The River Red Gum Estate in Darlington Point was opened in September 2025. Photo: Supplied.
A new housing estate in Darlington Point is advertising vacant lots for as little as $126,000, with the development’s rules now changing to allow a wider range of factory-built homes in a bid to make home ownership more affordable.
The River Red Gum Estate comprises 55 residential lots ranging in size from 725 sqm to 1052 sqm and was developed by Murrumbidgee Council to help tackle the town’s housing shortage.
Immediately west of the CBD, the subdivision includes three new streets – Helena Parade, Edwards Street and Gugaa Street – with sealed roads, concrete footpaths and street lighting already installed. Six lots have been sold so far, while two have been set aside by the council, where homes are being built for staff. The largest lots cost $210,000.
Growth in nearby solar farms and poultry production has fuelled demand for workers, pushing down the town’s rental vacancy rate to just 0.5 per cent – lower than both Griffith and Wagga Wagga.
Despite that pressure, Darlington Point remains one of the state’s most affordable property markets, with the average house price sitting at about $360,000. Average rent is $425. The new estate is 30 minutes south of Griffith and 90 minutes west of Wagga.
To encourage more people to build, Murrumbidgee Council has adopted changes to the estate’s Development Control Plan that allow a wider range of new manufactured and relocatable homes.
Ella bought the first lot in September 2025. Photo: Ray White Griffith/Facebook.
While many people still picture old transportable classrooms or demountables, the council says modern factory-built homes can offer high-quality finishes, contemporary designs and faster construction times at a lower cost than many traditional homes.
The changes do not allow second-hand houses to be moved onto blocks. Instead, buyers can choose new factory-built homes supplied directly by manufacturers, provided they meet strict design standards. Homes must have pitched roofs, verandahs or decks, attractive street frontages, screened underfloor areas and a minimum floor area of 150 sqm to ensure they blend in with the rest of the estate.
Murrumbidgee Mayor Ruth McRae said the changes responded to the growing need for more affordable housing options without compromising the vision for the estate.
“Building costs continue to be a significant challenge for many people looking to enter the housing market,” Councillor McRae said.
“Today’s manufactured homes are a far cry from what many people picture when they hear the term ‘transportable home’. There are now high-quality, architecturally designed prefabricated homes available that offer excellent finishes, faster construction times and outstanding value.
“By updating the Development Control Plan, we’re giving people more choice in how they build while ensuring every home contributes positively to the streetscape and the long-term appeal of the estate.”
An aerial view of the development site. Photo: Ray White Griffith.
The revised Development Control Plan also clarifies the approval process for manufactured and relocatable homes, giving buyers greater certainty before they purchase a block.
The changes were publicly exhibited earlier this year, attracting two submissions. One supported the move as a way to improve housing affordability, while the other raised concerns about the proposal. Council adopted the amended plan after considering both submissions.
Enquiries about purchasing the River Red Gum Estate lots can be made to Ray White.
