Apartment With 1,000-Litre Fish Tank Sold in Fortitude Valley

A distinctive two-bedroom apartment with a giant fish tank in Fortitude Valley has sold for $1.15 million, showcasing the neighbourhood’s unique and competitive real estate market. Located at Unit 3/115 Robertson Street, the 150-square-meter apartment stands out with its remarkable 1,000-litre freshwater fish tank.



Fortitude Valley’s Boutique Property Scene

The sale represents a significant moment for this low-density development, which had not seen a property transaction in five years. Nestled in the heart of Fortitude Valley, the apartment reflects the neighbourhood’s evolving urban landscape – a blend of historic charm and modern design.

Photo Credit: Ray White

The property’s aquarium, housing a diverse ecosystem of freshwater fish including clown loaches, Denison barbs, rainbowfish, tetras, catfish, and yoyo loaches, has become a defining feature of the unit. The tank was custom-built by the previous owner during their 12-year residence, transforming a standard apartment into a distinctive living space.

Market Dynamics in Fortitude Valley

Ray White New Farm agent Christine Rudolph highlighted the property’s appeal to downsizing buyers, particularly those attracted to the inner-city lifestyle Fortitude Valley offers. The apartment’s three separate balcony areas and exceptional natural lighting further underscore the neighbourhood’s premium property offerings.

Photo Credit: Ray White

The successful buyers, a couple of empty nesters, were drawn to the property’s location and unique characteristics. Their purchase signals the continued attractiveness of Fortitude Valley to discerning home buyers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Photo Credit: Ray White

Innovative Urban Living

The apartment goes beyond its standout fish tank. The outdoor space features a garden courtyard with a bathtub, reflecting the innovative approach to urban living that has become characteristic of Fortitude Valley’s residential developments.

Photo Credit: Ray White

A Snapshot of Fortitude Valley’s Real Estate

With a sale price of $1.15 million and being the first transaction in the complex in five years, the property exemplifies the distinctive nature of Fortitude Valley’s real estate market. The new owners’ commitment to maintaining the elaborate fish tank ensures the continued uniqueness of this inner-city home.



This sale underscores Fortitude Valley’s reputation as a neighbourhood where distinctive design and urban living intersect, offering residents properties that are as unique as the community itself.

Published 27-February-2025

Historic Fortitude Valley Home of Musical Pioneers Sells for $2.75 Million in Auction

The heritage home of Brisbane’s musical pioneers, the Benvenuti family, has sold for $2.75 million at auction on August 30, 2024. The sale price exceeded the reserve by over $1 million, marking the first time the property at 27 Agnes Street has changed hands since its construction over a century ago.



Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property
Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property

The Benvenuti family, Italian immigrants who arrived in Australia in the 1800s, significantly influenced Brisbane’s cultural development. Their four-bedroom, two-bathroom family home was one of three properties they built side by side over two decades, with number 27 serving as their primary residence.

Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property
Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property

The auction, conducted by David Holmes of Holmes Auctions, saw fierce competition among five registered bidders. Beginning with a vendor bid of $1.3 million, the property quickly went on the market at $1.7 million. What followed was described by Holmes as an “absolutely brutal mathematical test,” with 65 bids driving the price to its final figure.

Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property
Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property

Ivo Kornel, agent at Sixty Four Property New Farm, reported that the winning bidder is a local Fortitude Valley resident. Kornel expressed surprise at the final sale price, which far exceeded initial expectations of $1.6-1.7 million.

Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property
Photo Credit: SixtyFour Property


The Benvenuti family’s musical legacy in Brisbane dates back to the 1870s. They formed a four-piece orchestra with father Antonio on violin, and sons Luigi, Victor, and Italo playing double bass, piano, and flute respectively. Victor Benvenuti also gained recognition as a composer, known for works including ‘Britons to the Fore’.

Published 30-August-2024