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

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

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

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

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

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

01:45 — Cathy's Journey into Real Estate

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

10:04 — Helping Clients Find the Right Property

15:05 — Challenges and Considerations in Property Buying

17:08 — The Impact of Developments on Property Value

19:48 — Common Pitfalls in Property Buying

22:34 — Changing Suburbs and School Fees

23:39 — Transport Challenges in the Hills

26:00 — Community and Family Ties

32:43 — Unexpected Value from Buyer's Agents

35:08 — The Importance of Good Professionals

40:28 — Final Thoughts and Conclusion

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

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

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

1. Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/
2. Phone: 0489 913 227