“I’ve had clients looking for over 10 years before buying — imagine the capital growth they missed.” – Nick Viner

Sydney’s Inner West looks simple on a map, but it’s one of the most complex buying environments in the country. Noise, access, zoning, density, and micro-pockets can make or break long-term performance.

In this episode, Chris Bates sits down with Nick Viner, a buyer’s advocate with 16 years of Inner West experience, to unpack where buyers really go wrong — and how to avoid expensive mistakes hiding inside “good” suburbs.

If you’re buying or investing in Sydney’s Inner West, this episode will change how you assess streets, pockets, and lifestyle trade-offs before you commit.

Episode Highlights

00:00 Why Waiting Costs Buyers Years

01:24 Nick Viner: From Property Law to Buying Power

03:07 What a Buyer’s Agent Really Does (and Saves)

07:38 Why the Inner West Isn’t One Market

15:11 Noise, Dead Zones, and Other Inner West Traps

19:41 How Agent Relationships Win Properties

21:15 What Makes a High-Quality Inner West Asset

27:11 Why Experience Changes Buying Outcomes

32:47 Final Advice for Inner West Buyers

About the Guest

Nick Viner is a Sydney-based buyer’s advocate specialising in the Inner West. A former property solicitor, he became a buyer’s agent in 2009 and has spent more than 15 years helping busy professionals secure homes and investment properties in some of Sydney’s most competitive inner-city markets.

He is Chair of the Buyers’ Agency Chapter at the Real Estate Institute of NSW and has been recognised with major industry awards. Nick is known for his deep Inner West knowledge, strong agent relationships, and ability to secure off-market and pre-auction opportunities.

Connect with Nick

1. LinkedIn

Work with Chris (Alcove)

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

Follow us on our socials!

1. YouTube
2. https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickviner/
3. Instagram
4. TikTok

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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.