SEASONS
THIS SEASON
WINTER ON THE PENINSULA
As winter settles over the Mornington Peninsula, we embrace the season’s quiet charm — crisp mornings, sun-drenched afternoons, and star-filled skies. It’s a time for exploring local farmers markets for the best in seasonal produce, and indulging in rich, comforting winter fare. There’s so much to savour in our beautiful coastal home this time of year.
WINTER ON PENINSULA
WINTER THE PENINSULA
Welcome to the premier edition of Seasons.
It’s with great excitement that I welcome you to the inaugural edition of Seasons—a quarterly magazine curated to celebrate the lifestyle, architecture, and property landscape of our beautiful Mornington Peninsula.
This publication has been born from a simple idea: that real estate is not just about transactions, but about people, place, and the rhythm of life as it unfolds across the seasons. Each edition will explore the stories behind remarkable homes, share insights into the local market, and introduce you to the individuals shaping our vibrant community.
At Danckert Real Estate, we’ve always believed in doing things differently—with a personal touch, with passion, and with a deep respect for the unique lifestyle that draws so many to call this region home. Seasons is a reflection of that philosophy.
Thank you for joining us on this new journey. I hope you find inspiration in these pages—and perhaps even your next chapter.
Warm regards,
SAM DANCKERT FOUNDER | DANCKERT REAL ESTATE
WHAT WE LOVE FOR... WINTER
“ Winter walks along South Beach in Mount Martha are hard to beat, especially at sunrise or sunset. ”
JASMIN SCOTT
“Winter walks along South Beach in Mount Martha are hard to beat, especially at sunrise or sunset,” explains Danckert Real Estate’s Jasmin Scott. “The crisp air, calm shoreline, and golden light make it feel like a completely different kind of beauty compared to summer. I also love a slow weekend drive to Red Hill and surrounds for a cosy wine tasting by the fire. Places like Main Ridge Dairy and Torello Farm are perfect for picking up seasonal produce and artisan treats while supporting local makers.”
“Living in at Martha Cove Marina means it very convenient for me to have a coffee and/or a quick bite at Martha’s Table,” explains Ian Ross, who is Danckert Real Estate’s Martha Cove specialist. “The staff are great and they have different events happening all the time such as locals’ dinner night on Wednesdays, Happy Hour with live music on Friday afternoons and a-la-carte dinners on the weekend.”
“We also love Mushroom Reef in Flinders - it’s not as hectic as the Bay beaches and it has a reef which makes it ideal for snorkelling when calm. When the tide is out it’s great to walk the rocks with the kidscatching & releasing small crabs.”
“Winter markets in Red Hill and surrounding suburbs are always a fun event, with the feel of a country festival - good food, craftsmanship and a connection to local makers. And of course a coastal walk followed by a long lunch is pretty hard to beat.”
“My girlfriend and I love to get out to the wonderful wineries we have around the Peninsula and enjoy the exquisite cuisine in the warmth of the beautiful venues,” says Danckert Real Estate Director, Alex Corradi.
“The Mornington Cliff walk is absolutely stunning. It is currently closed in one part, but it is still worth a visit for world class views. The Mount Martha Farmers Market at the Briars is such a great local event that more people should know about. It’s not just about fresh produce, it’s about backing local growers, spending a relaxing morning outdoors, and connecting with the community that makes the Peninsula so unique. And DOC Mornington has the best the best pizzas and as I’ve been a regular their for many years, they always take care of me and offer great service.”
“Winter on the Peninsula is magic,” says Sam Danckert. “The hinterland wineries like Ten Minutes by Tractor or Polperro are at their most atmospheric. The walking track from The Briars to South Beach via the Balcombe Estuary is an underrated gem, especially with kids. It’s peaceful, full of native birdlife, and finishes with a great playground and coffee nearby. It’s a reminder of how lucky we are to live between coast and bushland.”
WINTER FAVES
THE PENINSULA VINEHOP FESTIVAL
This Festival is always a highlight on the calendar. It’s a fun and festive way to explore some of the Peninsula’s best wineries and breweries, even during the cooler months. With live music, delicious food trucks, and a great community atmosphere, it’s a brilliant day out with friends.
SEAWINDS GARDENS WALK
A winter walk in Arthur’s Seat is truly magical this time of year. The changing leaves, peaceful trails, and panoramic views across the bay make it an ideal spot for a quiet moment in nature. It’s also a great place for families or visitors who want to experience the natural beauty of the region without going too far off the beaten path.
THE MORNINGTON WINTER MUSIC FESTIVAL
A stand-out event in June bringing warmth, culture and life to the Main Street even in the cooler months. There’s great music, dining experiences and a variety of wines to choose from. Whether it’s a jazz set in a wine bar or a live band in the street, it’s a great reminder that the Peninsula doesn’t go quiet just because summer’s over.
South Beach Project
Filling Station
LOCAL FARE
• One of our go-to spots at the moment is The Filling Station in Mornington. It’s a cosy, welcoming café with consistently friendly service and a great community vibe. Their fresh salads, nourishing dishes, and quality coffee make it the perfect stop whether you’re catching up with a friend or grabbing something on the go between appointments.
• Check out Dreamer cafe in Dava Drive Mornington - their ham and cheese toasties are elite!
• Our friends at South Beach Project have an exciting extension and renovation
planned which will broaden the offering and benefit locals and visitors seeking quality cuisine in a world class setting.
• There’s a growing buzz around the continued revitalisation of the Mount Martha Village precinct. It’s wonderful to see a thoughtful mix of boutique retail and hospitality offerings popping up, helping the village retain its charm while offering locals and visitors something new to discover. It’s a great reflection of how our community continues to evolve while staying true to its relaxed, coastal roots.
WE SUPPORT LOCAL
MORNINGTON COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE
Sam Danckert joined the board of the Mornington Community Support Centre late last year and they have been successful in securing replacement crisis accommodation for when The Ranch residences are developed by the property lender. The new location is closer to the Main Street centre and will provide much
welcomed relief for those in our community most in need. Danckert Real Estate has continued to support The Bays Cancer Treatment Centre, Fusion, Mt Martha Bowls Club, Mt Martha Cricket Club, Mt Martha Netball Club and Mt Martha Kindergarten.
MORNINGTON SOCCER CLUB
Ian Ross is sponsoring the Mornington Soccer Club this season as his children are part of the U12 team, and he has been donating to the Madeline foundation for a few years now, as they provide buddy bags to kids in need.
MUMS SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN NEED
Jasmin Scott supports this local charity which is doing incredible work across the Peninsula. They provide essential items such as clothing, bedding, and baby supplies to families in crisis. It’s a cause that really resonates with Jasmin, and it’s inspiring to see how many in our community come together to support families doing it tough.
THE CANCER COUNCIL
Alex Corradi is supporting the Big Morning Tea for The Cancer Council, a charity that is very close to his heart.
LOCAL MARKET UPDATE
“While listing supply has been relatively abundant through early 2025, many buyers remain unfulfilled – particularly those seeking quality homes in tightly held pockets,” explains Sam Danckert. “This mismatch between supply and buyer expectations has created strong conditions for off-market transactions, where we’ve achieved several standout results.”
Recent off-market sales include:
• 41 Helena Street, Mt Martha
• 1 Pastons Grove, Mt Martha
• 33 Churchill Road, Mt Martha
• 21 Frontage Way, Mornington
“These sales, ranging from $1.33M to $4.3M, highlight how our tailored approach continues to unlock value for vendors even in a competitive environment,” adds Sam.
“The first half of 2025 has definitely seen a shift in buyer optimism, with a steadying and recent decline in interest rates and price expectation adjustments by vendors there have been some great results.”
• 30 Thurloo Drive set the trend at $3.1m for a beautiful, as new single level main waterway front home.
• 10 Clipper Quay,an original and wellmaintained holiday home on the main waterway achieved $2.275m.
• 40 Spinnaker was listed off market and subsequently found the right buyer, achieving a great result at $1.365m.
“With some great listings in Martha Cove from land, waterfront homes, waterfront apartments and townhouses we foresee a continuation of this momentum flowing through,” says Ian Ross.
Adds Jasmin Scott, “The Mount Martha market remains resilient despite broader economic conditions. We are seeing a healthy level of buyer activity, particularly for well-presented homes close to the village and beach. Premium properties with bay views and lifestyle appeal are still commanding strong interest, while buyers are increasingly valuedriven and discerning. Accurate pricing and high-quality presentation are key, with properties that meet the market early on seeing the best results.”
“There’s a noticeable shift towards buyers seeking turnkey homes, reflecting a trend away from major renovation projects. We’ve also seen some excellent results recently, including 8 Kotor Close, Mount Martha selling for $2,195,000 and 35 Pacific Terrace, Mount
Martha selling for $2,700,000, demonstrating continued strong demand for turnkey quality homes in the area.”
And Alex Corradi, made headlines last month. As reported by Alesha Capone on realestate. com.au, “A Mount Martha beach box’s new owner has splashed a massive $1m to secure the shack, setting what is believed to be a new Victorian record outside of Portsea. The 26 South Beach address sold for six figures above its $650,000-$700,000 asking range in a boardroom auction that lasted about two hours. Mr Corradi said that Mount Martha was fast becoming “the new Portsea” as more people moved there, attracted by its proximity to Melbourne and amenities such as shops and cafes.”
THE LOCAL FILES–LOCHIE TANGAS
After graduating Lochie worked with a local newspaper for five years as a multimedia designer, and after a few years he gradually started to work with a local photographer, filming videos for bat mitzvahs (which is a girl’s celebration) and bar mitzvahs. “When I received a phone call from the mother of my first bat mitzvah, and she was in tears with happiness at what I created, it was another moment of realisation where I discovered I had a talent for capturing moments, and creating an atmosphere and emotion through film.”
This led to Lochie working on more bar mitzvahs as well as weddings to get as much experience as possible, and eventually he made the life-changing decision to go out on his own. He launched his own business, Tango Films, in 2013.
“We quickly built a reputation and before long we were travelling the world doing 40
to 50 weddings a year. It was an incredible trajectory but really too hard to maintain, particularly with a young family.”
“It’s important to look at ways to be more efficient, and to work smarter not harder. Delegation is tough when you are a perfectionist but working with the cameramen and editors that I have established great relationships with means that there is always someone who I can rely on.”
Lochie’s foray in the real estate arena has proved to be one of his most successful decisions. “I had the opportunity of working with a friend who is in the real estate industry, filming property videos and helping him develop a style or brand for each property and for his business. Having worked in the wedding industry with people in a very emotional environment, I was
“We are so proud of the body of work we have created, and of the amazing projects we now have the capacity to work on.”
able to translate that emotion to capturing the essence of a property. I have been able to develop a style that is quite unique in the real estate space – a move away from the more sterile, corporate style of video to one that creates a more emotive response.”
Now a few years on Lochie has grasped the idea of scalability and saw the potential of growing his profile in the property market whilst still maintaining the lucrative wedding projects. “I have now recruited a team by sourcing videographers and photographers who have gone on the same journey as me. They understand how to work in an environment that is really fast paced and where there are no second chances, and they produce wonderful results with the same attention to detail as I do.”
For Lochie and his wife (who is originally from Red Hill) and their two young children. Mt Martha has definitely become home, and
they are loving having a garden and space for their family to grow. He is maturing his brand to target more high-end real estate and developments and form relationships with clients on the Mornington Peninsula, like Danckert Real Estate. “Sam is fantastic to work with,” says Lochie. “He gives us full creative license which brings out the best in our work. We have rebranded from Flip Video to Flip Films which represents more of the film production we do. It’s more uplifting and shows what we can achieve on film –Architecture and Brands. We are so proud of the body of work we have created, and of the amazing projects we now have the capacity to work on.”
REAL ESTATE TIPS
Insider advice for home owners on the Mornington Peninsula. From presentation to price, these are the little things that make a big impact.
Be encouraged that although the weather is cooling down (albeit we had some stunning Autumn weather) the market is starting to heat up and we have already seen an increase in buyer activity.
Don’t wait for the “perfect season” to sell. Serious buyers are active throughout the year, and with less competition on the market during the cooler months, your property has the chance to stand out. With the right presentation, pricing, and strategy, winter can absolutely deliver a great result.
There’s never a perfect time to buy and sell, but if you do both in the same market you
can’t go wrong. The best advice we can give is continually maintain your property and always have it presenting well. After all, in most cases, it is your most valuable appreciable asset.
Stay proactive. Even if you’re not ready to sell, understanding your property’s current market position gives you options—whether it’s leveraging equity, planning upgrades, or timing a future move. The market is nuanced, and good advice early often leads to better long-term decisions.
1.PRESENTATION
A clean, well-maintained home creates an emotional connection. Style with intention, remove clutter, and let natural light shine. Buyers need to see themselves living there.
2. TIMING
Spring and early summer are peak selling seasons on the Peninsula, but don’t overlook the quieter months. Fewer listings mean your property can truly stand out.
3.UPGRADES
Small updates like new tapware, fresh paint, or landscaping can add serious value. Focus on kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor entertaining—key selling points in coastal homes.
4.LOCAL APPEAL
Highlight the lifestyle. Mention proximity to beaches, cafes, schools, and walking tracks. Buyers are investing in more than a property, they’re buying into the Mornington Peninsula dream.
TEAM UPDATE
“In mid March, I attended a real estate round table hosted by Zoe McKenzie Liberal MP alongside key local industry stakeholders,” explains Sam Danckert. “The discussion centred on the structural bottlenecks affecting efficient housing supply across the Peninsula. Common concerns raised included delays in planning approvals, the impact of restrictive overlays on redevelopment potential, and a lack of coordination between state and local government in unlocking appropriate land for housing. It was encouraging to see bipartisan interest in improving these systems – and a clear recognition that the Mornington Peninsula’s housing challenges require both local insight and strategic policy reform.
Jasmin Scott says, “We’ve experienced an unusually warm April this year, which has extended the beautiful beach season. As a
result, we’ve seen a noticeable increase in visitors continuing to enjoy Mount Martha’s stunning coastline, cafés, and walking tracks well beyond the traditional summer period. This has brought a wonderful energy to the village and surrounding areas.
Adds Ian Ross, “After securing a prime location for our 2nd Danckert Real Estate agency in the Martha Cove Marina village and beginning our fit-out shortly, we anticipate an official July launch with excitement. We will be the only agency with a physical presence in Safety Beach. This will take our level of service in the area to the next stage, and coincide with the release of the continuing expansion later in the year. This 2nd location will not only service the Marina, it will help facilitate our growing market in the surrounding Dromana, Arthurs Seat and McCrae suburbs.
“In every season, there’s opportunity—winter invites strategic moves, cosy upgrades, and a chance to make the market work in your favour.”
DANCKERT
SAM