Street Secrets

“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
Amy Lunardi Property (Instagram)
Amy Lunardi Property (Website)
Amy Lunardi Property (LinkedIn)
Amy Lunardi Property (TikTok)

Work with Chris (Alcove)
Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au
Email - [email protected]
Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683)
Socials:
LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
LinkedIn (Chris) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopherbates/
Instagram (Chris) - https://www.instagram.com/chrisbates_alcove/

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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.

“Toowoomba is very regional, Ipswich still has that rural feel—and both have had major shifts.” – Melinda Granzien
Ipswich and Toowoomba are no longer fringe markets quietly sitting outside the spotlight. Rising demand, changing demographics, and renewed infrastructure investment have turned both into serious considerations for investors, home buyers, and families chasing more space.
As Brisbane affordability pressures push buyers further west, attention on these corridors has only intensified—but not every suburb, estate, or cheap listing is a smart buy.
In this episode, Chris Bates sits down with Melinda Granzien from Precision Property Buyers, a true local expert who has lived and worked in the region her entire life. She breaks down what’s really happening across Ipswich, Toowoomba, and the Lockyer Valley.
They unpack flood risk, why some heavily marketed suburbs may have peaked, where larger land parcels still offer upside, and how lifestyle demand is reshaping regional Queensland markets.
If you’re considering Queensland beyond the capital cities, this conversation could save you years of trial and error.
Episode Highlights
01:54 – How Melinda Built Her Buyer’s Agency
04:37 – Why Ipswich & Toowoomba Are Heating Up
05:34 – Who’s Moving West—And Why Now
07:09 – How to Pick the Right Property Asset
09:01 – Inside the Ipswich Market Today
10:21 – Toowoomba Growth Drivers and Risks
12:11 – Acreage Demand and Westward Growth
14:38 – Investor Frenzy and Buying Mistakes
20:57 – Flood Zones and Best Ipswich Pockets
23:30 – Why Local Agent Relationships Matter
27:07 – Future Infrastructure and Growth Outlook
29:49 – Final Lessons for Smart Buyers
About the Guest
Melinda Granzien is the founder of Precision Property Buyers and a specialist buyer’s agent servicing Ipswich, Toowoomba, and the Lockyer Valley. A lifelong local of the region, Melinda combines deep on-the-ground market knowledge with firsthand investing experience.
Before entering real estate, she worked in the medical industry, where colleagues regularly sought her advice on building wealth through property. That demand sparked her move into the buyer’s advocacy space.
With a strong reputation for detailed due diligence, physical inspections, and honest market guidance, Melinda helps clients navigate regional Queensland markets with confidence — especially where local nuance matters most.
Connect with Melinda
Melinda's LinkedIn
Precision Property Buyers Agency (Website)
Precision Property Buyers Agency (Facebook Page)
Precision Property Buyers Agency (Instagram)

Work with Chris (Alcove)
Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au
Email - [email protected]
Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683)
Socials:
LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
LinkedIn (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!
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 are micro markets within micro markets within micro markets.” – Matt Spooner
Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs is one of the most competitive property markets in the country—but most buyers approach it the wrong way.
In this episode, Matt Spooner from Buyers Market shares how his transition from mortgage broking to buyer’s agency shaped a strategy-first, advisory approach to property. He explains why early education beats reactive buying, and why the best opportunities go to the most prepared buyers—not the fastest.
We go deep into the realities of buying in the East: how micro markets actually work, why suburb “records” can be misleading, the real impact of development reforms, and how buyer behaviour is shifting across pockets like Bondi, Clovelly, and Randwick.
If you’re serious about buying in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs—whether it’s your home or your next move—this episode will sharpen how you think about assets, risk, and long-term value.
Episode Highlights
00:10 — From Broker to Buyer’s Agent: Matt’s Shift
06:58 — What Great Buyer’s Agents Actually Do
09:41 — The Reality of Pricing in Sydney’s East
11:31 — Planning Reforms and Hidden Risks
15:45 — Infrastructure vs Lifestyle: What Buyers Miss
23:15 — The Mistake of Compromising on Fundamentals
24:32 — How Sales Agents Shift Buyer Decisions
32:35 — The Proactive Buying Strategy Explained
34:42 — Upgrade Psychology and Building the Right Team
36:38 — Identifying Risk Pockets in Sydney’s East
39:07 — Why A-Grade Assets Always Win
About the Guest
Matt Spooner is the Director of Buyers Market, a Sydney-based buyer’s agency specialising in the Eastern Suburbs. He began his career as a mortgage broker, spending several years working closely with buyers on finance, risk, and transaction strategy before transitioning into Buyer’s Advocacy.
With a strong foundation in financial services, Matt brings a detailed understanding of valuations, lending, and buyer behaviour—skills that now underpin his advisory approach to property. Over time, he has built Buyers Market into a growing business, working with clients across Sydney’s most competitive and tightly held markets.
Matt is known for his strategy-first mindset, focusing on education, asset selection, and long-term outcomes rather than transactional wins. He works extensively across the Eastern Suburbs, helping owner-occupiers and investors navigate complex micro markets, assess risk, and secure A-grade properties with strong fundamentals.
Connect with Matt
Matt Spooner’s LinkedIn
Matt Spooner (@mattspooner_) · Woollahra, NSW
Buyers Market Buyers Agents
Buyers Market Buyers Agents’ LinkedIn
Buyers Market Buyers Agents | Woollahra NSW
Buyers Market Buyers Agents’ Instagram

Work with Chris (Alcove)
Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au
Email - [email protected]
Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683)
Socials:
LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
LinkedIn (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!
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.

“It's not just an investment—you’re buying a home for someone else to live in.” – James Freudigmann
Brisbane has gone from a “sleepy” market to one of the most talked-about cities in Australia—but beneath the surface, the dynamics are far more complex than most investors realise.
In this episode, James Freudigmann, Director at PMC Property and former valuer, shares how Brisbane has evolved over the past two decades, what’s really driven its recent growth, and why the next phase may look very different.
We dive into the risks many buyers overlook: oversupplied growth corridors, flood and overland flow exposure, zoning traps, and the growing gap between premium streets and average ones. James also explains why area specialisation is becoming critical—and why fly-in investors and agents are often missing key nuances.
If you’re looking to buy in Brisbane, this episode will give you a sharper lens on where to focus—and what to avoid as the market shifts.
Episode Highlights
02:01 — The Valuer Mindset vs Market Reality
04:36 — Brisbane’s Growth Story: Boom to Now
06:27 — What’s Really Driving Brisbane Growth
08:44 — The Migration Shift to Southeast QLD
10:16 — Brisbane vs Coast: Key Market Differences
13:10 — Why Area Specialists Are Winning
15:42 — Investor Traps in New Estates
21:19 — Upgraders Driving Brisbane’s Top End
25:04 — Why Quality Homes Command Premiums
28:24 — Flood Risk and Hidden Property Traps
30:44 — Zoning, Scarcity, and Future Growth
33:00 — Agent Relationships: The Real Edge
36:02 — Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways
About the Guest
James Freudigmann is a Director at PMC Property Buyers and brings nearly two decades of experience across valuation and buyer’s agency.
Starting his career in 1999 as a residential valuer after studying property economics and valuation, James developed a deep foundation in property analysis, construction, and risk assessment. He transitioned into buyer’s agency in 2007 and later co-founded a national valuation firm before launching PMC Property in 2014.
James has extensive experience navigating multiple market cycles—including the GFC, COVID boom, and Brisbane’s long post-2010 stagnation—giving him a well-rounded perspective on both growth and downturn conditions.
Today, he leads a multi-office buyer’s agency with a strong focus on area specialisation, helping clients secure high-quality assets across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast.
Connect with James
LinkedIn - James Freudigmann
Instagram - James Freudigmann
Website - PMC Property Buyers
Facebook - PMC Property Buyers | Manly NSW
Facebook - PMC Property Buyers - Brisbane
Instagram - PMC Property Buyers Brisbane
Instagram - PMC Property Buyers Sydney
Instagram - PMC Property Buyers Gold Coast
Instagram - PMC Property Buyers Sunshine Coast

Work with Chris (Alcove)
Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au
Email - [email protected]
Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683)
Socials:
LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
LinkedIn (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!
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 are significant opportunities across Newcastle… in a market that’s relatively affordable, with lifestyle close to the beach and the city.” — Reece Marini
Newcastle has quietly become one of the most compelling property markets in NSW—but only if you understand what’s actually changed.
In this episode, Chris sits down with Buyer’s Agent Reece Marini to unpack Newcastle’s evolution—from a mining-driven economy to a lifestyle and employment hub backed by billions in infrastructure, healthcare expansion, and growing corporate presence.
They break down where the real opportunities are emerging, including gentrification in suburbs like Mayfield, the growing demand for low-density living in areas like Merewether, and the risks of chasing cheap house-and-land packages in outer estates.
If you’re considering Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, or the Central Coast, this episode gives you a clear framework to match your budget, strategy, and long-term goals to the right location—and avoid the common traps along the way.
Episode Highlights
01:41 — Reese Marini Background
02:44 — Why Become a Buyers Agent
04:46 — Newcastle Transformation
06:19 — Uni and Return Migration
09:05 — Lifestyle and Gentrification
11:03 — Land Scarcity and Commute
13:11 — New Estates and Tradeoffs
17:31 — Transport Links Airport Train
18:40 — Choosing Newcastle vs Coast
20:38 — Mayfield Deep Dive
26:44 — Family Life and School Zones
30:13 — Team Advantage with Pete
32:29 — Agent Relationships in Hot Market
36:47 — Wrap Up and Thanks
About the Guest
Reece Marini is a Buyer’s Agent with over a decade of experience in financial services, having worked across insurance, high net worth advisory, and intergenerational wealth planning at PKF Wealth.
He transitioned into property to bridge a key gap he saw in financial advice—helping clients strategically build property portfolios aligned with long-term income and wealth goals.
Based between Newcastle and the Central Coast, Reece combines deep local knowledge with a financial planning mindset, advising clients on suburb selection, asset types, and long-term portfolio strategy across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and surrounding regions.
Connect with Reece
AllenWargent Property Buyers
Reece Marini - North Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | Professional Profile | LinkedIn

Work with Chris (Alcove)
Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au
Email - [email protected]
Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683)
Socials:
LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb
LinkedIn (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!
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.