Episodi

  • 060: Helen Tarrant of Unikorn Commercial Property | Commercial
    Oct 28 2026
    “If residents spoke English, commercial speakers would speak Mandarin.” – Helen TarrantYou've built up equity in residential property and you're considering commercial for better cash flow. But is a 7% yield worth the risk if your property could sit vacant for 12 months? And where can your budget deliver the best value?On Street Secrets, host Chris Bates speaks with Helen Tarrant of Unikorn Buyers Agency about investing in commercial property across Australia. Helen explains why 80% of commercial due diligence happens after an offer is accepted, and why the 2M–3M price bracket can offer better property and tenant options. For buyers under $1.5M, she recommends prioritising value over chasing yield.Helen also shares a Townsville childcare property she bought for around $700K and sold for $1.6M after about 18 months, following improvements. She explains why benchmarking industrial rents and yields across markets can reveal better value in Melbourne than Brisbane.If you're considering commercial property, this conversation will help you look beyond headline yields and weigh up tenant demand, risk and long-term growth.Episode Highlights00:00 – Why Helen Tarrant Moved From Resi to Commercial05:17 – Capital Growth in Commercial and Why Resi Rules Differ08:00 – Commercial Due Diligence and Learning Before You Buy12:22 – Auction Yields, Rockhampton and the Cost of Vacancy18:23 – Break-Even Yield on a Fully Financed Commercial Buy20:13 – Which Commercial Price Point Gives the Best Value?25:00 – Value-Add Fundamentals and a Townsville Childcare Deal28:44 – The Unicorn Property Myth and a Three-Part Portfolio30:42 – Benchmarking Melbourne vs Brisbane Commercial Yields33:28 – Final Thoughts With Helen TarrantAbout the GuestHelen Tarrant is the founder of Unikorn Commercial Property, a buyers agency that works only in commercial property and focuses on tenanted investment stock.Helen came to Australia at seven, and funding her parents' retirement drove her into property. After three residential purchases left her at her borrowing limit, a landlord named Bill, who owned the building where she worked as a beauty therapist while studying law, showed her how one commercial property could fund a retirement.She bought her first commercial property in North Sydney in 2012 for $360,000 and sold it in 2021 for $1,050,000, after it returned about $20,000 a year in passive income on average. She went on to invest in regional Queensland, and has since completed value-add projects in Townsville, the ACT and Toowoomba, with another under way in Melbourne.Helen describes Unikorn as a native commercial agency, built in commercial from the start, and it runs separate teams for clients buying under $1.5M and those buying between $1.5M and $3M. In this episode, she shares how she helps residential investors set realistic yield targets, choose the right price point and benchmark a deal against other cities before they buy.Connect with HelenLinkedIn | Helen TarrantWebsite | Helen TarrantLinkedIn | Unikorn Commercial PropertyYouTube | Helen Tarrant Commercial PropertyFacebook | Helen Tarrant Commercial PropertyInstagram | Helen TarrantTikTok | Helen Tarrant Work with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    34 min
  • 059: Grant Atherton of Open Doors Buyers Agent | Newcastle
    Oct 21 2026
    “I just give everyone as much information as possible. It’s up to them how they decide if they want to move forward.” — Grant AthertonNewcastle and Lake Macquarie continue to attract buyers looking for a different lifestyle from Sydney, but finding the right property takes more than knowing which suburbs are popular. In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Grant Atherton from Open Doors Buyers Agent to explore what makes the region appealing, where buyers need to look closer, and how local knowledge can help them make more informed property decisions.Grant shares what draws families, downsizers and former locals back to the region, from its beaches and lakes to its lifestyle amenities and relative value compared with Sydney. He also explains why buyers need to look beyond a suburb’s reputation and consider the differences between individual pockets, their amenities, school options and long-term appeal.The conversation explores the practical details buyers can easily overlook, including peak-hour traffic, commuting distances, flood risks and local knowledge that may not be obvious during a weekend inspection. Chris and Grant also discuss changing investor demand, opportunities for first-home buyers, and how some investors are adapting their strategies through dual-income properties and granny-flat potential.Having lived in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region for around 40 years and worked as a buyers agent since 2020, Grant brings firsthand local knowledge and property investment experience to the conversation. Whether you’re investing, relocating or looking for your next home, this episode offers a closer look at what to consider before buying in the region.Episode Highlights00:00 – From Teaching and Ministry to buyers agent06:07 – How Ministry Shaped Grant’s Approach to Buyers08:32 – Choosing the Right Pocket of Lake Macquarie12:02 – The Local Insights Outsiders Often Miss15:06 – Why Buyers Are Moving to Newcastle19:53 – Building Trust with Newcastle’s Sales Agents21:53 – How Cooling Investor Demand Is Changing the Market23:58 – Newcastle Buying Mistakes Locals Can Help You Avoid27:01 – Finding the Right Fit: A Newcastle Buyer Story28:45 – Newcastle’s Growth, Infrastructure and Future AppealAbout the GuestGrant Atherton is a buyers agent at Open Doors Buyers Agent, specialising in helping buyers navigate Newcastle and Lake Macquarie. Having lived in the region for around 40 years, he brings an in-depth understanding of its suburbs, local amenities, lifestyle differences and the practical considerations that can influence a property decision.Grant began investing in property in 1998 and purchased his first investment property a couple of years later. Before entering buyer’s agency in 2020, he worked as a primary school teacher for seven to eight years before spending around 12 to 13 years in church ministry, including establishing a church in the Maitland area.His background in education and pastoral work informs his people-focused approach to buyer representation. He helps clients clarify their priorities, weigh up competing needs and understand the trade-offs between different locations and properties. For buyers unfamiliar with Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, his local knowledge offers valuable context on everything from commuting conditions and flood risks to schools, amenities and the differences between neighbourhoods.With personal property investment experience and six years in buyer’s agency at the time of recording, Grant offers a practical perspective for investors, relocating buyers and downsizers looking to make more informed decisions in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie property markets.Connect with GrantLinkedIn | Open Doors Buyers AgentInstagram | Open Doors Buyers AgentLinkedIn | Grant AthertonWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials:LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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...
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    30 min
  • 058: Hamada Alameddine of Inner West Nest | Sydney
    Oct 14 2026
    “The finer details in helping somebody understand what they really want can't come from somebody that doesn't understand the location that they're buying in intimately.” – Hamada AlameddineSydney’s Inner West offers plenty of options for buyers looking for more space and value without moving too far from the city, but knowing where to look makes all the difference. In this episode, Chris Bates sits down with Hamada Alameddine from Innerwest Nest to explore suburbs like Marrickville, Earlwood, Hurlstone Park and Dulwich Hill, where changing buyer demand and different lifestyle trade-offs are shaping property decisions.They discuss how gentrification and changing buyer preferences are reshaping these suburbs, why Earlwood is attracting families seeking larger homes and blocks, and how transport access and future development can influence a buying decision.Hamada also shares the details buyers often overlook, from airplane noise, traffic and parking restrictions to heritage controls, biodiversity overlays and renovation limitations. He explains why buyers should investigate development potential before signing a contract, rather than assuming council will approve the changes they have planned.With more than 20 years of property buying and selling experience and seven years as a buyers agent, Hamada brings a practical, street-level understanding of the Inner West. He shares why local knowledge, thorough due diligence and disciplined negotiation can help buyers avoid costly mistakes and make more informed property decisions.Episode Highlights00:00 – Meet Hamada Alameddine: From Arborist to buyers agent04:27 – How Risk Management Shapes Property Buying08:18 – Earlwood Property Value and Metro Connectivity13:43 – Why Local Expertise Matters in Property Buying17:53 –How Collaboration Gives Buyers an Edge19:57 – Hidden Property Risks in Sydney’s Inner West23:07 –Navigating Selling Agents, Negotiation and Trust27:27 – Renovation Potential: What to Check Before Exchange31:12 – Final Thoughts on Buying in the Inner WestAbout the GuestHamada Alameddine is a buyers agent and co-founder of Inner West Nest, specialising in Sydney’s Inner West, including Marrickville, Earlwood, Hurlstone Park and surrounding suburbs.With more than 20 years of property buying and selling experience and seven years as a buyers agent, Hamada brings a hands-on understanding of property renovations, development applications and local market conditions. Before entering the property industry full-time, he ran a tree-removal business for close to a decade, developing practical experience in risk management and property-related considerations such as tree removal and environmental restrictions.Hamada’s local knowledge helps buyers look beyond the suburb name to understand street-level differences, planning constraints, renovation potential and the realities of living in a property. Through Inner West Nest, he takes a focused approach to helping buyers navigate the Inner West market, assess properties carefully and make informed purchasing decisions.Connect with HamadaLinkedIn | Hamada Alameddine Instagram | Hamada Alameddine Facebook | Hamada Alameddine Work with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    32 min
  • 057: Tony Fitzgerald of AllenWargent Property Buyers | Gold Coast
    Oct 7 2026
    “You really need to have a really good chat and get into their head in terms of what they’re really looking to achieve.”What does it actually take to buy well on the Gold Coast? Chris Bates sits down with Tony Fitzgerald, a former valuer and experienced buyers agent, to unpack the fundamentals shaping one of Australia’s most in-demand property markets — and the risks buyers can easily miss.Tony shares why the Gold Coast continues to attract owner-occupiers and investors, where population growth and infrastructure are creating opportunities, and why buyers need to look beyond suburb names and median prices. They also explore the risks around high-density property and off-the-plan purchases, from oversupply and construction costs to settlement risk.For buyers coming from interstate, Tony explains the local factors that can make a big difference — from busy roads and environmental risks to congestion, property condition and the true quality of comparable sales. He also shares how he benchmarks individual property types to identify whether a sale is genuinely reflective of the market or simply an outlier.With decades of valuation experience across different market cycles, Tony offers a grounded perspective on how to navigate the Gold Coast without getting caught up in the hype.Episode Highlights00:00 – Tony Fitzgerald: From Valuer to buyers agent04:54 – What’s Driving the Gold Coast Property Market?07:02 – Gold Coast Development & Off-the-Plan Risks10:03 – Finding the Right Gold Coast Suburb for Your Lifestyle14:47 – The Biggest Mistakes Gold Coast Buyers Make18:04 – Gold Coast Spruikers, Agents & Building Trust20:52 – How buyers agents Benchmark Gold Coast Property23:30 – Gold Coast Value Traps Buyers Often Miss26:55 – Gold Coast Infrastructure, Congestion & Connectivity28:29 – Why Gold Coast Airport Access Matters to Buyers29:37 – Final Thoughts: Buying Well on the Gold CoastAbout the GuestTony Fitzgerald is a Gold Coast-based buyers agent with a career spanning more than two decades in property valuation before moving into buyer advocacy. He spent around 20 years working in valuation on the Gold Coast, with earlier experience in government land valuation across Queensland, giving him a strong grounding in property fundamentals, comparable sales and market analysis.Tony now works with the AllenWargent Property Buyers team, helping buyers navigate the Gold Coast market with a focus on understanding value, property-specific risks and the factors that make different locations and property types suitable for different buyers.His valuation background and experience across multiple market cycles give him a particularly detailed perspective on the Gold Coast, from established homes and prestige property through to apartments, development and emerging infrastructure.Connect with TonyE-mail | Tony FitzgeraldWebsite | AllenWargentInstagram | Tony FitzgeraldFacebook | Tony FitzgeraldLinkedIn | Tony FitzgeraldWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    31 min
  • 056: Fiona Landreth of Landreth Buyers Advocate | Sydney (Northern Beaches)
    Sep 30 2026
    “There’s so many elements that we should be considering as buyers, which a lot of buyers just don’t know about.” – Fiona LandrethBuying property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches can look straightforward from the outside, but there’s far more to getting it right than finding a home you love. In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Fiona Landreth of Landreth Buyers Advocate to explore the local risks, hidden considerations and decision-making traps that can catch buyers out.Fiona shares lessons from almost 20 years as a buyers agent, including how her experience on the selling side shaped her approach to advocacy. She explains why local knowledge matters, what buyers should investigate around LMR zones, bushfire and flood risks, strata, damp and development, and why driving past a property at different times of day can reveal things an open home won’t.The conversation also explores buying after separation or divorce, where financial pressure, family needs and major life changes can make property decisions even more difficult. Fiona explains why buyers need to think beyond their current circumstances, how to avoid getting emotionally attached during negotiations, and when an experienced buyers agent should challenge you rather than simply agree with you.If you’re buying on the Northern Beaches — or trying to make a major property decision with more confidence — this episode is packed with practical lessons on due diligence, local expertise, negotiation and finding a home that works for the next chapter, not just the next few years.Episode Highlights00:00 – Meet Fiona Landreth: 20 Years in Property03:33 – Why Fiona Built Landreth Buyers Advocate06:47 – Buying a Home After Separation09:43 – Northern Beaches Risks Buyers Can Miss14:16 – Traffic, Aspect & Damp: What to Check19:43 – How the Human Element Can Shape a Deal25:13 – Keeping Emotion Out of Property Decisions30:26 – Buying a Home That Works for the Next 10 Years31:41 – Final TakeawaysAbout the GuestFiona Landreth is a Founder and Director of Landreth Buyers Advocate, specialising in property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.Fiona began investing in property in her mid-20s before moving into real estate, where she gained experience working for one of Australasia’s largest real estate agencies in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Seeing buyers make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives without independent guidance led her to move from the selling side into buyer advocacy almost 20 years ago.Fiona and her former partner went on to build a large property advisory business, growing it to five offices and 30 staff. After their separation eight years ago, Fiona established her own business, drawing on her personal experience to help people navigate separation, divorce and other major life changes, alongside families buying homes across the Northern Beaches.Her approach combines local market knowledge, detailed property due diligence and long-standing relationships with selling agents. She focuses on understanding not only the property itself, but also planning controls, environmental risks, future development, local conditions and the buyer’s longer-term goals.Connect with FionaLinkedIn | Fiona LandrethWebsite | Landreth Buyers AdvocateLinkTree | Fiona LandrethWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials:LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    32 min
  • 055: Julian Muldoon of 1Group Property Advisory | Melbourne
    Sep 23 2026
    “If you can really wait until you get to do it once, you generally want to do it really well.” - Julian MuldoonDoctors can have a unique advantage when it comes to property, with strong incomes, borrowing capacity and relatively predictable career paths. But with that capacity comes a different challenge: knowing when to buy the family home, invest, establish a private practice or acquire commercial premises — and how to make those decisions work together.In this episode, Chris Bates and Julian Muldoon from 1Group Property Advisory explore the property decisions facing medical professionals, from building residential portfolios to buying or developing premises for private practice. They discuss why medical commercial property can be an interesting opportunity, what can go wrong with planning, parking, construction and feasibility, and how health hubs can create new possibilities for practitioners.They also unpack the risks of moving too quickly simply because the borrowing capacity is there, including the temptation to take on multiple investments or off-the-plan properties. For Julian, the key is understanding the bigger picture: how much risk you want to take, how hard you want to work, and how today's property decisions affect your long-term wealth and lifestyle.Episode Highlights00:00 – Meet Julian Muldoon03:47 – Why Doctors Are Turning to Buyers Agents05:30 – Balancing the Family Home, Practice and Investments08:48 – Why Medical Commercial Property Can Work in Super11:06 – Building Wealth Without Sacrificing Your Lifestyle15:30 – Why Doctors Can Be Tricky Buyers to Negotiate For17:37 – Where Medical Commercial Property Deals Go Wrong24:53 – Why Doctors May Have More Opportunity in This Market28:31 – The Risks of Off-the-Plan Property for Doctors30:42 – Key Lessons for Doctors Building Wealth Through PropertyAbout the GuestJulian Muldoon is a Buyers Agent and Director at 1Group Property Advisory, with 15 years of experience in the buyer’s agent industry.Based in Melbourne, Julian works across residential property and specialises in medical commercial acquisitions nationally, helping doctors and medical professionals navigate property decisions across their homes, investments and private practices.His experience has given him a close understanding of the unique challenges faced by medical professionals, from balancing strong borrowing capacity with long-term goals to assessing commercial sites, planning requirements, feasibility and the development of medical practices.In this episode, Julian shares his perspective on building a property strategy around the realities of a medical career — and why having the right advice can be particularly important when there are multiple major property and business decisions competing for attention.Connect with JulianLinkedIn | Julian MuldoonLinkedIn | 1Group Property AdvisoryWebsite | 1Group Work with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    31 min
  • 054: Matthew O'Donoghue of Watermans Property Advocates | Adelaide
    Sep 16 2026
    “Adelaide post-COVID has had incremental growth of approximately 8% year on year for the last four or five years. Never seen it before.”Adelaide has undergone a remarkable transformation, with years of strong growth pushing the median house price above $1 million and forcing buyers and investors to rethink where and how they buy. But as buyer activity starts to cool and properties take longer to sell, the market is entering a different phase.In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Matt O’Donoghue from Watermans Property Advocates to unpack Adelaide’s property market from a local buyer’s agent’s perspective. With more than 20 years in real estate, Matt shares what he’s seeing across Adelaide’s blue-chip, beachside, hills, western, northern and southern markets.They explore where affordability is still available, how interstate investors have influenced the market, why school zones and international buyers are creating pockets of competition, and what buyers can miss when they don’t have someone on the ground. Matt also shares the due diligence details that can make or break a purchase, from overhead power lines and transport to lifestyle, development and resale considerations.If you’re buying or investing in Adelaide, this episode offers a practical look at how the market has changed—and what to consider as the city moves beyond its post-COVID boom.Episode Highlights02:06 – From Real Estate Sales to Buyer Advocacy06:05 – How Interstate BAs Are Changing Adelaide08:54 – How to Read Adelaide’s Property Market13:43 – Adelaide’s Blue Chips vs Affordable Pockets16:14 – Has Adelaide’s Market Finally Started to Shift?18:51 – Why Adelaide Buyers Can Search Citywide21:51 – New Supply, Density and Developer Pressure23:18 – The Hidden Details Buyers Can Easily Miss27:16 – School Zones Are Driving Adelaide Price Shocks29:19 – Adelaide Market: Key Takeaways for BuyersAbout the GuestMatt O’Donoghue is a buyers advocate with Watermans Property Advocates in Adelaide, bringing more than 20 years of real estate experience. He began his career with Elders Real Estate in the Clare Valley in 2004 before running his own franchise on the Yorke Peninsula for 10 years.Matt has spent the past six years in buyer advocacy and works across both residential and commercial property. He also serves as the REBA state representative for South Australia, giving him strong connections across Adelaide’s real estate industry.In this episode, Matt shares his on-the-ground perspective on Adelaide’s changing market, including affordability, interstate investment, suburb selection, buyer demand and the importance of thorough due diligence.Connect with MatthewWebsite | Waterman Property AdvocatesWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials:LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    30 min
  • 053: Robert Martin of Hunter Farmer | Commercial NSW
    Sep 9 2026
    “Yield is a great thing and it certainly assists with cash flow, but it should never be your sole focus.”Commercial property can offer strong cash flow and compelling opportunities, but Robert Martin says investors need to look well beyond the headline yield. With nearly 12 years in the buyers agent space, Robert joins Chris to unpack how he assesses commercial opportunities across Australia, including his current focus on Perth and Southeast Queensland.From flood overlays and unapproved building works to zoning, tenant use and vacancy risk, Robert shares the due diligence traps that can turn a promising commercial deal into a costly mistake. He also explains why diversified markets and versatile assets matter, where value starts to emerge across different price points, and how rental reversion can create upside when the numbers stack up.As co-founder of Hunter Farmer, Robert brings a client-first approach shaped by years of navigating commercial property deals. This episode is a practical look at how investors can assess risk, recognise genuine opportunity and know when the smartest move is to walk away.Episode Highlights01:24 – Meet Commercial Property Expert Robert Martin02:00 – Robert’s Path Into Commercial Property03:34 – Navigating the Commercial Property Minefield05:00 – Why Buyers Agents Must Put Clients First06:39 – When to Walk Away From a Commercial Deal09:32 – How Local Knowledge Shapes Commercial Deals13:00 – Look Beyond Yield When Choosing a Market16:46 – Comparing Risk Across Commercial Asset Types18:25 – Where Value Emerges at Different Price Points21:39 – The Risk and Reward of Rental Reversion22:54 – The Costs Commercial Investors Can Overlook24:25 – When Poor Due Diligence Gets Expensive28:49 – How One Asset Reached a 14% Net Return32:46 – Why Owner Occupiers Are Driving Up Prices34:00 – High Demand, Tight Supply in Commercial36:06 – Why Commercial Experience Matters38:09 – Go Into Commercial Property PreparedAbout the GuestRobert Martin is the co-founder of Hunter Farmer and an experienced commercial buyers agent with more than a decade in the industry. Having been involved in over 2,000 property deals across Australia, Robert brings extensive experience in assessing commercial opportunities, navigating due diligence and managing investment risk.His expertise spans commercial markets across Australia, with Hunter Farmer currently focused heavily on Perth and Southeast Queensland. Robert’s approach looks beyond headline yield, considering factors such as market diversity, tenant security, vacancy risk, asset versatility and long-term growth potential.At Hunter Farmer, Robert champions a client-first approach built around transparency, trust and quality advice. His experience gives investors a practical perspective on what makes a strong commercial asset — and, just as importantly, when to walk away from a deal.Connect with RobertRobert’s LinkedInHunter Farmer (Website)Hunter Farmer (Facebook)Hunter Farmer (LinkedIn)Work with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials:LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️Follow us on our socials!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.
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    39 min