And as Bathurst Regional Council expands the residential zoned areas in the little suburb, land buyers are expected to snap up available lots very quickly.

Mick Whittaker from Peter Rogers Real Estate said the area has always been very popular with young families.

“A lot of people say they want to buy a house near the school,” Mr Whittaker said.

“Another thing is there is very little land available at Eglinton, which has pushed prices up a bit. Over time the bridge going in has had a bit of an affect too.”

Mr Whittaker said a bigger residential zone in the suburb will give people more options in the midst of a current land shortage.

“The land will go readily. People in Eglinton might not want it to get too big, though,” he said.

“But you do need to ensure the school is able to cope [with growth].”

Peter Ison from Ray White said Eglinton has definitely “filled in” over time.

“I have been in real estate for over 30 years and I

have always told my clients Eglinton has the best resale area than any other in town,” Mr Ison said.

“One, it is more affordable. Generally the price of land is cheaper, although the bridge closed the gap [between Eglinton and Bathurst land prices].

“Two, the school is very, very popular. Also, people choose to buy away from public housing.”

He said the planned expansion of the village may have an impact on its character.

“The other advantage in Eglinton is the blocks are relatively large and flat. The area promotes a fair bit of community life with their own event – the Gymkhana. They have their own identity.”

Matt Clifton from Raine and Horne said there was no doubt Eglinton was one of the most popular areas in the region.

“One reason there is a lot of interest in Eglinton is the public school. There is a little bit of a village atmosphere. It has a nice feel about it and it is only nine kilometres from town,” Mr Clifton said.

Leanne Hurley from The Professionals agreed.

“From the sales side Eglinton is very popular because it is very family-oriented, with a good school and a very good principal,” Ms Hurley said.

“It has a very community-based lifestyle which is family friends with lots of kids riding bikes and that sort of thing. They have a local shop, tennis courts and just a really nice village lifestyle.”

She said she believed properties would sell quickly should more land become available.