039: Chris Curtis of Curtis Associates | Inner City - Sydney

039: Chris Curtis of Curtis Associates | Inner City - Sydney

“Scarcity drives value… and most people don’t understand what real scarcity looks like.” – Chris Curtis Inner city Sydney is one of the most competitive and misunderstood property markets in Australia. In this episode, Chris Curtis breaks down what actually drives value—and where buyers get it wrong. With over 20 years as a buyer’s agent (and a background as a barrister and Macquarie Bank executive), Chris shares how trust, off-market access, and deep due diligence separate good deals from costly mistakes. From Potts Point to Surry Hills, he explains what buyers should be looking for—and what to avoid. We dive into downsizer demand, why many developments are missing the mark, the risks hiding in strata, and how planning changes like LMR and TOD are reshaping the market. If you’re buying or investing in Sydney’s inner city, this episode will sharpen how you assess value, risk, and long-term upside. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:09 – From Barrister To Sydney Buyer’s Agent 03:54 – Buyer’s Agent Regulation Crisis Explained 05:14 – Why Trust Matters More Than Transactions 07:00 – Off-Market Access Through Agent Relationships 09:16 – What’s Driving Sydney’s Inner-City Demand? 09:46 – Budget Changes, Tax Risks & Owner-Occupiers 12:43 – Downsizers, Developers & Market Disconnects 16:12 – Why Affordable Housing Isn’t Affordable 19:30 – Rethinking Space: The Case For Vertical Living 23:24 – Scarcity Drives Value: The Estate Trap 25:01 – Finding Scarcity In Sydney Apartment Markets 27:23 – Due Diligence Mistakes That Cost Millions 29:31 – AI, Property Research & Off-Market Myths 31:19 – LMR, TODs & The Planning Uncertainty Ahead ABOUT THE GUEST Chris Curtis is the founder of Curtis Associates and a highly experienced buyer’s agent specialising in Sydney’s inner city property market. Before becoming a buyer’s agent over 20 years ago, Chris spent 17 years as a barrister and later worked in property at Macquarie Bank. His career blends legal, financial, and property expertise, giving him a unique edge in high-stakes acquisitions. Chris has acted for a wide range of high-profile clients, including senior legal figures and executives, with over 85% of his business coming from repeat clients and referrals. He is known for his conflict-free approach, deep off-market access (often sourcing 90–95% of deals this way), and a strong focus on fiduciary duty—prioritising client outcomes over transactions. CONNECT WITH CHRIS * Website - Curtis Associates [https://www.curtisassociates.com.au/] * Facebook Page - Curtis Associates [https://www.facebook.com/CurtisAssociates] * LinkedIn - Chirs Curtis [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chriscurtisgr8buy/] * LinkedIn - Curtis Associates [https://www.linkedin.com/company/curtis-associates/] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

038: Steve Palise of Palise Property | Nationwide (Commercial)

“Commercial outperforms — you get three times the cash flow and the same capital growth.” – Steve Palise Commercial property is gaining serious momentum—but most investors still don’t understand how it really works. In this episode, Steve Palise breaks down why commercial assets are outperforming on paper, and where investors go wrong chasing yield without understanding risk. Steve shares his journey from engineer to building a portfolio across 1,000+ residential and hundreds of commercial deals, along with how he evaluates assets, tenants, and locations beyond surface-level metrics. We dive into key concepts like vacancy risk, tenant quality, yield compression, and why due diligence in commercial is significantly more complex than residential—covering everything from lease reviews to tenant financials. If you’re considering commercials—or want to avoid costly mistakes—this episode gives you a clear framework to think smarter about risk, return, and long-term strategy. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:12 Meet Steve Palise: The Commercial Specialist 03:17 Commercial vs Residential: Key Differences 08:01 How to Analyse Commercial Deals Properly 10:25 What Happens When Commercial Deals Fail 12:46 Vacancy Risk Most Investors Ignore 14:29 Price Points, Tenants, and Risk Levels 17:32 Commercial Value-Add Strategies Explained 20:18 The Overconfidence Trap in Commercial 21:57 Real Example: Shopping Centre Returns 25:57 Why Industrial Showrooms Are in Demand 27:11 Inside a 40-Hour Due Diligence Process 29:13 Hidden Costs: Insurance and Outgoings 33:22 Why Demand Matters More Than Tenants 34:44 Supply, Growth, and Risk Explained 36:44 Supply Constraints and Tenant Demand 38:51 Budget Impact and Investor Trends ABOUT THE GUEST Steve Palise is the founder of Palise Property and a commercial-focused buyer’s agent with experience across more than 2,000 property transactions, including 1,200+ residential and 800+ commercial deals. Originally trained as a structural and mechanical design engineer, Steve transitioned into property investing after building his own residential portfolio, starting with a purchase in Western Sydney in 2012. He later helped scale a buyer’s agency to a 25–30 person team before launching his own business, where he became known for his data-driven approach and deep expertise in commercial property analysis. Steve is widely recognised for educating investors on commercial property, having authored one of the first widely distributed books on the topic and giving away over 50,000 copies. His investment philosophy focuses on cash flow, tenant quality, and rigorous due diligence—often involving 20–40 hours of analysis per deal. CONNECT WITH STEVE * LinkedIn - Steve Palise [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steve-palise/] * LinkedIn - Palise Property [https://www.linkedin.com/company/palise-property/] * Instagram - Palise Property [https://www.instagram.com/paliseproperty/] * YouTube - Steve Palise | Palise Property [https://www.youtube.com/@paliseproperty] * Website - Palise Property Buyers Agency [https://www.paliseproperty.com/] * Facebook Page - Palise Property [https://www.facebook.com/paliseproperty] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

037: Henny Rahardja of OH Property | Northern Sydney

“There’s no point looking at properties until you’ve nailed the strategy.” – Henny Rahardja Buying on Sydney’s North Shore isn’t just competitive—it’s constrained, nuanced, and easy to get wrong. Limited supply, tightly held suburbs, strict council controls, and lifestyle-driven demand mean buyers are often competing hard… without fully understanding what they’re buying into. In this episode, Chris sits down with Henny Rahardja, a buyer’s agent with nearly two decades of experience specialising in the Upper and Lower North Shore. From Chatswood to Turramurra, Henny has built a reputation for helping families make smarter, long-term property decisions. They break down what different budgets actually buy across key suburbs, how schools and lifestyle shape buying decisions, and why many buyers get caught chasing the wrong locations. Henny also shares the technical side most overlooked—council restrictions, trees, zoning, and how these impact what you can (and can’t) do with a property. The conversation goes deeper into evolving buyer trends, from multi-generational living to downsizing strategies, and why thinking about your exit before you buy is critical in today’s market. If you’re serious about buying in Sydney—or any high-stakes market—this episode will give you a clearer, more strategic lens. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:23 – From Corporate to Buyer’s Agent 04:47 – North Shore Expertise and Client Ethics 07:04 – What Your Budget Really Buys on the North Shore 08:38 – Why Lifestyle and Schools Drive Buying Decisions 12:21 – Why Great Agents Study How You Live 16:05 – Zoning Changes and Their Impact on Prices 19:52 – Divorce and the Shift in Housing Needs 22:14 – Rise of Multigenerational Living in Sydney 27:59 – When to Look Beyond the North Shore 30:14 – What Separates Good vs Great Buyer’s Agents 33:13 – Exit Strategy and Choosing the Right Compromise 37:56 – How Agent Relationships Win You Deals 40:40 – Cultural Factors That Influence Property Value 43:36 – Negotiation Strategy and Final Insights ABOUT THE GUEST Henny Rahardja is a Sydney-based buyer’s agent and co-founder of OH Property, specialising in the Upper and Lower North Shore markets. With nearly 19 years of experience exclusively as a buyer’s agent, Henny has purchased hundreds of properties and built a reputation for strategic, client-first advice. Her expertise spans suburbs along the North Shore train line, with a strong focus on family buyers and multi-generational households. Henny’s background includes roles at Accenture, Microsoft, and international work with the United Nations and World Bank before transitioning into property. Her approach combines technical knowledge—covering zoning, council restrictions, and development constraints—with a deep understanding of lifestyle needs, particularly around schools and family dynamics. She is also known for her strong industry relationships, ethical approach, and willingness to prioritise long-term outcomes over short-term deals. CONNECT WITH HENNY * Facebook Page - OH Property [https://www.facebook.com/ohproperty] * X - OH Property [https://x.com/ohproperty] * Website - OH Property Group [https://ohpropertygroup.com/] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

036: Lisa Parker of Parker Buyer Advocates | Melbourne – South

“We can buy a perfect, pretty home that fits the budget… but it doesn’t necessarily mean that home is going to grow in value.” – Lisa Parker Melbourne’s South has long been one of the city’s most desirable corridors—but where should buyers focus now? Chris sits down with Lisa Parker of Parker Buyer Advocates, who brings 25 years of experience across owner-occupier and investment markets. From Bayside to the leafy East to fast-changing Frankston, Lisa breaks down how different suburbs appeal to different buyers—and how to match budget with lifestyle. They also dive into one of the biggest mistakes buyers make: choosing polished homes with weak growth fundamentals instead of assets that help them leapfrog into the next stage of life faster. If you're weighing lifestyle, capital growth, or Melbourne’s next move, this is an episode worth hearing. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:57 – From Sales to Buyer Advocacy: Lisa’s Story 06:39 – 25 Years of Learning What Great Buying Looks Like 08:36 – Why Trusted Agents Give Some Buyers the Edge 11:34 – Why Referrals Beat Volume in Property Advice 15:03 – Why Melbourne’s South Stays in Demand 19:04 – Matching Buyers to Lifestyle, Area and Budget 22:05 – Why Homebuyers Need an Investor Mindset 25:43 – Renovation Mistakes Buyers Keep Making 27:16 – Frankston’s 20-Year Turnaround Explained 30:21 – Frankston’s Hidden Pockets Buyers Must Know 34:31 – Supply Risks That Can Hurt Future Growth 37:54 – Density, Traffic and the Livability Trade-Off 40:14 – How Strong Agent Ties Win Better Deals 42:49 – Hybrid Work’s Impact on Melbourne Buying Trends ABOUT THE GUEST Lisa Parker is the founder of Parker Buyer Advocates and a highly experienced Melbourne buyer’s advocate with more than 25 years in the property industry. She began her career in real estate sales before moving into financial planning and mortgage broking, giving her a rare full-spectrum understanding of how property, finance, and long-term wealth creation intersect. Lisa has spent decades helping buyers secure homes and investments across Melbourne’s South, with a strong reputation for strategic suburb selection, capital growth focus, and deep agent relationships built over time. She has also personally renovated 24 homes over the past 20 years, bringing practical renovation insight to clients looking for upside and value-add opportunities. CONNECT WITH LISA * Lisa’s LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaparkerbuyersadvocate/] * Parker Buyer Advocates (Website) [https://www.parkerbuyeradvocates.com.au/] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.

035: Amy Lunardi of Amy Lunardi Property | Melbourne Inner North

“Some areas are undiscovered and unexplored… but you need to know what makes them tick.” – Amy Lunardi Melbourne’s Inner North is one of the city’s most in-demand regions — but beneath the headlines sits a far more nuanced market. In this episode, Chris Bates is joined by Amy Lunardi, founder of Amy Lunardi Property and co-host of the Australian Property Podcast, to break down how buyers should think about Brunswick, Preston, Thornbury, Rosanna, Greensborough and surrounding suburbs. They unpack why suburb-level data can mislead buyers, which pockets are gaining traction, how work-from-home has shifted demand, and why some “next suburb” investment logic fails. Amy also explains how deep agent relationships helped secure 75% of client purchases off-market last year, plus her take on Melbourne apartments, boutique developments, and what makes a property hold long-term appeal. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS 01:19 – From Economics to Buyer’s Agent Success 03:24 – The Skills Great Buyers Agents Really Need 09:22 – Why Local Knowledge Beats Online Research 12:44 – Melbourne Inner North Traps to Avoid 16:47 – Why Buyers Are Expanding Beyond the Inner North 21:34 – How Agent Relationships Unlock Off-Markets 25:46 – Fixing Buyer Briefs and Expectations Fast 32:23 – Investing, Supply Risks and Density Choices 36:38 – Great Apartments vs Misleading Property Data 38:28 – Final Thoughts on Melbourne’s Inner North ABOUT THE GUEST Amy Lunardi is the founder of Amy Lunardi Property, a Melbourne-based buyer’s advocacy business established in 2020. She has worked in buyer’s advocacy since 2012, giving her more than a decade of frontline experience helping clients purchase homes and investments across Melbourne. Before entering property, Amy studied economics and commerce and worked in government roles focused on sustainability and economics. She later took a significant pay cut to break into real estate — beginning in leasing before moving into buyer’s advocacy. Known for her analytical approach, deep suburban knowledge, and strong agent relationships, Amy specialises in Melbourne’s Inner North, Inner East and surrounding growth corridors. She is also co-host of the Australian Property Podcast. CONNECT WITH AMY * Amy's LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-lunardi-9929ab28/] * Amy Lunardi Property (Instagram) [https://www.instagram.com/amy_lunardi_property/] * Amy Lunardi Property (Website) [https://amylunardi.com.au/] * Amy Lunardi Property (LinkedIn) [https://www.linkedin.com/company/amy-lunardi-property/] * Amy Lunardi Property (TikTok) [https://www.tiktok.com/@amylunardiproperty] WORK WITH CHRIS (ALCOVE) * Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au * Email - hello@alcove.com.au [hello@alcove.com.au] * Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) * Socials: * LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb [https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb] * LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/] * Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/ [https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/] 🗓️Book a chat with us! [https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at-alcove/cx-initial-discovery-call]🗓️ FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIALS! * YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * LinkedIn [http://linkedin.com/company/108454250/] * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/street_secrets_podcast/] * TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@street_secrets_podcast] 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 [https://www.youtube.com/@street-secrets] * Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268] * Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpcuxCYwceQiHdBnaq?si=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nA [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.