Fifty new build-to-rent homes are taking shape in East Lismore, providing more secure and affordable housing options for local residents as the community continues to rebuild and grow.
Construction has progressed quickly since breaking ground in November. With foundations now complete, work has moved on to the main building structures as the development begins to rise from the ground.
Delivered by the NSW Government’s developer Landcom, the project is the first build-to-rent development of its kind in the region. More than 20 per cent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for residents on low-to-moderate incomes, helping ensure more locals can access secure housing close to jobs, education and services.
“The availability and affordability of housing is one of the biggest issues facing NSW residents, and Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers region are doing it particularly tough.” said Premier of New South Wales Chris Minns.
“Projects like this designed specifically for renters help fill a gap in the housing market, opening up a mix of smaller homes suitable for different lifestyles.”
The development will provide a mix of homes – from studios to three-bedroom apartments – designed to suit a range of households, including singles, couples and families. Residents will be within easy reach of shops, schools, Southern Cross University and nearby parklands.
Under the build-to-rent model, the NSW Government will retain ownership of the development to support long-term rental stability, with the site managed by a specialist operator.
Weather permitting, construction is expected to be complete by late 2026.
The project is also part of a broader plan to deliver more housing in East Lismore. Planning is progressing for the redevelopment of the adjoining site, which is expected to unlock at least 400 additional homes for the local community.
A development application for stage 1 of that project – comprising 100 homes – is expected to be lodged with Lismore City Council before the end of March 2026. The broader precinct will include a range of housing types, including dedicated lots for homes relocated through the buyback auction program.
The regional build-to-rent program was funded in the Minns Labor Government’s first budget and is also delivering 60 new build-to-rent homes on the NSW south coast.
This Regional Build-to-Rent Program builds on a range of Minns Labor Government initiatives aimed at increasing housing supply and improving rental security across regional NSW, including:
- the Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to get housing construction underway faster
- the development of the NSW Pattern Book and an accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns
- a $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing in NSW
- once-in-a-generation reforms to the state’s planning legislation
- greater protections for renters, including a cap on rent rises, banning no-grounds evictions and a crackdown on real estate agents.
“It is fantastic to see these 50 new homes literally rising out of the ground, delivering beautifully designed, modern apartments in a prime location safely above the flood zone.” said Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin.
“The Lismore community has shown incredible resilience, but we are building back better by ensuring our residents have access to the affordable, secure, and resilient housing they deserve for the future.”
Together, these initiatives are part of the State Government’s plan to deliver more homes and stronger communities across NSW, ensuring people have a safe and secure place to live in the communities they choose.
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