Street Secrets 019: Cathy McGowan | McGowan Property Buyers | Upper North Shore Sydney
“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.
Episode Highlights
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
About the Guest
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.
Connect with Cathy
- McGowan Property Buyers’ Website
- McGowan Property Buyers’ LinkedIn
- McGowan Property Buyers’ Instagram
- McGowan Property Buyers’ Facebook Page
- Catherine McGowan’s LinkedIn
Work with Chris (Alcove)
- 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 - https://www.instagram.com/alcove.au
Follow us on our socials!
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.