ACCELERATED investment in Loddon Shire communities could flow from the weekend’s lifestyle and living showcase.
Two lots were sold on the first day of release of stages two and three of the Bridgewater Rise housing estate release.
And according to Loddon Shire Council, there were investor conversations for more potential housing sub-divisions in the shire.
“There appears to be opportunity for accelerated investment and development of housing for the shire,” said council’s manager tourism and economic development David Stretch.
More than 100 people attended the two-day showcase in Bridgewater Memorial Hall.
Real estate agents, Coliban Water, Inglewood Community Bank,  builders and planners gave presentations and answered queries about housing development options in the Loddon Shire.
Villawood Properties, commissioned by council last year to investigate residential growth in the shire was also present. The company’s Julian Perez spoke with investors on the report  Unlocking Loddon’s Growth Potential that reviewed the viability and attractiveness of residential development in the shire.
That report found that when “significant infrastructure such as new roads, drainage basins and lengthy service extensions are required, that the cost of these works generally exceeds the market sales price of the land and therefore the financial viability of the project would unlikely be supported by lenders. Bridgewater and Inglewood are the exceptions being closer to Bendigo, where market land values are higher.
“Presently, the most attractive opportunities are available for land that only requires a modest infrastructure spend to create the new titles, or for existing vacant titled land which are commonly being used as side or rear yards,” the study found.
Drew Stratton, of Bridgewater Rise selling agents McKean McGregor, said price point affordability and location were key drivers for interest among people looking at the move to Loddon living. “Loddon Shire is being pretty proactive in putting the attractiveness of a Loddon lifestyle before people at events like the weekend’s showcase,” Mr Stratton said.
James Nevins, of FP Nevins and Co in Inglewood, said housing stock in Loddon communities continued to be highly valued by potential buyers.
“Young families and retirees are certainly looking to local communities, particularly those in the Calder corridor, for their home purchases,” he said.
“Whether local existing homes or new builds, towns like Inglewood and Bridgewater are increasingly attractive.”
Greg Fathers, of Property Plus, said the showcase had there was increasing investor interest in the shire.
Mr Stretch said there were plans for a second showcase next year.