QUARTERDECK
THIS SEASON
SUMMER ON THE PENINSULA
Summer unfolds across the Mornington Peninsula with a glorious sense of optimism. The landscape comes alive with golden sunlight, sparkling waters, and the vibrant colours of coastal blooms. It’s a season of warmth, adventure, and endless days spent outdoors—enjoying sun-soaked beaches, scenic walks, alfresco dining, and lively local events. Summer on the Peninsula is a celebration of life at a holiday pace, where every moment invites you to embrace the season’s restorative energy.
SUMMER ON THE PENINSULA
SUMMER THE PENINSULA
WELCOME TO THE SUMMER EDITION OF QUARTERDECK
As the Mornington Peninsula shifts into the long, golden days of summer, our region is alive with energy—beaches are bustling, holiday homes are filling, and the local property market continues to show steady momentum.
After a steady spring selling season marked by competitive buyer activity and solid clearance rates, we’re seeing this confidence carry through into summer. The combination of stable interest rates, limited quality listings, and continued interstate interest has created a sense of urgency among well-qualified buyers seeking to secure their Peninsula lifestyle ahead of the new year.
Whether you’re planning a summer move, exploring renovation ideas, or simply curious about your home’s current value, our team is here to provide informed, strategic advice every step of the way.
Enjoy this summer edition of Quarterdeck , celebrating the finest properties and stories that define life on the Mornington Peninsula.
Warm regards,
SAM DANCKERT FOUNDER | DANCKERT REAL ESTATE
Premium family homes and well-presented coastal retreats are attracting significant attention, particularly in Mount Martha, Mornington, and Safety Beach. With more buyers now prioritising lifestyle, flexibility, and proximity to the coast, the appeal of our region has never been more evident.
WHAT WE LOVE FOR ... SUMMER
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As the seasons change hands (hopefully sooner rather than later!) the boating season kicks in to gear at Martha Cove.
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IAN ROSS
“The Mornington Peninsula always comes alive in summer, and this year the Portsea Polo is an event not to miss. It’s the perfect mix of sport, style, and seaside glamour— whether you’re on the rails watching the action or soaking in the atmosphere with friends over a glass of Peninsula wine. Closer to home, the Mt Martha South Beach Market is another highlight—packed with local makers, food stalls, and a laid-back coastal vibe.” – SAM DANCKERT
“One of my favourite hidden gems is the walk from Mount Martha Village along the Esplanade to Craigie Beach. It’s a peaceful and scenic stretch with incredible views and a real sense of calm. It’s the kind of spot that locals love and visitors often don’t know about.” – ALEX
CORRADI
“As the seasons change hands (hopefully sooner rather than later!) the boating season kicks in to gear at Martha Cove. With so many
great places to visit by boat with endless beaches, enjoying Seal Rock and even hopping over to Queenscliff or Melbourne is a usual occurrence for the local boaties. If you love watching boats come and go—then visit Martha Cove on any sunny day over the summer.” – IAN ROSS
“There’s a noticeable buzz around Mount Martha Village lately, with a few new boutique stores opening, it’s great to see local business continuing to thrive as we head into the warmer months. The Mount Martha South Beach Market is always a summer highlight. Set right along the foreshore, it’s filled with locals and visitors enjoying live music, delicious food and great shopping, the perfect way to spend the day by the bay. It really captures that easy-going, coastal Peninsula lifestyle.” – JASMIN
SCOTT
SUMMER FAVES
“One of my favourite places is Balnarring Beach at low tide – it transforms into a vast sandbar that feels almost otherworldly, perfect for kids to explore and families to spread out. For something different, book a twilight session at the Peninsula Hot Springs’ glamping retreat – soaking under the stars in natural hot pools is a magical summer memory waiting to happen.”
“And I love witnessing the transformation of 9 Bay Road, Mount Martha and the opening of Esse Aesthetics and Wellness Rooms with Stacey and her team offering a range of health and beauty services in their stunning new space. It’s great to see such a professional and well considered brand establish in our corner of the village, investing in offering an elevated and relaxing experience for customers.”
– SAM DANCKERT
“This time of year is perfect for enjoying everything the Peninsula has to offer. A relaxed afternoon at Montalto or Pt Leo Estate is hard to beat, and the Red Hill markets are always buzzing with great local produce and food. A late afternoon walk along South Beach in Mount Martha is also one of the best ways to enjoy the warmer weather.”
– ALEX CORRADI
“The Safety Beach Sailing club is launching its summer Junior Learn To Sail program for ages 6 to 16 from November through to April running most Sundays. My kids will be trying this out for the first time this season and it seems like a great social event for both kids and parents.”
– IAN ROSS
“Summer on the Peninsula is all about slowing down and soaking it in. The Balcombe Estuary boardwalk from the village through to the Briars is one of Mount Martha’s most peaceful walks. It’s a beautiful way to start or end the day, surrounded by nature yet only moments from the bay. It’s also a great reminder of how lucky we are to call this part of the world home.”
– JASMIN SCOTT
Georgie Bass
LOCAL FARE
“I love long lunches with good friends and family at Foxeys Hangout or Polperro, you can’t beat the combination of fresh local produce and a glass of rosé overlooking the vines. I also can’t go past Volpino in Mount Martha Village. The team there always greet you with a smile, and the ocean breeze from the deck makes it the perfect end to a busy day with glass of bubbles in hand.”
– JASMIN SCOTT
“Georgie Bass in Flinders is relaunching as a cafe which will be exciting for that existing space which always had huge potential. It’s located across the road from the pub and will open every day. Martha’s Table still seems to be a hidden gem but it’s gaining some local traction now. I love Friday night happy hour from 4pm - 6pm with half price cocktails and live music. It’s a great place to meet new people and connect with friends at a great venue with a relaxing atmosphere. It’s my go to place to relax after work with the family.”
– IAN ROSS
“Summer here is all about those simple pleasures—early morning swims at South Beach before the crowds, long vineyard lunches at Montalto or enjoying the exceptional hospitality at Tedesca, and wandering through the Red Hill Market with a coffee in hand. As the evenings stretch longer, nothing beats a sunset picnic on the Esplanade overlooking the bay—it’s the Peninsula at its best. I have recently discovered Mr Vincenzos on the Esplanade Mornington and love it. Whilst my wife Elise has been a frequent patron with her fellow school mums, I hadn’t been there until recently and I can see why it’s so popular. The level of hospitality, care and customer service is akin to one of Melbourne’s great restaurants whilst the atmosphere is relaxed, cool and welcoming. I highly recommend dinner with their fixed menu to enjoy the chefs offerings on any given day. – SAM DANCKERT
“My current favourite spot is DOC. It’s been my regular go-to for at least 10 years. The staff are always friendly and accommodating, and the food is consistently excellent.”
– ALEX CORRADI
Polperro
Foxeys Hangout
Volpino
Tedesca Osteria
Martha’s Table
WE SUPPORT LOCAL
“We continue to support a number of local initiatives, particularly those connected to community sport and local schools. Keeping those grassroots connections strong is an important part of supporting the community that supports us.”
– ALEX CORRADI
“The South Beach Market is one of my favourite events of the season, a fantastic way to support local makers and enjoy everything we love about the Peninsula lifestyle.” – JASMIN SCOTT
“There is a newly formed community group in Mt Martha. ‘Our Village’ is focused on retaining the innate small community hub feel of our special village whilst enhancing the communal amenities to enrich the enjoyment of locals and visitors alike. The group has started a community consultation with surveys—gathering
valuable insights and feedback to form a plan to make our village beautiful. Key areas that locals feel could be improved include the public toilet in the carpark, the footpaths to remove trip hazards, and having one continuous surface to improve aesthetics as well as bigger and better garden areas for people to enjoy.
All locals are invited to contribute their feedback — scan or click the QR code.
“In October I hosted a table at the Fusion charity dinner to support their ‘Build a Village’ initiative whereby they plan to build seven studios to cater for the growing need from youths and young adults in vunerable situations. The event was a huge success with over $100,000 raised to go towards this very worthwhile cause.” – SAM DANCKERT
South Beach Market
Mt Martha Village
Fusion
LOCAL MARKET UPDATE
“The Peninsula is very segmented now with different headwinds and tailwinds at play. For areas with high permanent residential occupancy and lower median pricing, the interest rate cuts have made a significant impact on buyer demand being at strong levels. For areas that are holiday house absentee-orientated, buyer demand is weak and Vendors have to present an attractively priced proposition to engage a buyer.
Generally in Mt Martha and Martha Cove there is a standoff. Buyers are willing to act if value is evident and a property meets all of their key criteria. Sellers are standing firm in the hopes that with falling interest rates and being in the peak season that better prices will be achievable in the future. The result is that transaction volumes are very low. For us it’s a matter of finding the best buyers in the market who are motivated by a deadline or strong desire to purchase and leveraging that knowledge and intelligence to the benefit of our vendors.
The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The realist adjusts the sales. In that spirit, my advice for buyers and sellers is to adjust the sails— align with the current conditions and work towards the best real outcome.
I see the market as steady, with a healthy balance between opportunity and caution. We may not be riding a tailwind of booming growth, but nor are we facing headwinds strong enough to stall activity. Buyers remain active where quality homes are presented well, and sellers who set realistic expectations are still achieving excellent results. In short, I expect the market to move forward at a sustainable pace—not a sprint, not a standstill, but a steady course towards long-term confidence.”
– SAM DANCKERT –
“There’s been a noticeable rise in premium new builds and high-end renovations throughout Mount Martha and the surrounding areas. Many of these projects are architecturally designed homes with a strong emphasis on contemporary coastal living, which is continuing to lift the overall standard and appeal of the area.
It’s clear that people hold Mount Martha in very high regard and see it as a location worthy of significant investment. We’re seeing a mix of local buyers upgrading, Melbourne families making a lifestyle move, and interstate interest steadily growing.
SAM DANCKERT
ALEX CORRADI
This level of development not only elevates property values but also contributes to a more vibrant, aspirational community. It’s an exciting time to watch the suburb evolve while still retaining its relaxed coastal charm.
The Mount Martha property market is active, particularly in the $1 million to $2 million price bracket where there has been strong turnover. Properties above $2 million are generally taking longer to sell, with buyers in this segment showing a higher degree of price sensitivity.
The outlook is steady. With more listings coming through, competition between properties will likely remain a feature of the market. Homes that are well-priced and thoughtfully presented should continue to perform well, while those that don’t align with buyer expectations may experience longer campaigns. The underlying lifestyle appeal of Mount Martha remains a strong drawcard, which should help maintain a healthy level of buyer activity.”
– ALEX CORRADI
“Mount Martha’s market has found its rhythm again after a very active spring. We’re seeing genuine buyers out and about, with solid interest in homes that are well-presented and realistically priced for today’s conditions.
Confidence is gradually building again. With interest rates steady and more buyers
JASMIN SCOTT
looking to secure a Peninsula lifestyle before the new year, I expect the early months of 2026 to bring strong momentum, especially for homes that offer good light, functionality and a sense of space.”
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JASMIN SCOTT
“I have found a more positive momentum with the current property market heading in to summer this year compared to last year. A well priced property will attract a buyer. Buyers who see value in properties are acting on it. Historically summer for Martha Cove and surrounding suburbs is the strongest selling period. With a good lead up from spring and a good amount of properties for sale, I feel this should be the case again.
For anyone looking to sell the three most important factors are - the right agent, the presentation of the property and price. The right agent should not be based on the cheapest fee offered. This can end up costing you a lot more than the initial saving.
The key advice I would give to property owners right now, is to look after your property with general maintenance and presentation even if you’re not looking to sell. It’s usually your most valuable asset and a well-kept property will always pay dividends in years to come.”
– IAN ROSS
IAN ROSS
THE LOCAL FILES–EXPERIENCE LUXURY
In a competitive market where exceptional service and premium experiences are the cornerstones, Lively Properties has carved out its niche as a leader in luxury property management. Established in September 2021 by co-founders Tom and Guss, Lively Properties specialises in curating unparalleled highend stays across the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Melbourne, and surrounding areas. Combining a keen understanding of property, market research, and hospitality, this passionate duo has created a brand synonymous with quality, trust, and the ultimate getaway experiences.
Lively Properties focuses exclusively on highend luxury accommodations, offering guests extraordinary and indulgent experiences tailored to their needs. Complementing Lively is its sister brand, Peachy Properties, which caters to travellers looking for beautiful homes in key destinations at a more accessible price
point. This strategic dual-brand approach allows the company to serve a broader market while maintaining Lively’s exclusivity.
“With Lively, we’re really focused on the best of the best,” explains Guss. “It’s about handpicking properties that align with our high standards, while Peachy grows organically to cater to a wider audience.”
Together, the brands manage an impressive portfolio, supported by a dedicated team of 10 internal staff and a network of approximately 30 cleaners, maintenance personnel, and gardeners. This infrastructure ensures every property—from entry-level to elite—is meticulously cared for year-round.
Lively Properties don’t just offer places to stay; they deliver beautifully rounded, relaxed and uncomplicated, unforgettable experiences. Through partnerships with local businesses, Lively’s guests enjoy exclusive opportunities—
from private chef services to hot air balloon rides, to access to the region’s best restaurants and wineries.
“We want our guests to experience the high life, from stunning views and private pools to unique activities that make their stay truly special,” says Tom. Lively’s digital concierge service ensures guests can easily arrange these personalised experiences, further enhancing their getaway.
While delivering luxury to guests is a cornerstone of Lively’s mission, the company’s commitment to property owners is equally paramount. “We treat each property as if it’s our own,” Guss emphasises. Lively’s team handles every aspect of property management, from ensuring year-round maintenance to implementing highquality marketing strategies that maximise exposure. This approach not only preserves the high-quality facilities of each property, it also guarantees owners consistent returns, even in a saturated market.
In 2024, Lively launched a visually stunning and user-friendly website, designed to showcase the charm of its properties and the surrounding regions. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “The website has made a significant impact, increasing both traffic and bookings,” says Tom. “It’s not just visually appealing but also functional, benefiting both our guests and our property owners.”
Direct bookings have surged by an impressive 300% compared to the previous year, reinforcing Lively’s position as a leader in the luxury market.
Lively Properties’ success is also driven by its investment in top-tier marketing. Professional videos, high-quality photography, SEM, SEO and targeted advertising campaigns on platforms like Airbnb contribute to occupancy rates that are 30-40% higher than comparable properties in the area.
“We pride ourselves on putting our properties in the best light and getting them in front of the right audience,” says Guss. “Our efforts ensure owners see consistent bookings and guests have their expectations exceeded.”
As Lively and Peachy Properties continue to grow, the team’s ambitions stretch beyond Victoria. With plans to expand into other regions of Australia, they are steadfast in their commitment to delivering world-class luxury experiences.
“The ultimate goal is exclusivity and excellence,” says Tom. “While we’re always open to new additions, we’re keen to maintain a handpicked inventory that aligns with our brand.”
For guests, Lively offers more than just accommodation—it’s an immersion into luxury. Lively understands what their clients are looking for in a dream getaway, and they ensure they deliver a seamless experience. From a simple and appealing booking system to unmatched attention to detail, every aspect of a Lively stay is designed to inspire and delight.
For property owners, partnering with Lively means entrusting your asset to a team that values it as highly as you do. With a proven track record of higher occupancy rates, meticulous care, and cutting-edge marketing, Lively ensures your property thrives in a competitive market.
Whether you’re planning your next luxurious escape or seeking a trusted partner to manage your high-end property, experience the difference with Lively Properties.
livelyproperties.com.au
REAL ESTATE TIPS
It’s that time of year we all love…Christmas parties, holiday planning, (work cramming), present shopping and late-night wrapping.
Preparing for the festive season is so important, and it’s not just about the Christmas shopping list. If you’re heading away on holidays you need to prepare a to-do list for getting your property in order. It will protect your home in your absence, and make your return so much smoother.
Our 20 point checklist should help you tick everything off and set you on the path for a stress free holiday, and a smooth return to reality.
Click here to learn more.
“At Danckert Real Estate, we’re seeing outstanding engagement on premium listings and continued strong enquiry across all price brackets. We’re also
introducing fresh marketing initiatives and campaign strategies designed to elevate our clients’ homes above the competition and maximise exposure in what is now a more competitive marketplace.
With an increase in the amount of property coming to market, buyers are taking more time and being far more selective about the homes they pursue. Presentation, location and lifestyle appeal are playing a big part in decision making. Correct pricing has become crucial to attracting meaningful interest early on. On the seller side, there’s a clear focus on ensuring their property stands out amongst increased competition, with more attention being placed on presentation and strategy.
For sellers: It’s important to ensure your home is well presented, positioned correctly in the market, and priced in line with current conditions. Campaigns that generate strong early momentum tend to deliver the best results, so preparation and strategy matter more than ever.
For buyers: There’s more choice in the market, which gives buyers time to properly consider their options. Well-located and well-presented homes are still attracting strong interest, so it’s wise to be prepared to act decisively when the right property comes along.
Preparation and presentation are everything. Whether selling now or planning ahead, ensuring your home is positioned to stand out gives you the best chance to capture attention quickly and achieve a strong result.”
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ALEX CORRADI
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“Buyers are definitely taking a thoughtful approach, they’re doing their homework, comparing lifestyle options and really focusing on value. Sellers are becoming more strategic too, understanding that great presentation, realistic pricing and the right marketing plan can make all the difference in how quickly a result is achieved.
For sellers, take the time to prepare your home properly. Fresh styling, good lighting and a few small updates can completely shift buyer perception. For buyers, have your finances ready and be clear on what matters most to you, the right property often appears when you least expect it, and being ready to move gives you an advantage.
Stay engaged with the market and keep your property presentation-ready, you never know when the right buyer might come along. Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply keeping an eye on things, small improvements now can add real value later.”
– JASMIN SCOTT
“Set a clear plan and focus energy on what is controllable in the sale process (presentation, timing, agent selection and marketing strategy). We have seen that the results out-performing the general market have been the properties with above average positioning on these controllable factors.”
– SAM DANCKERT
TEAM UPDATE
“A recent highlight for me was selling a property off-market in Mornington, which has now set a new suburb record price. This was a truly remarkable home, architecturally designed and finished to the highest standard, and it has quickly become a landmark property in the area. The negotiation process was strategic and focused, working closely with both the buyer and the vendor to achieve a premium outcome without the need for a public campaign.
Securing a record result off-market is always particularly rewarding because it reflects the strength of the relationships we’ve built with qualified buyers and the trust vendors place in us to deliver exceptional outcomes discreetly. It’s a result I’m very proud of and one that reinforces our position at the top end of the Mornington Peninsula market.”
– ALEX CORRADI
“There’s a great energy in the office at the moment. We’ve had some fantastic results
across Mount Martha and Safety Beach, and it’s been so rewarding to see clients move into the next stage of their lives. We’re constantly refining our campaigns to make each property feel unique and to really highlight the lifestyle that comes with living here.
Recently, I had a lovely moment with one of my vendors who sold after a long and emotional campaign. We’d worked closely together for months to prepare the property, and seeing his relief and excitement when we achieved a wonderful result for his home reminded me how much of a privilege it is to help people through such big life changes.
Professionally, this has been one of my most rewarding years, helping several long-time locals transition into the next chapter of their lives while also welcoming new families to the area. Personally, I’m grateful for the balance I’ve been able to create between work and family; it’s been a big year of growth.”
– JASMIN SCOTT
“At the beginning of spring I quietly celebrated eight years of Danckert Real Estate, which launched on September 1st, 2017. I always believe that contrast is one of the great gifts in life and makes the wins so much more meaningful. When I think back to one of my early listings in St Ives Grove where I had countless inspections, spent hours in discussions with buyers and the vendors, negotiated a sale and then the buyers pulled out of the contract due to a failed pest inspection which resulted in the vendors appointing another agent to start with a clean campaign narrative - it was such a low point. I earned no income from that effort and with not much more money in the bank and a family to support it was such a challenging time. I’m proud to have persevered and alongside exceptionally great people with aligned values, we have created a truly unique and high quality service business within our marketplace. There is a common DNA within our team of putting the needs of others first, being determined, ensuring our deeds match our words and being proud of the work we contribute to the world that gives me such great confidence about our future.
Looking more broadly at the people within our community, the level of new residential home investment with exciting new builds (especially along the Esplanade) and the enduring lifestyle quality of our pocket of the Peninsula there are very exciting times ahead!
In an exciting personal venture, I’m copurchasing a commercial property at 41 Watt Road with Lochie & Tom Tangas from Flip. Our goal is to create a shared working space for creatives and professionals. Danckert Real Estate will keep its existing offices, but this new venture will give us space to grow and collaborate with more aligned business owners.
The property settlement for my lovely client Rosemary from 31 Shearwater Drive, Mt Martha was a highlight. It sold to holiday house purchasers, and the process of finding the right buyer took around 18 months including a failed campaign with another agent. It was a huge relief for her to close the chapter, and professionally satisfying for me to get the job done in a market where the pool of holiday house buyers has drastically reduced due to punitive state Government land taxes.
And Alex Corradi set a price record in Mornington this year with a sale at $16m as well as selling three additional properties for c.$18m on Beleura Hill. He is now working on a significant sale here in Mt Martha which will surpass his current record for vacant land.”
– SAM DANCKERT
“After recently taking over a listing for a property that has been on the market for a while, my vendor and I had a frank and open discussion about re-pricing before launching. This led to some good enquiry and healthy negotiation resulting in a sale which now allows my vendor to finally move on from the stress related to enduring a very long campaign without success.
Opening up our second office this year in Martha Cove, getting some great feedback from the locals, and gaining some exciting new listings has been a highlight for me personally and professionally. As a resident in Martha Cove Marina, I love the social aspect of working and living there. I’ve made some great friends some of which have become clients!”
– IAN ROSS
“Whether you’re buying, selling, or simply staying informed, you can expect elevated expertise, energy and care from the Danckert team— because growth is only valuable when it serves others.”
SAM DANCKERT