054: Matthew O'Donoghue of Watermans Property Advocates | Adelaide

“Adelaide post-COVID has had incremental growth of approximately 8% year on year for the last four or five years. Never seen it before.”Adelaide has undergone a remarkable transformation, with years of strong growth pushing the median house price above $1 million and forcing buyers and investors to rethink where and how they buy. But as buyer activity starts to cool and properties take longer to sell, the market is entering a different phase.In this episode of Street Secrets, Chris Bates sits down with Matt O’Donoghue from Watermans Property Advocates to unpack Adelaide’s property market from a local buyer’s agent’s perspective. With more than 20 years in real estate, Matt shares what he’s seeing across Adelaide’s blue-chip, beachside, hills, western, northern and southern markets.They explore where affordability is still available, how interstate investors have influenced the market, why school zones and international buyers are creating pockets of competition, and what buyers can miss when they don’t have someone on the ground. Matt also shares the due diligence details that can make or break a purchase, from overhead power lines and transport to lifestyle, development and resale considerations.If you’re buying or investing in Adelaide, this episode offers a practical look at how the market has changed—and what to consider as the city moves beyond its post-COVID boom.Episode Highlights02:06 – From Real Estate Sales to Buyer Advocacy06:05 – How Interstate BAs Are Changing Adelaide08:54 – How to Read Adelaide’s Property Market13:43 – Adelaide’s Blue Chips vs Affordable Pockets16:14 – Has Adelaide’s Market Finally Started to Shift?18:51 – Why Adelaide Buyers Can Search Citywide21:51 – New Supply, Density and Developer Pressure23:18 – The Hidden Details Buyers Can Easily Miss27:16 – School Zones Are Driving Adelaide Price Shocks29:19 – Adelaide Market: Key Takeaways for BuyersAbout the GuestMatt O’Donoghue is a buyers advocate with Watermans Property Advocates in Adelaide, bringing more than 20 years of real estate experience. He began his career with Elders Real Estate in the Clare Valley in 2004 before running his own franchise on the Yorke Peninsula for 10 years.Matt has spent the past six years in buyer advocacy and works across both residential and commercial property. He also serves as the REBA state representative for South Australia, giving him strong connections across Adelaide’s real estate industry.In this episode, Matt shares his on-the-ground perspective on Adelaide’s changing market, including affordability, interstate investment, suburb selection, buyer demand and the importance of thorough due diligence.Connect with MatthewWebsite | Waterman Property Advocates 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.