Black and white photograph of a house set in lush gardens

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:

 Webinar

Further reading

There are also several useful print items available:

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?

Architecture History