043: Karen Young of Property Zest | North Brisbane & Southern Sunshine Coast

“You can buy near the train station in Caboolture—but you want to be a little bit careful, because it can be a bit rough and ready.”Brisbane’s northern corridor has delivered some of Australia’s strongest growth over the past decade, but navigating the region today requires more than simply following affordability or infrastructure headlines.This week, Chris sits down with Karen Young from Property Zest. After starting as an investor herself and building a buyer’s agency over 14 years ago, Karen has helped clients buy across Brisbane’s north side, Moreton Bay, and the Sunshine Coast through both slow markets and boom cycles.They discuss how affordability has changed, why some investor-heavy pockets have underperformed, the suburbs benefiting from transport upgrades, and why Brighton, Redcliffe, Sandgate, Petrie, and Strathpine continue to attract owner-occupiers. Karen also explains why she’s cautious around large townhouse developments and shares the local knowledge interstate buyers often miss.Whether you're looking for an investment property, a future lifestyle move, or simply trying to understand where Brisbane’s next opportunities may come from, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who knows the streets firsthand.Episode Highlights02:35 — How an ICU Nurse Became a Buyer's Agent08:09 — The Sunshine Coast Pockets Still Worth Buying14:57 — The Brisbane Train Line Buying Strategy19:59 — Why Redcliffe Keeps Winning Buyers25:39 — The Secret to Picking the Right Pocket28:41 — The Street Test Every Buyer Should Know33:34 — Booms, Busts & What Most Buyer's Agents Never Experienced37:04 — Why Boutique Agencies Outperform the Big PlayersAbout the GuestKaren Young is the founder of Property Zest, a boutique buyer’s agency servicing Brisbane’s north side, Moreton Bay, and the Sunshine Coast.Before entering property, Karen worked as an intensive care nurse before transitioning into IT as a business analyst and project manager. Her analytical background naturally led her into property investing, where she built her own portfolio before launching her buyer’s agency in 2012.Karen was also one of Australia’s earliest property podcasters, launching her investment podcast in 2011—well before podcasting became mainstream in the property industry.Over the past 14 years, she has helped investors and owner-occupiers navigate Queensland markets through changing cycles, developing deep relationships with local agents and a reputation for practical, street-level market knowledge. Her business also supports clients with property management, renovation advice, and long-term portfolio strategy.Connect with KarenLinkedIn | Karen YoungLinkedIn | Property ZestWebsite| Property ZestWork with Chris (Alcove)Business Webpage Link - https://alcove.com.auEmail - [email protected] 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!YouTubeLinkedInInstagramTikTokEnjoyed 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=2Gdl60HRRWCBoUlcBHB0nAThe 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.