“Buy where people want to live, not where they have to live.” — Ray Chua

With two decades in Perth real estate, Ray Chua has seen every cycle — from mining booms to market slumps — and knows exactly what separates smart investors from emotional buyers.

Ray, founder of Buyer’s Advocate Perth, brings an engineering mind to the art of buying property: systems, signals, and strategy. He reveals why understanding local psychology and livability beats any spreadsheet.

From spotting poor renovations to knowing when development potential is just a distraction, Ray shares the patterns that have guided him through 20 years of buying right — and avoiding long-term traps.

He also breaks down why Perth’s beachside lifestyle matters more than city proximity, and how investors from the east often misread what locals truly value.

If you’re buying in Perth — or thinking long-term anywhere — this episode will change how you see “good value.”

Episode Highlights

00:00 – FOMO vs Fundamentals: The Trap New Buyers Fall Into

01:21 – Meet Ray Chua: Founder of Buyer’s Advocate Perth

01:38 – From Engineering to Property: Ray’s Unlikely Path

02:31 – 20 Years, Countless Lessons: What Experience Teaches You

03:32 – Why Local Insight Beats Headlines Every Time

06:04 – Experience Compounds: What Time Teaches You in Real Estate

07:36 – Seeing the Signals: Long-Term Thinking in Perth

10:07 – Understanding What Locals Actually Want in Perth

12:03 – Why Amenity and Lifestyle Drive Perth’s Best Growth

13:16 – City Proximity vs Coastal Lifestyle: What Really Wins

15:30 – Collaboration Over Confrontation: Working With Agents

16:42 – East Coast Missteps: What Outsiders Miss About Perth

17:37 – Invest Like a Local: Ray’s Rules for Long-Term Growth

22:07 – Livability First: The Real Driver of Perth Property Value

23:12 – How Buyer’s Agents Add Value Beyond the Purchase

25:35 – Guiding With Integrity: A Client Story That Says It All

About the Guest

Ray Chua is the Founder and Principal of Buyer’s Advocate Perth, with over 20 years in real estate and 17 years as a buyer’s agent.

An engineering graduate with honors, Ray brings analytical precision to property strategy — combining data, psychology, and on-the-ground insight. He’s known for his integrity, local knowledge, and ability to identify value that lasts beyond the hype.

Before launching his own agency, Ray spent 15 years learning under one of Perth’s most respected buyer advocacy firms, helping clients build wealth through disciplined, long-term property selection.

Connect with Ray

• Buyer’s Advocate Perth
• Buyer’s Advocate Perth (LinkedIn)
• Ray’s LinkedIn
• Ray’s Facebook

Work with Chris (Alcove)

• Business Webpage Link - https://
• Phone: 0489 913 227
• Email - [email protected]
• Socials: 
• LinkedIn (Alcove)  - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
• LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/alcove.au

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The information provided in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as financial, investment, or credit advice. It does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation, or needs. You should consider the appropriateness of the information to your circumstances and seek advice from a licensed financial adviser, mortgage broker, or other qualified professional before making any decision. Canopy Private Pty Ltd holds Australian Credit Licence 558709.