“A good buyer’s agent should keep you out of trouble—the cost of getting it wrong in Sydney has many zeroes in the end.” – John Carew

Sydney’s Inner West has become one of the most complex buying environments in the country—shaped by migration patterns, zoning changes, lifestyle trade-offs and emotional decision-making.

In this episode, Chris Bates is joined by John Carew, Director of Mayfield Property Buyers, to unpack what really drives buyer outcomes across Hunters Hill, Gladesville, the Inner West and the Lower North Shore.

John explains why most buyers misunderstand the value of a buyer’s agent, why A-grade homes rarely come cheap, and how local knowledge—from school zones to neighbour risk—plays a bigger role than most realise.

They also dive into TOD zoning, why proximity to transport can be both an opportunity and a trap, and how the cost of a wrong decision in Sydney often far outweighs any short-term “saving.”

If you’re buying or investing in Sydney and want fewer mistakes, clearer strategy, and better long-term outcomes, this conversation will sharpen how you think about property.

00:00 — Introduction to Buyer's Agents

01:53 — Meet John Carew: From Banking to Buyer's Agency

03:39 — The Psychology of Real Estate

05:10 — Navigating Client Expectations

08:53 — Understanding Sydney's Inner West

14:34 — The Importance of Local Knowledge

19:28 — The Role of a Buyer's Agent Team

23:37 — Misconceptions About Buyer's Agents

29:29 — The Value of Due Diligence

35:23 — Conclusion and Final Thoughts

John Carew is the Director of Mayfield Property Buyers, a Sydney-based buyer’s agency specialising in the Inner West, Hunters Hill, Gladesville and the Lower North Shore.

With a background in banking and agricultural economics, John transitioned into buyer’s advocacy over a decade ago after personally investing and helping friends and family navigate Sydney’s market. Since launching Mayfield in 2015, he has built a team-based buyer’s agency model focused on deep local expertise, disciplined due diligence and long-term client outcomes.

John is known for his calm, evidence-led approach—helping buyers avoid common traps around zoning changes, unrealistic briefs, emotional decision-making and overpaying for scarcity. His team works collaboratively, leveraging multiple perspectives, long-standing agent relationships and granular suburb knowledge to secure A-grade homes at fair value.

1. Mayfield Property Buyers’ Website
2. Mayfield Property Buyers’ LinkedIn
3. Mayfield Property Buyers’ Facebook Page
4. Mayfield Property Buyers’ Instagram
5. John Carew’s LinkedIn

1. Business Webpage Link - https://www.alcove.com.au/