039: Chris Curtis of Curtis Associates | Inner City - Sydney

“Scarcity drives value… and most people don’t understand what real scarcity looks like.” – Chris Curtis Inner city Sydney is one of the most competitive and misunderstood property markets in Australia. In this episode, Chris Curtis breaks down what actually drives value—and where buyers get it wrong. With over 20 years as a buyer’s agent (and a background as a barrister and Macquarie Bank executive), Chris shares how trust, off-market access, and deep due diligence separate good deals from costly mistakes. From Potts Point to Surry Hills, he explains what buyers should be looking for—and what to avoid. We dive into downsizer demand, why many developments are missing the mark, the risks hiding in strata, and how planning changes like LMR and TOD are reshaping the market. If you’re buying or investing in Sydney’s inner city, this episode will sharpen how you assess value, risk, and long-term upside. 📝Episode Highlights: 01:09 – From Barrister To Sydney Buyer’s Agent 03:54 – Buyer’s Agent Regulation Crisis Explained 05:14 – Why Trust Matters More Than Transactions 07:00 – Off-Market Access Through Agent Relationships 09:16 – What’s Driving Sydney’s Inner-City Demand? 09:46 – Budget Changes, Tax Risks & Owner-Occupiers 12:43 – Downsizers, Developers & Market Disconnects 16:12 – Why Affordable Housing Isn’t Affordable 19:30 – Rethinking Space: The Case For Vertical Living 23:24 – Scarcity Drives Value: The Estate Trap 25:01 – Finding Scarcity In Sydney Apartment Markets 27:23 – Due Diligence Mistakes That Cost Millions 29:31 – AI, Property Research & Off-Market Myths 31:19 – LMR, TODs & The Planning Uncertainty Ahead About the Guest Chris Curtis is the founder of Curtis Associates and a highly experienced buyer’s agent specialising in Sydney’s inner city property market. Before becoming a buyer’s agent over 20 years ago, Chris spent 17 years as a barrister and later worked in property at Macquarie Bank. His career blends legal, financial, and property expertise, giving him a unique edge in high-stakes acquisitions. Chris has acted for a wide range of high-profile clients, including senior legal figures and executives, with over 85% of his business coming from repeat clients and referrals. He is known for his conflict-free approach, deep off-market access (often sourcing 90–95% of deals this way), and a strong focus on fiduciary duty—prioritising client outcomes over transactions. Connect with Chris Website - Curtis Associates – https://www.curtisassociates.com.au/ Facebook Page - Curtis Associates –   / curtisassociates   LinkedIn - Chirs Curtis –   / chriscurtisgr8buy   LinkedIn - Curtis Associates –   / curtis-associates   Work with Chris (Alcove) 🌐Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au ☎️Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) 📧Email - [email protected] 👥LinkedIn -   / alcovemb   📱Instagram (Chris) -   / chrisbates_alcove   🗓️Book a chat with us!🗓️ https://meetings.hubspot.com/hello-at... Follow us on our socials! LinkedIn –   / 108454250   Instagram –   / street_secrets_podcast   TikTok –   / street_secrets_podcast   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:    / @street-secrets   Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Subscribe on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7sBYmpc... 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.