My Neighbourhood with Peter Hannon
Teleisha Thomas
April 2025
After moving from Ireland 12 years ago, Peter Hannon and his wife, Jenny now call Australia home with their two young boys, Freddie and Lachlan. In this article, we talk to Peter about one of our city’s most coveted suburbs, East Melbourne.
Passionate about the area’s historic appeal and tight-knit community, Peter shares his insights on the local market, what makes East Melbourne so special, and his favourite spots to enjoy in the neighbourhood.
What initially drew you to real estate, what do you love about it, and how has your career evolved?
I had my first work experience in real estate at 16, and from that moment, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I love the fast-paced nature of the business—no two days are the same. You get to see some incredible properties and meet people from all walks of life. It’s never dull, and it can be incredibly rewarding.
I actually started in reception, then moved into leasing, and before long, I transitioned into sales. It’s been a natural progression, and I’ve loved every step of the journey.
You have likely seen some incredible homes over the years—do you have a favourite sale or a particularly memorable property that stands out?
I’ve been fortunate to see and sell some of the most incredible properties over the years, but one sale that stands out for me was an old Art Deco apartment. The special part of the story was that the apartment had been lived in by an elderly woman with no family. In her later years, she had formed a close bond with a lovely lady who would visit her regularly, essentially becoming her only friend.
When the elderly lady passed away, she left the apartment to this woman, completely unknown to her at the time. We took the property to auction, and it was a huge success. The sale completely changed this lady’s life—she could now plan for her retirement and secure her future. It was incredibly rewarding to see how much it meant to her.
What is the best piece of advice you have received?
Take action with boldness. Essentially, if you’re going to do something, give it everything.
With East Melbourne’s proximity to the CBD and iconic landmarks like the MCG, how does location play into proper ty values and desirability?
Location is everything, and East Melbourne offers the best of both worlds—close to the energy of the city while retaining a peaceful, leafy atmosphere. The convenience factor is huge; residents can walk to work, enjoy top-tier dining and shopping, and have some of Melbourne’s best parks and sporting facilities right on their doorstep. Iconic landmarks like the MCG and Fitzroy Gardens also add to the suburb’s prestige, making it one of Melbourne’s most desirable addresses. This exclusivity means properties here are always in demand, with buyers willing to pay a premium for the lifestyle and convenience.
For sellers, what strategies do you advise to maximise the value of a heritage property in today’s market?
The key is to highlight the home’s unique character while ensuring it’s presented in the best possible light. Buyers here love the charm that comes with the area, so maintaining and showcasing the property’s original features, such as working fireplaces, restoring stain glass windows and original floorboards will help make the heritage features sing. Staging is also crucial—carefully styling the space to complement its heritage while making it feel fresh and inviting. Many properties in East Melbourne also showcase stunning Victorian-era façade, wrought-iron lacework, and spacious proportions that are hard to find in modern builds. Making sure the styling and property photography showcases the unique quality of these homes is the final step.
For buyers looking to secure a home in such a competitive and tightly held market, what advice would you give?
My advice to buyers is to act quickly and be prepared. Be ready to make an offer when you find the right proper ty—properties here don’t stay on the market for long. It’s also helpful to stay flexible and open-minded; sometimes, the right home may not tick every box on your list, but it could be a great fit in ways you hadn’t anticipated.
What is a must-read book or podcast you recommend?
Book – The Magic of Thinking Big
Podcast – The Diary of a CEO is my go-to
If you had family visiting from Ireland, where would you take them?
Coffee | Square and Compass
Dinner | Rocella
Activity | Rugby or AFL match at the MCG. I love the tennis in January.
Drink | Tippler & Co
