This month marks 106 years since Frank Facey originally founded Frank Facey Real Estate in Dandenong in 1917.

The success and growth of Frank Facey Real Estate, or First National Real Estate Neilson Partners as we're known today, has been influential in facilitating the early and current development of Casey and Cardinia Shires.

Part 1. Let us take you on a journey back in time to where it all began 106 years ago

In 2017, the Companies originally established by Frank Facey in Dandenong in 1917 celebrated a century of success!

Such an achievement is undeniably exceptional given the historical instabilities of the early 1900s and subsequent social and economic challenges throughout the decades.

In the early 1900s, Frank Facey of the suburb of Cranbourne was an accomplished carriage builder in Dandenong. Back then, the region was primarily broad pastoral runs with commercial and business needs being met by an emergent township.

A man of integrity and high morals

By 1917, Frank Facey was so motivated by the infinite potential for growth in the South East, that he took the intuitive decision to delve into the world of Real Estate.

He purchased his first Real Estate business that year and it was this inspired event which mapped out a successful future for his children and grandchildren.

Frank Facey was a man of integrity and high morals. He became a Sworn Valuer and a Justice of the Peace. He then continued his personal accomplishments to achieve the Presidency of the Real Estate Agents and Auctioneers Frankston/Mordialloc and was appointed to the Central Council in 1935.

The region was booming

As World War 2 come to an end, the region experienced an influx of migration and commerce. Blacksmiths and Carriage builders made way for motor vehicles and modern industry.

The Dandenong regional hospital was built, and General Motors Holden, Heinz, and International Harvester all became established in the region, creating exciting employment opportunities and the need for residential development.

Frank Facey had positioned himself in the right place at the right time and with his keen eye for business and strong values, he was instrumental in initiating positive change for the region.

Frank's early success continued through the generations and today his original Company has broadened its horizons to include operations in Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren, and Pakenham.

These businesses now include First National Real Estate Neilson Partners, First National Hall and Partners, Parklea Developments, and Facey Industrial-Commercial.

A family business

100+ Years in any business is a milestone but in the ever-changing world of Real Estate, the achievement is rare.

Frank P. Facey’s inspired decision to purchase his first Real Estate business in 1917 paved the way for the following generations of his family.  The subsequent expansion of his original company now incorporates businesses in Dandenong, Berwick, Narre Warren, and Pakenham.

It was during the challenging days of the 1930s that Frank Facey’s son, Francis Angus Facey, decided to join his father’s business. Together they formed a formidable team.

Angus and his wife Adele were early pioneers in the Dandenong and Berwick area. They both earned the respect and admiration of their peers for their tireless community work throughout the region.

The original Frank Facey Real Estate office in Dandenong can be seen here to the left of J. Crump General Store

As the area grows, so does the real estate business

By now, Frank’s predictions for growth in the South East were being realised and much of the area’s development was successfully transacted through the Frank Facey Real Estate business.

Angus followed his father’s lead and became a Fellow of the Real Estate Institute of Valuers in 1936 and in 1956 Frank Facey’s Real Estate & Business Agency built a new, modern office at 254 Lonsdale Street Dandenong, the site where First National Hall and Partners still reside to this day.

Dandenong had prospered since the days of his father’s carriage-building company and was now, the major center for Commerce and Industry in the South East.

Angus shared his father’s bold ambition and insight into the future development of the region and he purchased a 65-acre property at Narre Warren. In 1984 that property became one of the area’s first subdivisions, Franleigh Park Estate. A public reserve was named in his honor: The Angus Facey Reserve.

Frank P Facey and his son Angus were at the helm when Dandenong and the surrounding districts grew from broad pastoral farmlands into vibrant towns and cities that are to this day still experiencing remarkable popularity.

The new modern Frank Facey Real Estate office at 254 Lonsdale Street, Dandenong

Andrew takes the helm

After Frank Facey and his son Angus earned their reputation as the region’s most accomplished & trusted Real Estate agents and through tumultuous times that saw the end of World War 2 and the beginning of new industry, commerce, and residential developments in the South East, Angus’s son Andrew was ready to join the business in 1968.

By 1974, Andrew Facey was ready to take over management of Frank Facey Real Estate and lead the company through a series of significant changes which would ensure growth and success through the following years.

Andrew expanded the family business to include full-scale Industrial, Commercial, and Residential developments within the Dandenong, Hallam, Narre Warren, Beaconsfield, and Pakenham districts.

The South East was becoming more and more popular as farmland was rezoned and redeveloped to create prosperous cities and townships from Dandenong out to Pakenham.

In 1982 Frank Facey Real Estate joined the First National Real Estate Network and by 1985 had opened the Narre Warren office branch of Frank Facey First National.

Frank Facey First National Narre Warren Cnr Webb Street & Princes Highway, Narre Warren

Andrew also founded Parklea Developments, the biggest broadacre land owner in the Cardinia Shire, with residential and commercial developments from Gippsland to the Great Ocean Road.

Some of the Company’s earlier developments included Hallam Rd, Hallam in 1980, Hallam Industrial in 1982 and extension in 1985, Franleigh Park Estate, Narre Warren in 1984, Parkview Narre Warren in 1986, Wedgewood Rd, Hallam in 1986 and Andene Park, Narre Warren in 1987. Later developments included South East Business Park and Heritage Springs Estate Pakenham, Everton Gardens, Beaconsfield Hub, Arena Shopping Centre, and Timbertop in Officer.

Fountain Gate Circa 1900	Fountain Gate Circa 1970	Fountain Gate Circa 1978

The Real Estate business Frank Facey bought on an impulse in 1917 was by now, 3 generations later, a major influence and facilitator of development throughout the entire South Eastern Corridor.

For personalised service, integrity, and exceptional results for over 100 years, contact your local real estate agent at First National Real Estate Neilson Partners for all of your property needs in Narre Warren, Berwick, Pakenham, and surrounding suburbs.