.