“The biggest infrastructure project that this country has seen is really revolutionizing the Western Sydney area that's gonna create thousands and thousands of jobs.” – Ben Plohl

Sydney’s West is no longer the sleeping giant of real estate. Between the Metro expansion, the new Western Sydney Airport, and billions flowing into infrastructure, the region is becoming Australia’s next major economic engine.

This week, Chris Bates sits down with Ben Plohl — founder of BFP Property and a former CFO turned buyer’s agent — to unpack the real drivers of growth across the Hills District and Western Sydney. From his roots in Cabramatta and Liverpool to serving clients in Glenhaven and Castle Hill, Ben shares how local knowledge still beats scalable models every time.

Discover which suburbs are quietly outperforming, why gentrification in Penrith and Blacktown is accelerating, and what to watch out for — from power lines to steep blocks. Plus, Ben explains how to value a property properly, read auction rooms, and negotiate like a pro.

If you’re serious about buying or investing in Sydney’s West, this conversation will change how you see the city’s future.

Episode Highlights

00:00 – Introduction

01:28 – Meet Ben Plohl from BFP Property

02:00 – From CFO to Buyer’s Agent: Ben Plohl’s Career Pivot

02:45 – What Home Buyers Get Wrong in Western Sydney

06:25 – Smart Investing in the Hills District and Sydney’s West

09:35 – How Metro and Development Are Reshaping the West

19:37 – How Culture Shapes Home Buying in Sydney’s West

28:30 – Overcoming Challenges in Sydney’s Fast-Growing Market

31:10 – How to Win at Auctions: Ben Plohl’s Bidding Playbook

About the Guest

Ben Plohl is the Founder and Principal Buyer’s Agent of BFP Property Group, a boutique agency based in Sydney’s Hills District. A Chartered Accountant by training, Ben spent over 15 years as a CFO and senior business adviser across Sydney and London before launching BFP Property seven years ago.

With more than 20 years of property experience, Ben combines financial acumen with deep on-the-ground knowledge of the Hills District and Western Sydney. He purchased his first investment property at just 18, later building a multi-million-dollar portfolio that fuelled his passion for helping others buy smarter.

Ben has also studied land economics and is known for his ability to analyse property cycles and negotiate exceptional results for clients — whether they’re investors, first-home buyers, or upgraders.

Connect with Ben

• BFP Property Group
• Ben's LinkedIn

Work with Chris (Alcove)

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• Phone: 0489 913 227
• Email - [email protected]
• 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.