“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 - hello@alcove.com.au
• 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

“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 - hello@alcove.com.au
• Socials:
• LinkedIn (Alcove) -

"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 - hello@alcove.com.au
• Socials:
• LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
• LinkedIn (Chris) -

“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 - hello@alcove.com.au
• Socials:
• LinkedIn (Alcove) -

“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 -

“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 - hello@alcove.com.au
• Socials:
• LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
• LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/
• Instagram -

“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.”

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

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.

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

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

“Anyone who thinks they’ve done well because they’ve been in property for five years is kidding themselves.” – Meighan Wells

Brisbane veteran Meighan Wells has been buying homes and investments long before buyer’s agents were a trend. In this episode, she explains why experience, local knowledge, and understanding agent psychology still matter more than ever.

Meighan breaks down how to spot Brisbane’s flood risks, read the gentrification map, and know when an “off-market” is truly worth chasing. She also shares how a buyer’s agent’s value changes across different market cycles — from fast-moving booms to patient negotiations.

If you’re buying or investing in Brisbane, this one’s essential listening before you make your next move.

00:00 – Intro: Understanding Real Estate Agent Motivations

02:05 — Meighan Wells' Journey into Real Estate

09:53 — Specializing in the Brisbane Market

18:04 — Investment Fundamentals and Owner Occupier Considerations

21:59 — Understanding Queenslander Layouts

22:38 — The Importance of Property Aspect

24:04 — Land Quality vs. Quantity

24:19 — Brisbane Market Dynamics

25:46 — Challenges for New Buyer's Agents

27:24 — Off-Market and Pre-Market Properties

29:44 — Negotiation Strategies

32:59 — Value of Buyer's Agents in Different Markets

36:57 — Team Advantage in Real Estate

38:56 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Meighan Wells is the Founder and Director of Property Pursuit, a leading Brisbane buyer’s agency established in 2003. With more than 20 years of experience in property advisory, Meighan has built a reputation for deep local expertise, transparent processes, and rigorous due diligence.

She previously worked in corporate consulting and real estate sales with Ray White before pioneering buyer’s agency services in Queensland. Today, Meighan and her team specialise in Brisbane’s inner suburbs, using a 36-point investment framework and over 150 due diligence checks to ensure clients buy with confidence and clarity.

Her work has been featured on The Elephant in the Room podcast and across industry media as a benchmark for professional buyer’s advocacy.

• Property Pursuit
• Property Pursuit Advisors (LinkedIn)
• Meighan’s LinkedIn
• Meighan’s Facebook

• Phone: 0489 913 227
• Email - hello@alcove.com.au
• 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