Frank Hurley (1885-1962) [House and gardens, Australia] [between 1910 and 1962], nla.obj-159237448
The resources available for each house may be different, due to the fact the availability, organisation, and location of records vary from state to state.
The three sources most commonly used to research houses, particularly in determining when they were built and who they were built for, are:
- Street directories
- Council rate books
- Title Office records
There are several websites, usually specific to individual states, which provide information on resources and where to find them. Guides may be from State Libraries, State Records and Archives offices or city councils. Examples include:
- The New South Wales State Archives House & property guide and Webinar: Researching your house and property.
- City of Sydney House and Building history
- Queensland State Archives Brief Guide 27 Tracing the history of your house
- Brisbane City Council Research the history of your house
- State Library of Victoria Library's guide Researching buildings and houses
- Libraries Tasmania Building History
- Western Australia's land information authority Landgate
- State Records of South Australia Researching your house history
- Northern Territory Heritage properties includes links to other information
- Australian Capital Territory Archives ACT
- ABC TV’s Who’s been sleeping in your house?
Webinar
Further reading
There are also several useful print items available:
- How to trace the history of your house
- The National Trust research manual: trace the history of your house or other places
- How to trace the history of your house: a brief guide
- Your house has a history : keys to unlocking its past
Trove can help you find and get items at libraries near you.
You might also be able to find historic newspaper articles and photos of your house by searching Trove. This is particularly useful for houses with prominent names.
See also the FAQ Where can I find old architectural plans and drawings?
