Danckert Quarterdeck Autumn 2026

QUARTERDECK

THIS SEASON

AUTUMN ON THE PENINSULA

Autumn settles across the Mornington Peninsula with a gentle hush. Summer crowds are a distant memory and we move with a more considered pace. The light softens, the coastline deepens in tone, and the landscape reveals its richness with amber foliage on rolling hills. It’s a season defined by balance—fresh, cool mornings, crisp coastal walks, long lunches by the fire, vineyard weekends and uncrowded beaches. Autumn invites reflection and connection, where the Peninsula’s natural beauty and refined lifestyle come into their own, offering space to slow down and truly savour place, season and home.

AUTUMN ON THE PENINSULA

WELCOME TO THE AUTUMN EDITION OF QUARTERDECK

Autumn is a season for clear thinking and decisive action.

A time to review the market, refine strategy, and move with intent rather than urgency.

This is a place for considered conversations, well-judged decisions, and forward momentum.

Welcome — let’s make the most of the season.

Warm regards,

SAM DANCKERT FOUNDER | DANCKERT

REAL ESTATE

WHAT WE LOVE FOR

AUTUMN

“

The beaches are quieter, the light is softer, everything feels a little more grounded ”

SAM DANCKERT

“This is the season I enjoy the Peninsula most. The beaches are quieter, the light is softer, everything feels a little more grounded and the Peninsula’s golf courses are in great condition! Coastal walks, especially sections of the Two Bays Walking Track, are hard to beat right now. Add in a relaxed afternoon at a winery or a long lunch at one of our local favourites, and it’s the Peninsula at its best: unhurried, understated, and deeply enjoyable.”

– SAM DANCKERT

“Autumn is one of the best times on the Peninsula. The Mornington Peninsula Running Festival in May is a standout, bringing a great buzz through the area and showcasing some of our best coastal scenery. It is also a perfect season for winery events and long lunches, with many estates hosting autumn menus and tastings as the vineyards change colour.”

– ALEX CORRADI

“Autumn is a standout season at Martha Cove. The weather remains mild, boating conditions are still excellent, and the pace naturally slows. It’s a great time to enjoy the marina, explore the coastal walking tracks and reconnect with the local food and wine scene without the summer crowds. The Peninsula’s autumn events and vineyard lunches feel more intimate at this time of year, which really suits the lifestyle here.”

– IAN ROSS

“This season is one of the best times to enjoy the Peninsula. The weather is still beautiful, the crowds thin out, and there’s a great buzz around local events. The Mornington Peninsula Food & Wine Festival is always a highlight, and it’s a lovely season for relaxed lunches, coastal walks and enjoying everything at a slower pace.”

– JASMIN SCOTT

AUTUMN FAVES

“Autumn on the Peninsula is all about that sweet spot - warm days, cool nights, and a calmer pace. One standout is the Red Hill Community Market, which really comes into its own at this time of year. It’s an easy morning out: great produce, local makers, and a chance to slow down and reconnect with the region. It’s also the perfect excuse to turn it into a long lunch somewhere nearby.

A lesser-known pleasure is simply exploring the back roads through Main Ridge and Red Hill during autumn. No set destination- just rolling vineyards, farm gates, and the colours of the season changing by the week. Stop in at a small providore, grab something seasonal, and enjoy the drive. It’s a reminder that some of the best Peninsula experiences aren’t bookedthey’re discovered. We have also been to visit Mushroom Reef off the cliffs of Flinders - my sons loved the seaweed, shells, small waves and the rock pools with tiny sea creatures.”

“This is my favourite time of year locally. The weather is ideal for coastal walks along Mount Martha Beach and Schnapper Point, followed by lunch at one of the Peninsula’s wineries. The cooler days suit places like Pt Leo Estate or Montalto, where you can settle in without the summer crowds and really enjoy the food and setting.

A lesser known gem is Briars Sanctuary. It is quiet, scenic, and perfect in autumn when the colours come through. Great for a relaxed walk or picnic and often overlooked compared to the coastal spots, but well worth discovering.”

– ALEX CORRADI

“A morning walk around the Martha Cove marina as the boats head out, followed by coffee along the waterfront, is a simple pleasure that never gets old. Later in the day, a quiet walk along Safety Beach or a sunset moment near Fossil Beach offers a more understated, authentic view of Peninsula living — relaxed, refined and deeply connected to the water.”

– IAN ROSS

“This is my favourite time of year here. Warm days, cooler evenings and the colours through Red Hill are stunning. It’s perfect for winery visits, long lunches, and scenic walks along Seawinds, Mount Martha or Safety Beach without the summer crowds.

An early morning walk along Balcombe Creek followed by a breakfast in Mount Martha Village is hard to beat. For something a little more special, sunset near Fossil Beach or Hawker Beach is a beautiful, quieter spot that really shows off the Peninsula lifestyle.”

– JASMIN SCOTT

LOCAL FARE

“Volpino has been a regular favourite. It’s the kind of place you can take the whole family, settle in mid-week, and enjoy a casual dinner with great local atmosphere, perfect for those after-school, after work evenings.”

– JASMIN SCOTT

“My wife and I recently went to Le Bouchon in Balnarring. It never fails to deliver the true essence of the French dining experience. It’s a bit of a hidden gem still I think but well worth the visit. The Cafe Del Sol caravan on the Safety Beach foreshore is also a nice little stopping point for a morning coffee.”

– IAN ROSS

“The newly renovated ‘South Beach’, directly opposite South Beach in Mount Martha has been a standout lately. The refreshed space, strong coffee offering and beachside location make it a great spot to catch up with clients or enjoy the village atmosphere.”

ALEX CORRADI

–

“South Beach project had it’s first summer of trading since under going a significant renovation and it has been very well received. The new kiosk serving takeaway coffee and pastries is excellent and the new interior and alfresco spaces create the perfect place to enjoy beachside dining in comfort.”

– SAM DANCKERT

WE SUPPORT LOCAL

“The Mt Martha Yacht Club has become a mid-week favourite. My 9 year old son Archie and I have been making the most of our membership and heading down for Wednesday racing — it’s a great lesson in teamwork, patience and being part of something bigger than yourself, all set against the best backdrop on the Peninsula.

We’re proud to be sponsoring the new scoreboards at the Mt Martha Bowls Club this season. It’s a small but meaningful way to support a club that has quietly brought people together for generations — and continues to do so.

If you haven’t spent time at the local sailing or bowls clubs recently, it’s worth a look. Both are seeing renewed energy and participation, particularly from families and newer residents who want to feel genuinely connected to the area.

On Friday February 6th we hosted our 7th annual outdoor cinema event in the grounds of Mt Martha Community House. It was a glorious evening, and with the weather on our side we hosted a wonderful group of local families, friends and community members who enjoyed a beautiful night by the Bay. Screening Back To The Future was a great choice for movie lovers of all ages, and with BYO picnics, Cripps Seafood van on site, and The Calmer Miles providing live entertainment, a great night was had by all.

A heartfelt thank you to all who attended and supported our free community event, and thank you to our amazing sponsors: Lively Properties, Vivid Construction, Prossor Town Planning, Exclusive Property Management, GJ Gardner, Silverthorn Conveyancing, Seven Seas Creative, Protrade Insurance and Mornington Peninsula Magazine.” – SAM DANCKERT

“We continue to support local schools, sporting clubs and community initiatives throughout the Peninsula. Staying actively involved in the community we work in is something we see as essential.”

– ALEX CORRADI

“The Peninsula continues to attract businesses that prioritise quality over scale. From refined hospitality to boutique services, the focus feels very much on creating places that locals actually use and return to.

This autumn the Mornington Peninsula Running Festival takes place on Sunday 3rd May. It’s a community-centred event that invites runners and walkers of all ages to take part. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the season and the stunning waterfront setting

We make a conscious effort to support community-led initiatives that directly benefit local families. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute in a meaningful way to the area we live and work in. If you’re considering donating locally, Fusion Mornington Peninsula is an organisation doing incredibly important work within our community.”

– JASMIN SCOTT

“Dromana hub has just been revamped and there is an exciting new eatery soon to take shape there with casual and fine dining combined with an Italian flavour.

“The Dromana Hub is the retail and commercial heart of Dromana. The Northern site has an emphasis on retail and food and beverage while the Southern site is a proposed medical centre. The materiality of both buildings are complementary, with Red Corten batten facades boldly marking their place in the streetscapes, landscapes and coastal setting.  The Southern site has now commenced construction, stay tuned for more updates.” Finnis Architecture

The Coast Guard has been advertising for volunteers lately to help with the Safety Beach area more so. There are different levels of help needed but this would be a great opportunity to give back to the community and also make new friends with

similar interests, especially those who are retired or semi retired. I would recommend enquiring and seeing what could suit you.

Community is a big part of what makes the Peninsula such a special place to live. This season, we continue to support a number of local initiatives that help strengthen the area - from grassroots sporting clubs to community events that bring people together. We’re also strong advocates for local businesses and trades, and make a conscious effort to keep our support within the Peninsula wherever possible. It’s about contributing in a way that feels genuine and long-term, and backing the community that supports us every day.”

– IAN ROSS

“The

Dromana Hub is the retail and commercial heart of Dromana. ”

LOCAL MARKET UPDATE

“The Mount Martha market is currently steady and considered, with buyers taking a more measured approach while still showing strong interest in well-presented homes that are priced in line with current market evidence. Quality properties in desirable pockets continue to attract genuine enquiry.

Buyers today are highly informed and comparative, they are watching new listings closely and weighing value carefully before acting. Presentation and pricing strategy are more important than ever, as buyers respond quickly to homes that feel aligned with market expectations.

As we move through autumn, I expect steady activity rather than rapid spikes. Well-positioned homes should continue to perform strongly, particularly those offering lifestyle appeal, good natural light and functional family living, all features highly sought after in Mount Martha.”

– JASMIN SCOTT –

“I am seeing a level of confidence in the market currently which we haven’t seen consistently in the past. Victoria now actually presents as a good value offering for interstate purchasers and investors alike looking for value with the possibility of a stronger yielding market heading in to 2026. We could possibly also benefit from a Government change as a bonus.

Properties coming on to the market that represent a good value buying proposition are seeing results. Vendors are realistic and also would benefit from buying in the same market, achieving a similar result and paying less stamp duty. It seems to be a win win situation for vendors and buyers alike.

Martha Cove is about to gear up for the next lot of commercial development and I think this will drive confidence and positive sentiments for both buyers and potential sellers. It’s an amazing place to live.”

– IAN ROSS –

“We are seeing a noticeable increase in buyers relocating from further down the Peninsula, including those coming off acreage and others making permanent moves from Portsea and Sorrento into Mornington and Mount Martha. Proximity to services, village life and ease of access are key drivers behind this shift.

Kicking off the year with strong buyer engagement and enquiry levels has been a real positive. It’s encouraging to see renewed confidence in the market and strong momentum heading into the first quarter.

There’s been noticeable growth in village precincts across Mount Martha and Mornington, with new hospitality offerings and boutique retailers adding to the vibrancy and liveability of the area.

The Mount Martha market is steady, but it is not passive. Buyers are active, they are just selective. The premium end in particular has had a slower start than many expected, however quality homes that are positioned correctly are still transacting. There is money there. It just requires strategic pricing and strong execution to unlock it.

Buyers are extremely informed. They know what else is available, what has sold and what represents value. They are not overpaying for emotion alone. I am seeing that when a property is presented properly and priced in

line with the evidence, buyers will move. When it is aspirationally priced without support, it sits. Momentum early in a campaign matters more than ever.”

– ALEX CORRADI

“There is now a level of confidence amongst buyers and sellers based on an understanding of where prices are at. The radical uncertainty that plagued the period from market peak to end of Q3 2025 has dissipated and as a result transaction volume in Q4 in the beachside Mt Martha $2m+ market increased by double compared with Q3. January opened with eight sales in that market segment compared with only two January 2025 so now there is a decent platform for vendors to price with precision and know that buyers will respond with confidence when that foundation is set.

Buyers are willing to transact once the right property presents - our recent sales have been to buyers that have been browsing the market for up to 12 months waiting for circumstances to align to buy. More buyers are able to sell their properties now enabling them to transact and the cascade effect is starting to present. This should continue in a steady fashion before the state election is called when we will no doubt see a pause that comes from the uncertainty of direction.”

– SAM DANCKERT

THE LOCAL FILES–CADE WITNISH

Some people arrive on the Mornington Peninsula in search of a sea change. Others make this beautiful region home through a series of subtle turns and seismic shifts that, in hindsight, feel almost inevitable. For Cade, the journey to Mount Martha began long before he ever set foot on the Peninsula—shaped by childhood years, global ventures, entrepreneurial grit, profound loss, and, ultimately, an unwavering pull toward community.

Q: Cade, can you tell us a little about your background and what ultimately led you to the Mornington Peninsula?

I actually didn’t grow up on the Peninsula. I was raised in Albury, on the New South Wales-Victoria border. It was a very country upbringing—climbing gum trees, swimming in the river—the kind of childhood with lots of space and freedom. My parents were originally from Melbourne but moved to Albury to raise their four kids in a slower-paced environment.

They also owned a small real estate agency, and our family home sat behind it. From about six years old, I remember answering phones after hours while mum and dad were out running inspections.

It was a very grassroots, family-business kind of life. That all changed when school finished.

Q: How did you adapt to university life in Melbourne after a country upbringing?

I definitely wasn’t ready. I finished high school at 17 and didn’t turn 18 until well into my first year of university, so experiences like Orientation Week weren’t quite the same for me. I lived with my older brother, who was also studying but was training for the World Athletics Championships at the time. It was all steamed pumpkin, steamed chicken, and early nights—not exactly the social university life most people imagine.

Q: What did you study?

I studied sports science, mostly because I didn’t know what else to do. I wasn’t particularly studious growing up—I was one of those “lots of potential, talks too much in class” kids. I ended up doing well in my final exams at school which got me into the course of my choice, but I quickly realised the typical career paths weren’t for me.

Q: So where did you go from there?

I landed, quite fortuitously, in the pharmaceutical industry. First with GlaxoSmithKline, then AstraZeneca. It was essentially sales and marketing but with an incredible level of training. Eventually I moved to the UK and worked in medical equipment sales, selling breast implants to cosmetic surgeons on Harley Street.

From there, a client in Wales headhunted me to run their cosmetic surgery company—the workplace where I met my wife Amy – and later I worked with venture capitalists in London to build another from scratch. It was a really exciting period of life— reinvention, growth, and a lot of learning.

Q: But your time overseas shifted when your mother became ill?

Yes. My mum was diagnosed with lung cancer, and all four of us kids were living around the world. We flew home to nurse her through her last nine months. It was heartbreaking, but it was also the catalyst for what came next.

Q: And that next chapter was the digital agency?

Correct. While in the UK, I was working closely with two friends in Melbourne who ran a small creative studio. I trusted them more than the big UK agencies, so we’d work at odd hours across time zones. When I came home, I suggested we combine forces and build something significant.

Over nine years, we grew that small team into a 140-person digital agency, which we eventually sold to Accenture in 2018. Alongside that, we built and exited several software companies. It was a remarkable run. A mix of good timing, strong chemistry, and a lot of hard work.

Q: So how did Mount Martha enter the picture?

My younger sister, Blaze, bought a house in Mount Martha around 2016. My wife and I were living in a Cheltenham townhouse with three young boys—one five-year-old and two only 18 months apart. Life felt very cramped and chaotic. Every time we visited my sister, we felt that sense of space, community, and calm. It reminded me of how I grew up. So I said, “I’ll take the commute. Let’s make the move.” This was long before the Covid-driven sea change boom. We just knew it was right for our family.

Q: What, in your opinion, makes Mount Martha such a special community today?

We’re at a really unique inflection point. There’s an interesting melting pot of families who’ve left the inner city behind, many of whom share values around family, children, and active lifestyles.

The school community, footy club, lifesaving club, and all the small local groups play a massive part in that. The people who volunteer, contribute, show up—they’re the heart of it.

It’s not without its limitations; we’re not as multicultural as other suburbs, and you do get a bit of group-thinking at times. But the upside is a really connected, grounded, values-driven community. Right now, in 2025, it’s a particularly special moment in time.

Q: What does life look like for you now in Mount Martha?

My wife is an artist, and once the kids were all at school, she wanted to return to creative work. We found a beautiful Peninsula pottery studio for sale— Stoker Studio in Mornington. Instead of renting a space for her to paint, we bought the business.

Nearly two years on, she has fallen in love with pottery, and created a thriving creative hub.

As for me, I’m very much the stay-at-home parent now, which I love (except maybe halfway through Term 2!). I’m still involved in a couple of software start-ups, including one going through a major process at the moment and another early-stage AIbased project. So I get the best of both worlds— time with the kids and time in the innovation space.

Q: And you’re also involved in Hey Darl, a muchloved local bar?

Yes—though I never think of it as a business! A couple of families and I bought it simply because we loved going there and didn’t want to see it change. We had no hospitality experience and figured it would just run quietly in the background. Within 30 seconds of the contract signing, everyone seemed to know we owned it. We’ve approached it the same way we approached our software companies—with a clear purpose, strong culture, and empowered young staff who run it brilliantly.

The purpose of Hey Darl is simple: community, connection and fun. Every decision filters through

those three words. Whatever profit is made goes straight back into the bar or to local community groups—footy, cricket, lifesaving. We keep wine prices approachable so people can try things they might not normally try. It exists for the community, and you can feel it when you walk in.

Q: Community seems to be a recurring theme in your story—from your childhood, to your businesses, to your life today.

Absolutely. It’s the thread that runs through everything. Whether it’s family, business, neighbourhood, or local clubs—connection is the whole point. The community here has given us so much, and I feel very lucky to be part of it.

www.stoker.studio

@heydarl.mtmartha

“Preparation

is key. For sellers, investing time in presentation, styling and a well-considered launch strategy can make a significant difference.”

REAL ESTATE TIPS

Preparation and positioning are everything. Sellers need to understand that presentation is no longer optional at the top end. Styling, photography and a strong launch create leverage. Buyers need to be organised. If you hesitate on the right property in this market, someone else will step in decisively. Clear criteria and finance readiness are critical.

“One practical tip if you are considering buying or selling right now is, as always, spending money to present your property in the best possible light is key. Landscaping, styling, and a fresh coat of paint work wonders. Having the right agent on board is vital, especially if they know the market you are in and provide critical advice to having a successful campaign.

My key piece of advice to property owners in the current climate, is to ignore the noise from the media and negative sentiments. There is always an opportunity in every market and surround yourself with a good team that is result driven.”

– IAN ROSS

Within the Danckert team there is a strong focus on collaboration, innovation and delivering an elevated client experience. We are continually refining our marketing strategies and leveraging both digital and local community connections to ensure our clients’ properties stand out in a competitive environment. It’s an exciting time as we continue to evolve how we present and position homes across the Peninsula.

Understand that pricing strategy sets the tone for your entire campaign. Entering the market aligned with buyer expectations creates momentum early, builds competition and ultimately gives sellers the strongest opportunity to achieve a premium result.”

– JASMIN SCOTT

“Preparation is key. For sellers, investing time in presentation, styling and a wellconsidered launch strategy can make a significant difference to both enquiry levels and final result. For buyers, being prepared with finance and clear decision-making criteria allows you to move confidently when the right opportunity presents itself.

I expect consistency rather than volatility. Lifestyle driven homes with strong natural light, privacy and functional family design will continue to outperform. Properties that deliver a genuine Mount Martha lifestyle offering will always attract attention. The gap between well positioned homes and poorly positioned ones will remain pronounced. At Danckert, there is a strong focus on execution and accountability. We are constantly refining how we market homes, particularly with the way digital platforms now integrate AI and conversational search. Campaign structure, buyer targeting and data driven pricing strategy are central to how we operate. The objective is always to create competitive tension, not just exposure.

Price strategically from day one. The market will not chase you up if you start too high. When a property launches aligned with buyer expectations, it builds urgency and competition. That early momentum is what creates premium outcomes.

– ALEX CORRADI

“When buying, be proactive and clear on priorities. Have your ‘non-negotiable’ list and identify through past sales how realistic those qualities are for your budget- adjust if required. Starting the inspection process without this knowledge in hand tends to lead to confusion and paralysis from bulk comparisons and assessing options that fail to meet fundamental requirements.  When selling, focus on optimising the factors within your control such as buyer impressions online, street appeal and walking through. You want to ensure that each touchpoint makes an indelible impression to ensure your property is bringing as many qualified buyers through the sales funnel as possible to maximise the chances of selling under competition. With those factors arranged then price your property attractively and trust in our proven process.

If I could offer just one piece of advice to property owners in the current climate, it would be to price your property with precision. An appropriate quote range in this market will feel uncomfortable but stay objective and maintain a commercial lens to ensure you maximise upside and protect against market downside that comes from an over exposed and stigmatised listing. The market is tough but it’s still possible to outperform with the right strategy and mindset.”

– SAM DANCKERT

TEAM UPDATE

“A recent standout moment for me was helping a long term Peninsula family successfully transition from their family home into a downsized coastal property that better suited their next chapter. It was particularly rewarding guiding them through what can be an emotional process and seeing how relieved and excited they were once everything came together.”

– ALEX CORRADI

“I recently listed a property that had been on the market with two other competitors for over 12months. Within a matter of days of the authority being signed, I had secured an off-market sale for my clients with a fantastic outcome without having to hit the online portals.

Professionally it’s been a strong start to the year, with continued momentum in the local market. On a personal level, I’m really enjoying the balance of working locally and

spending more time in the community I’ve called home for decades.”

– JASMIN SCOTT

“We are bringing exceptional listings to the market which are being well received by qualified buyers. Recently Alex and I worked with a group of active buyers to sell 3 Wattle Avenue for $210,000 above the top end of the range. Alex is such an exceptional agent in how he clearly communicates with honesty, facts and firm guidance to ensure each buyer has given themselves the best chance of success. We are still working with the under bidder on that campaign showing that he was able to maintain a positive relationship despite that buyer missing out on that occasion.

A standout moment recently was guiding my clients from 1 Kiaora Avenue, Mt Martha through a successful off market campaign during the festive season. The deal was

agreed upon Christmas Eve with a heads of agreement signed and initial deposit paid and through mid January the contract was prepared with a host of checks completed from the buyers and a handover end of January. The sale required flexibility, clear and transparent communication and efficiency to ensure it proceeded.

This quarter has been about momentum rather than milestones — steady enquiry, buyer engagement and a continued focus on quality over quantity. Quiet wins, but the kind that compound.”

– SAM DANCKERT

“Our Martha Cove office has gained some excellent momentum having listed some great new homes, some coming up and also having some strong sales results.

The last three months have been very rewarding having been able to finalise some strong sales for both vendors and

new buyers. I had the pleasure of working with one particular couple finding them their dream home making the move from Mornington to Martha Cove. It was a three month exercise with highs and lows we eventually found the right home for them which makes it worthwhile for all parties involved.

Having now opened the Martha Cove office for over 6 months we have had some great momentum in sales and listings plus having the addition of Peter Harley joining the Marina team. I think with our genuine approach to vendors and purchasers they can see that we don’t just tell people what they want to hear. I have a genuine interest in the environment I live and sell in. As much as we are running a business, we are also very much proving a service for current and future residents forming long term relationships to come.”

– 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