“There’s so many elements that we should be considering as buyers, which a lot of buyers just don’t know about.” – Fiona Landreth Buying property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches can look straightforward from the outside, but there’s far more to getting it right than finding a home you love. In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Fiona Landreth of Landreth Buyers Advocate to explore the local risks, hidden considerations and decision-making traps that can catch buyers out. Fiona shares lessons from almost 20 years as a buyers agent, including how her experience on the selling side shaped her approach to advocacy. She explains why local knowledge matters, what buyers should investigate around LMR zones, bushfire and flood risks, strata, damp and development, and why driving past a property at different times of day can reveal things an open home won’t. The conversation also explores buying after separation or divorce, where financial pressure, family needs and major life changes can make property decisions even more difficult. Fiona explains why buyers need to think beyond their current circumstances, how to avoid getting emotionally attached during negotiations, and when an experienced buyers agent should challenge you rather than simply agree with you. If you’re buying on the Northern Beaches — or trying to make a major property decision with more confidence — this episode is packed with practical lessons on due diligence, local expertise, negotiation and finding a home that works for the next chapter, not just the next few years. Episode Highlights00:00 – Meet Fiona Landreth: 20 Years in Property 03:33 – Why Fiona Built Landreth Buyers Advocate 06:47 – Buying a Home After Separation 09:43 – Northern Beaches Risks Buyers Can Miss 14:16 – Traffic, Aspect & Damp: What to Check 19:43 – How the Human Element Can Shape a Deal 25:13 – Keeping Emotion Out of Property Decisions 30:26 – Buying a Home That Works for the Next 10 Years 31:41 – Final Takeaways About the GuestFiona Landreth is a Founder and Director of Landreth Buyers Advocate, specialising in property on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Fiona began investing in property in her mid-20s before moving into real estate, where she gained experience working for one of Australasia’s largest real estate agencies in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Seeing buyers make one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives without independent guidance led her to move from the selling side into buyer advocacy almost 20 years ago. Fiona and her former partner went on to build a large property advisory business, growing it to five offices and 30 staff. After their separation eight years ago, Fiona established her own business, drawing on her personal experience to help people navigate separation, divorce and other major life changes, alongside families buying homes across the Northern Beaches. Her approach combines local market knowledge, detailed property due diligence and long-standing relationships with selling agents. She focuses on understanding not only the property itself, but also planning controls, environmental risks, future development, local conditions and the buyer’s longer-term goals. Connect with FionaLinkedIn | Fiona LandrethWebsite | Landreth Buyers AdvocateLinkTree | Fiona Landreth Work with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - hello@alcove.com.auContact Alcove at: (1300 252683)Socials:LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovembLinkedIn (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!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTok 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-secretsSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/street-secrets/id1837331268Subscribe 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.
