The league, in collaboration with Des Rix Homes, has built two houses in Alfredton’s Lucas Estate for sales purposes, with proceeds to be directed back into the league and through its current 18 clubs.

Funds raised will, over time, be allocated to assist in decreasing costs that each club incurs to be able to participate in community sport.

The houses are located at Willmott and Holgate streets.

CHFL treasurer Paul Elliott hopes the arrangement can become a long-term measure to ensure the league’s financial viability.

“There’s been a lot of changes happening in the league over the last few years, so we need to strengthen the financial position and ensure that our clubs are can be assisted in any way we can,” Mr Elliott said.

“There’s pressures on the league from the point of view of it’s structure. That’s been one of the biggest issues in the last couple of years.

“The running costs of the clubs is a big problem which is why salary caps and things like that have been brought in over the last 12 months.”

Construction began on the two three-bedroom houses in February.

Both feature two bathrooms and two toilets, as well as double garages and al fresco areas.

The properties are managed by Peter McErvale Real Estate, with director Peter McErvale expecting each house to fetch $325,000.

“We’ve been taking people through over the last few months and there’s lots of activity over the last few weeks as they’re nearing completion,” Mr McErvale said.

“The corner one looks like it’s sold and there’s been some strong interest in the last two weeks in both units.”

“They’re virtually completed now and people can have quick possession. The final touches are being put on and they’re available virtually now on 30-day contracts.”

Mr McErvale praised the initiative, and said the Lucas Estate is a location where prospective home owners can “buy with confidence”.

“It’s harder to raise funds for things these days, probably going towards properties is a good way (for the league to do it),” he said.

“People can buy with confidence. Lucas is selling really well and with all the new facilities like supermarkets and everything close by (it’s a perfect location).

"Ballarat is spreading to the west.”

Mr Elliott said the CHFL’s major sponsor, Bendigo Bank, assisted with the financing of the initiative, while Integra assisted with the initial access to a block of land.

The CHFL’s other major sponsors, Cutting Edge Joinery, Gerard McCarty from Heinz and partners David Hearn from Dixon Hearn Conveyance, alongside Eureka Concrete, all made major contributors to the project.

They were also assisted by several other sponsors and associated parties with financial or other similar works.