“I think we can do better than this property. Let's walk away from this one.” – Cathy McGowan

Buying property in Sydney’s North Shore and Hills looks simple from the outside—desirable schools, leafy streets, and strong demand. But beneath the surface, there are traps most buyers don’t see until years later.

In this episode, Chris Bates speaks with Cathy McGowan, founder of McGowan Property Buyers and one of Sydney’s most experienced buyers agents. With more than three decades in the industry, Cathy shares how buyer behavior, demographics, transport, and planning controls are reshaping the northwest.

They dive into suburb-by-suburb thinking, the real impact of the Metro , why some developments quietly destroy livability , and how buyers end up overpaying for properties that won’t hold long-term appeal.

If you’re buying or investing in Sydney—especially the Hills or North Shore—this conversation will help you avoid emotional decisions and focus on assets that truly perform.

00:00 — Understanding the Role of a Buyer's Agent

01:45 — Cathy's Journey into Real Estate

06:13 — Insights into Sydney's North and Northwest Markets

10:04 — Helping Clients Find the Right Property

15:05 — Challenges and Considerations in Property Buying

17:08 — The Impact of Developments on Property Value

19:48 — Common Pitfalls in Property Buying

22:34 — Changing Suburbs and School Fees

23:39 — Transport Challenges in the Hills

26:00 — Community and Family Ties

32:43 — Unexpected Value from Buyer's Agents

35:08 — The Importance of Good Professionals

40:28 — Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Cathy McGowan is the Principal of McGowan Property Buyers, specializing in the North and Northwest regions of Sydney. Her career is defined by a unique "triple-threat" background: a double major in Accounting and Finance, years as an investigator for the Office of Fair Trading, and over a decade with the Real Estate Institute (REI).

With a real estate license held for over 30 years, Cathy transitioned into the Buyer’s Agency space 14 years ago, mentored by industry pioneer Jackie Parker. Today, she is known for her integrity, her deep network of local agents, and her refusal to let clients settle for anything less than an "A-grade" asset.

1. McGowan Property Buyers’ Website
2. McGowan Property Buyers’ LinkedIn
3. McGowan Property Buyers’ Instagram
4. McGowan Property Buyers’ Facebook Page
5. Catherine McGowan’s LinkedIn

1. Business Webpage Link - https://www.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

1. YouTube
2. LinkedIn
3. Instagram
4. TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

1. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
2. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
3. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“Some of those things are not written on the internet — you can’t Google this stuff. You’ve got to live it.”

— Matthew Ward

Matthew Ward has spent over 25 years working in property across Central NSW — first as a valuer, then as a buyer’s agent deeply embedded in the region.

In this episode, Matthew and Chris unpack what truly drives value across regional centres like Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, and Tamworth — and why raw data often tells the wrong story.

They explore lifestyle economics, school catchments, climate design, walkability, gentrification, investor risk, and why out-of-area buyers often overpay without realising it.

If you’re considering Central NSW — whether as an investor, future resident, or rent-vesting buyer — this conversation gives you the context you can’t find online.

00:00 – Introduction and Client Story

01:22 – Meet Matthew Ward: Background and Experience

02:05 – The Appeal of Regional New South Wales

02:49 – Challenges and Opportunities in Property Development

06:24 – The Shift to Regional Living Post-COVID

07:56 – Economic and Lifestyle Factors Driving Regional Growth

11:41 – Investment Strategies and Market Insights

20:32 – Common Mistakes in Regional Property Investment

29:28 – The Role of Buyer's Agents in Regional Markets

39:35 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matthew Ward is a Director at WPG Advisory, specialising in property across Central West and Regional NSW, with more than 25 years of experience spanning valuation, development, and property consultancy.

Born and raised in Orange, Matthew began his career as a valuer across Sydney, before working in the UK and later returning to regional New South Wales. He spent nearly a decade valuing property throughout the Central West, building deep, on-the-ground knowledge of how regional markets actually function.

Since transitioning into buyer’s advocacy in 2014, Matthew has led WPG Advisory’s buyer services across markets including Orange, Bathurst, Dubbo, Wagga Wagga, Albury-Wodonga, and Tamworth, advising both investors and owner-occupiers on asset selection, risk management, and long-term fundamentals.

His approach is grounded in lived experience, local relationships, and professional discipline, offering clients insight that goes well beyond data models, suburb rankings, or headline yields.

1. Matthew’s LinkedIn
2. WPG Advisory LinkedIn
3. WPG Advisory (website)

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

1. YouTube
2. LinkedIn
3. Instagram
4. TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

1. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
2. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
3. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“Adelaide has always been slow and steady — we’re not volatile like the Eastern states.”

— Jess Ellam

Adelaide has quietly become one of Australia’s most compelling property markets — but only if you understand how it actually works.

In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Adelaide buyer’s agent Jess Ellam to break down the realities behind the city’s growth.

With over 20 years in real estate and deep experience on both the sales and buyer’s side, Jess explains why Adelaide remains a slow-and-steady market, how COVID reshaped interstate demand, and why many investors underestimate the importance of local knowledge.

They discuss zoning changes under Planning SA, the impact of infrastructure like the north–south tunnel, lifestyle-driven demand near the coast and inner ring, and where investors should be cautious — especially when buying remotely without boots on the ground.

Whether you’re an investor or home buyer, this episode will help you understand Adelaide beyond the data — and make smarter, more defensible property decisions.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:54 – Jess Ellen's Journey into Real Estate

04:33 – Adelaide Market Overview

05:02 – COVID-19 Impact on Adelaide

06:44 – Adelaide's Unique Lifestyle and Property Preferences

10:51 – Investment Opportunities in Adelaide

16:45 – Navigating the Adelaide Property Market

27:30 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jess Ellam is the Founder and Director of Ellam Property, a licensed buyer advocacy firm based in Adelaide. With nearly 20 years of experience across both the sales and buyer sides of real estate, Jess began her career at 17, learning the transaction process from the ground up before purchasing her first investment property as a teenager — an experience that shaped her practical, client-first approach.

After working with one of Adelaide’s first buyer advocacy firms, Jess launched Ellam Property in 2020. Her business has grown almost entirely through referrals, underpinned by deep local knowledge, strong agent relationships, and detailed comparable sales analysis. Holding a Diploma in Property and currently completing her Property Investment Adviser qualification through PIPA, Jess helps home buyers and investors navigate Adelaide’s market with clarity, confidence, and a focus on long-term fundamentals.

1. Jess’ LinkedIn
2. Ellam Property (website)
3. Jess’ Facebook Page
4. Jess’ Instagram
5. Phone: +61 400 084 804

1. Business Webpage Link - https://
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

1. YouTube
2. LinkedIn
3. Instagram
4. TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

1. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
2. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
3. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“Buying property is both an art and a science—you can’t ignore either.” - Andrew Hancock

The Sutherland Shire is one of Sydney’s most misunderstood property markets. Strong lifestyle appeal, tight supply, and improving infrastructure have quietly underpinned long-term demand.

Chris Bates is joined by Andrew Hancock, a Shire-based buyer’s agent with a unique background as a commercial airline pilot—bringing structure, process, and discipline to property decisions.

They unpack where buyers are finding value today, how density and infrastructure will reshape the market, and why some pockets outperform despite similar price points. Andrew also explains the local risks out-of-area buyers often miss—from transport bottlenecks to zoning stigma.

If you’re considering buying in the Sutherland Shire, this episode gives you the local insight most buyers never get.

00:00 — Introduction and Setting the Tone

01:39 — Meet Andrew Hancock: From Pilot to Buyer's Agent

03:13 — The Art and Science of Property Buying

05:24 — Why the Sutherland Shire?

07:55 — Demographics and Market Trends

10:09 — Infrastructure and Future Developments

15:18 — Navigating the Local Market

23:51 — Building Relationships with Agents

28:22 — The Emotional Journey of Buying Property

32:07 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Andrew Hancock is a specialist buyer’s agent focused exclusively on the Sutherland Shire and Southern Sydney, with over 20 years of personal property investing experience. He is the co-founder of My Property Pro, established in 2014, where he and his team have helped hundreds of buyers secure homes and investments through a disciplined, process-driven approach.

Before property, Andrew worked as a commercial airline pilot and Boeing instructor, where structured decision-making, checklists, and risk management were non-negotiable. He has carried those principles into My Property Pro’s buying framework—applying rigorous due diligence, clear processes, and calm decision-making to every purchase.

Andrew and the My Property Pro team are known for their deep local knowledge, strong agent relationships, and ability to guide clients through complex decisions—from infrastructure impacts to zoning changes—while making the buying process clear, structured, and genuinely enjoyable.

1. Andrew’s LinkedIn
2. My Property Pro’s Website
3. My Property Pro’s Instagram
4. My Property Pro’s LinkedIn
5. My Property Pro’s Facebook

1. Business Webpage Link - https://
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

1. YouTube
2. LinkedIn
3. Instagram
4. TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

1. Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
2. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
3. Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“Over the last five years, we’ve helped 10 local selling agents buy their own homes — and that trust doesn’t happen by accident.” — Will Hosking

The Northern Beaches look simple from the outside — great lifestyle, strong demand, limited supply. But beneath the surface, it’s one of Sydney’s most nuanced markets.

Chris Bates is joined by Will Hosking, co-founder of PMC Property Buyers, to break down how the Northern Beaches really trade and why local knowledge beats broad coverage every time.

Will shares his journey into buyer’s agency, why PMC splits the beaches into micro-markets, and how transport, flood risk, topography, and density changes influence value across Manly, Brookvale, Dee Why, and Pittwater.

They also unpack common buyer mistakes, why clarity matters more than speed, and how lifestyle-driven demand from families and downsizers is reshaping prices.

00:00 — Introduction and Background

01:51 — Meet Will Hosking: Journey into Real Estate

04:26 — The Evolution of PMC and Specialization

05:35 — Understanding the Northern Beaches Market

10:12 — Challenges and Opportunities in the Northern Beaches

17:45 — Future Developments and Market Dynamics

21:06 — Building Strong Agent Relationships

30:22 — Client Success Stories and Final Thoughts

Will Hosking is a co-founder of PMC Property Buyers and has been advising buyers for over 15 years. He entered the industry after a firsthand experience with off-the-plan investing highlighted how easily buyers can be misled without proper representation.

Will began his career as a buyer’s agent in 2010 before launching PMC in 2014 alongside business partner James Figman. Today, PMC operates across the East Coast, with a deep specialisation in Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Under Will’s leadership, PMC has built a patch-based model, dividing the Northern Beaches into micro-markets to deliver sharper pricing insight, stronger agent relationships, and better buying outcomes. Notably, PMC has helped multiple local selling agents—including agency principals—buy their own homes, a testament to their market credibility and trust.

• Will’s LinkedIn
• PMC Website
• PMC’s LinkedIn

• 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

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“Land and location matter most — not every square metre of Brisbane land is created equal.” - Melinda Jennison

Brisbane’s market is shifting fast — tight listings, surging demand, and a structural supply imbalance that isn’t easing anytime soon. In this episode, Melinda Jennison breaks down what’s really happening at ground level.

Melinda is the current President of REBAA and Founder of Streamline Property Buyers, backed by decades of investing, construction and development experience. She unpacks how Brisbane’s density, future planning, infrastructure, and Olympics-driven labour pressures will reshape the city.

We go suburb by suburb through supply constraints, investor mistakes, renovation traps, and how to assess land value properly — including why apartments are outperforming houses in parts of Brisbane.

00:00 — Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:11 — Melinda's Background and Journey

03:22 — Property Investment Strategies

07:48 — Brisbane Market Insights

12:37 — Challenges in Housing Supply

18:04 — Future of Brisbane's Real Estate

24:08 — Challenges in the Brisbane Property Market

24:34 — Current Listing Volumes and Market Dynamics

25:09 — Demand Surge and Competitive Buying

26:50 — Philosophy on Property Investment

27:10 — Importance of Land and Location

30:15 — Building Relationships with Agents

33:27 — Due Diligence and Local Expertise

35:56 — Future of Brisbane and the Impact of the Olympics

38:56 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Melinda Jennison is the current President of the Real Estate Buyers Agents Association of Australia (REBAA) and the Founder of Streamline Property Buyers, one of Brisbane’s most respected local buyer’s agencies.

Growing up in a property-investing family, Melinda bought her first home young and has spent decades building a diversified portfolio across residential and commercial assets. With a strong academic background, she brings a data-driven approach to market analysis, paired with deep construction and development experience gained through running a building company with her husband, Scott.

Since launching Streamline Property Buyers in 2018, Melinda has built a 10-person team specialising exclusively in the Brisbane market — helping homebuyers, investors, and high-net-worth clients with everything from buying to armchair development. Her on-the-ground insight, relationships with agents, and nuanced understanding of Brisbane’s planning, density and future infrastructure make her a leading authority on the city’s evolving property landscape.

• Melinda’s LinkedIn
• Streamline Property Buyers Website
• Streamline Property Buyers LinkedIn
• Streamline Property Buyers Instagram
• Streamline Property Buyers Facebook
• Streamline Property Buyers YouTube

• 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

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

"If investors flood a suburb and locals can’t afford to buy there anymore, that’s when you know the downside risk is real." — Matthew Hughes

Perth has delivered one of Australia’s strongest post-COVID runs, but the story behind that growth is far more nuanced. In this episode, Matthew Hughes lays out the structural shifts shaping Perth today — and the risks many investors are overlooking.

As founder of Capital Property Advisory and a long-time WA investor, Matthew brings a decade-plus of on-the-ground experience. He unpacks how Perth’s unique market drivers compare to Sydney and Melbourne, the rise of hyperlocal living, and why coastal proximity now outweighs CBD access.

We also dive deep into high-risk investor pockets like Rockingham, Mandra, and other low-socioeconomic suburbs heavily targeted by national buyers agents. Matthew explains where oversupply could strike first, how to think about Perth’s inner ring, and why the $800k–$1.2m band may offer better long-term protection than the lower quartile.

If Perth is on your radar — or you want to understand how to buy safely late in a cycle — this is essential listening.

Tune in to learn where the real opportunities (and real risks) lie in Perth right now.

00:00 – Introduction and Welcome

00:25 – Matthew Hughes' Background and Journey

02:31 – Challenges in the Property Market

05:10 – Perth Market Insights

09:02 – Navigating the Perth Property Cycle

11:35 – Buyer's Agent Strategies and Advice

16:37 – Future of Perth's Housing Market

20:32 – Value of a Buyer's Agent

36:33 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matthew Hughes is a veteran Perth investor, buyer’s agent, and founder of Capital Property Advisory, which he launched in 2016 after more than a decade investing in WA. He began his property journey at 19 before transitioning from a long-running telecommunications business into real estate. Matthew trained under prominent WA advisors, including former Street Secrets guest Ray Chua, before building a multidisciplinary group spanning buyer’s advocacy, finance (Capital Lending Advisory), and property management (Matt Black Real Estate) across WA and Victoria.

With more than 10 years advising clients professionally and over two decades studying Perth’s market cycles, Matthew is known for his analytical approach, data-led committee, and strong stance on avoiding high-risk investor pockets. He is also a board member of PIPA, advocating for higher industry standards, better regulation, and stronger consumer protection across the property advice sector.

• Matthew’s LinkedIn
• Capital Property Advisory Website
• Capital Property Advisory Instagram
• Capital Property Advisory Facebook

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• 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

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“Sub-market areas will outperform a postcode every day of the week.” — Tony Coughran

The Gold Coast is booming, but it’s also one of Australia’s most misunderstood markets. In this episode, we strip back the layers with someone who has lived, valued, and bought through every cycle for the past 25 years.

Tony Coughran began in property valuation, assessing thousands of homes across the Coast—before founding Simply Gold Coast in 2010 to help buyers navigate the region’s complex patchwork of pockets, waterways, micro-markets, lifestyle shifts, and risk zones. His perspective combines hard data with on-the-ground intelligence that only decades of local practice can teach.

We explore the Coast’s distinct markets: beachfront scarcity, boatie-friendly canal systems, hinterland acreage, and high-rise downsizer demand. Tony reveals the traps outsiders rarely see—revettment walls, flood nuance, zoning shifts, traffic cut-throughs, and the pockets that look good online but underperform in real life.

If you’re buying or investing on the Gold Coast, this episode arms you with the clarity, context, and street-level insight needed to avoid missteps and secure a long-term performer.

00:00 – Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:29 – Tony Coughran's Background and Career Journey

03:45 – Starting Simply Gold Coast

06:19 – Insights into the Gold Coast Property Market

13:54 – Common Mistakes and Risk Factors in Gold Coast Real Estate

18:42 – Impact of Infrastructure and Development on the Market

20:29 – Client Relationships and Negotiation Strategies

25:11 – Adapting to Market Changes and Future Outlook

38:48 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Tony Coughran is the founder of Simply Gold Coast Buyer’s Agency, established in 2010. His property career began early, fuelled by a family with a long history of owning, building, and investing. Tony studied Property Valuation at the University of Queensland and began his professional journey at the Queensland Government State Valuation Service, later joining a national valuation firm on the Gold Coast, where he valued thousands of properties for banks and brokers.

This valuation background gave him deep expertise in sub-markets, micro-markets, and property fundamentals—insights that now give his clients a clear edge. In 2010, after repeatedly watching buyers overpay, particularly around the GFC, he launched Simply Gold Coast to make buying “safer, smarter and simpler”.

Tony is known for his long-standing agent relationships, strategic negotiation style, and hyper-local understanding of Gold Coast pockets from beachfront to hinterland. With 25 years in the region, he is one of the most experienced buyer’s agents on the Coast.

• Tony’s LinkedIn
• SimplyGC Website
• SimpleGC LinkedIn
• SimplyGC Facebook
• SimplyGC Instagram

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• 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

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“There was a recent study where South Canberra ranked as the best place in Australia to raise a family.”

This episode goes deep into how Canberra really works. Not the clichés — but the lived-in nuances that only a lifelong local like Claire Corby can unpack.

Claire shares her journey from tax advisory to property investing to becoming one of Canberra’s earliest full-time buyer’s agents. With more than a decade advising local families, military relocations, and interstate movers, she’s watched the city evolve from a sleepy capital to a maturing market with its own rhythms.

We explore Canberra’s true lifestyle drivers, from leafy mid-century pockets to commute-sensitive families, and the surprising mistakes interstate buyers make when they rely on “Sydney logic.” Claire breaks down the auction-heavy culture, why unapproved structures are everywhere, and the realities behind ACT’s crown leases and tax reforms.

She also reveals where valuations get risky, which suburbs are genuinely maturing, and how to think long-term in a market that doesn’t boom — or correct — like the big capitals. Buying well in Canberra requires local context, and this episode gives you exactly that.

If you’re considering Canberra — or simply want to understand one of Australia’s most misunderstood markets — this conversation is essential listening.

00:00 – Introduction to Street Secrets

00:22 – Claire Corby's Journey into Property

03:50 – Launching the Buyer's Agency

04:15 – Challenges in the Early Days

06:10 – Canberra's Real Estate Evolution

08:43 – Navigating Canberra's Property Market

10:35 – Common Mistakes and Tips for Buyers

16:26 – Unapproved Structures and Legal Nuances

18:25 – Challenges with Rates and Land Tax in ACT

19:11 – Auction Culture in Canberra

21:35 – Canberra's Real Estate Market Trends

24:01 – Planning and Zoning Changes in Canberra

26:37 – Lifestyle and Investment Considerations

27:56 – The Role of a Buyer's Agent

34:59 – Experience and Expertise in Real Estate

Claire Corby is a third-generation Canberran and one of the ACT’s earliest full-time buyer’s agents, launching her agency in 2014. Her career began in accountancy and tax advisory with a Big Four firm before moving into government finance roles. After becoming a full-time property investor and small-scale developer, she built a local property meetup that organically led to her buyer’s agency work.

Claire has deep knowledge of Canberra’s suburbs, planning controls, crown lease system, unapproved structure risks, and auction-heavy sales culture. She works extensively with local families, interstate relocations, military and diplomatic postings — often helping clients buy sight unseen with full due diligence. With more than a decade of on-the-ground experience, she is recognised for balancing lifestyle needs with smart long-term property decisions.

• Claire’s LinkedIn
• Capital Buyers Agency Website
• Capital Buyers Agency Instagram
• Capital Buyers Agency Facebook

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• 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

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.

“What’s super fascinating about supply and demand on the South Coast is actually the geography. We’ve got an ocean, an escarpment, a cliff, and a string of national parks — and those natural boundaries limit housing supply incredibly to tight little pockets.”

The South Coast isn’t just a lifestyle escape. For nearly 20 years, Matt Knight has watched it evolve — from sleepy surf towns to one of NSW’s most dynamic coastal markets.

In this episode, Matt joins Chris Bates to unpack what really drives demand south of Sydney. They cover everything from Wollongong’s gentrification to Kiama’s ridgelines, the rise of hybrid workers, and why new infrastructure is finally catching up.

Matt also dives into the local traps buyers miss: high-risk flood zones, anti-development councils, and homes that lose sunlight by 2pm. It’s a masterclass in due diligence, lifestyle balance, and reading a regional market with precision.

If you’ve ever thought about making the move — or investing beyond the city — this conversation will change how you see the South Coast.

00:00 – Introduction

01:30 – Meet Matt Knight: Background and Experience

01:54 – The South Coast Real Estate Market

02:41 – Matt's Journey to Becoming a Buyer's Agent

05:09 – The Evolution of the South Coast

09:04 – Challenges and Risks in the South Coast Market

18:17 – The Importance of Community and Lifestyle

24:00 – Navigating the Real Estate Market with a Buyer's Agent

31:50 – The Value of Experience and Continuous Learning

34:37 – Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt Knight is the founder of Precium, a leading buyer’s agency on the South Coast of NSW.

Over 20 years ago, what began as a side hustle renovating investment properties evolved into a long-term career built on data, research, and deep market insight.

Originally from Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, Matt made his own sea change nearly two decades ago — turning personal passion into professional purpose. With a 15-year background in social work, he brings a caring yet strategic approach to every client, knowing that psychology is at the heart of great property decisions.

Since founding Precium 12 years ago, Matt and his team have purchased over 400 properties across Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama, Shoalhaven, and beyond. Respected for his regional expertise and strong professional network, Matt continues to help home buyers and investors achieve lasting success on the South Coast.

• Matt’s LinkedIn
• Precium Website
• Precium Facebook
• Precium LinkedIn

• Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
• 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

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• Instagram
• TikTok

Enjoyed the podcast? Don't miss out on what's yet to come! Hit that subscription button, spread the word, and join us for more insightful discussions in real estate. Your journey starts now!

• Subscribe on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets
• Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268
• Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA

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.