Episode #50
050: Shane Hiscock of Founder of Locate Buyers Agency | Brisbane
“You could be three streets away, but it’s just the pocket and the area of that suburb that’s attracting a higher price or a lower price.” – Shane Hiscock A booming market can make buying feel simple: find a suburb that's performing, find a property you like and make an offer. But Shane Hiscock believes the real work starts after you've chosen the suburb. With more than a decade of experience across development and buyers agency, and a current focus on owner-occupier and investor acquisitions through Locate Buyers Agency, Shane has seen first-hand how much value can change within the same suburb. A similar house can command a very different price depending on the street, elevation, block, aspect and surrounding environment. Shane and Chris unpack how buyers should think about the decision to build, buy or renovate, including why finished homes can currently represent an opportunity in parts of Brisbane and why renovation budgets are so often underestimated. They also explore the importance of stage of life, particularly when a build could take years to complete. The conversation moves into the risks buyers can't see from the front gate—flooding, slope, orientation, block shape, future development and zoning changes. Shane shares examples of deals he walked away from after uncovering what was planned behind or in front of the property, including a site approved for 62 townhouses. For anyone buying in Brisbane—whether you're an investor, owner-occupier or relocating to the city—this episode is a reminder that buying the right suburb isn't enough. You need to buy the right property within it. Episode Highlights 01:57 — From IBM to Property: Shane’s Journey 05:07 — From Development to Owner-Occupier Buying 08:22 — Build vs Buy: How Shane Makes the Call 13:58 — Renovation Reality: When the Numbers Don’t Stack Up 17:45 — Outer Brisbane: Why Quality Matters More When Markets Cool 20:58 — How to Find the Right Pocket for Your Lifestyle 25:52 — Future Density: The Due Diligence Buyers Need 30:33 — Beyond Listings: Shane’s Brisbane Property Universe 34:54 — The Pricing Game: How Buyers Get Caught Out 37:04 — Key Takeaways: How to Buy Quality in Brisbane About the Guest Shane Hiscock is the founder of Locate Buyers Agency , a Brisbane-based buyers agency focused primarily on owner-occupier purchases, alongside investor acquisitions. Shane's property career began after studying business in Wagga Wagga and working at IBM Australia. While searching for his own first home, he became increasingly interested in property and undertook a mentoring program covering a broad range of development and value-add strategies. He subsequently completed his own new-build project, including navigating the challenges of building through the period leading into the GFC. He then established a buyers agency focused on development sites, working on 33 projects between 2010 and 2018. In 2018, Shane shifted his focus toward owner-occupier acquisitions after recognising the value his development and construction knowledge could bring to people buying their own homes. Locate Buyers Agency was established in 2020. Shane says the business is approximately 70% owner-occupier and 30% investor, although that mix can change depending on market conditions. Connect with Shane LinkedIn | Shane Hiscock Instagram | Shane Hiscock Website | Locate Buyers Agency LinkedIn | Locate Buyers Agency Facebook | Locate Buyers Agency Instagram | Locate Buyers Agency Work with Chris (Alcove) Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.au Email - hello@alcove.com.au Contact Alcove at: (1300 252683) Socials: LinkedIn (Alcove) - https://www.linkedin.com/company/alcovemb LinkedIn (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! YouTube LinkedIn Instagram TikTok 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.
