Fifty people attended the second flood buyback auction of the year in Murwillumbah overnight, with properties snapped up for as little as $100 as part of the region’s ongoing flood recovery effort.
Bidders, including a former tenant and a tourism operator, purchased homes ranging from $100 to $100,000 at the auction, where all 10 properties sold for a combined $185,000.
One hundred and fifty buyback properties have now been offered for sale across the Northern Rivers since December 2024, drawing nationwide attention for their low prices and relocation potential.
First National Real Estate Murwillumbah conducted the auction at the Murwillumbah Services Club on Tuesday night, attracting 19 registered bidders, including six by phone.
Buyers cited a mix of personal and commercial motivations. One successful bidder had lived in one of the homes 11 years ago and was keen to restore it, while another is considering using their purchase for tourism accommodation in the nearby hinterland.
Among the standout sales were multiple properties in South Murwillumbah selling for just $100, alongside higher-priced purchases such as a Tweed Valley Way property that fetched $100,000.
The program builds on strong interest from last year’s auctions, where prices ranged from $1 to $200,000, and has emerged as one of the most accessible pathways into home ownership in Australia while supporting long-term flood recovery.
All homes offered are part of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, funded jointly by the NSW and Australian governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. Properties have been bought back by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and must be relocated to safer land by the end of 2026.
Proceeds from sales are reinvested into the program to assist more flood-affected residents.
The next auction, to be conducted by PRD Real Estate, will be held at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah on 22 April.
“2026 is a year of action in the Northern Rivers. About a thousand homes will have been removed from the highest-risk floodplain area, and the buyback auctions in Murwillumbah are playing a significant role in meeting that goal.” said Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin.
“It is heartening to see young families and first-home buyers walk away with keys to a safer future, with three of these houses sold for $100 each.”
“These homes are more than just timber and glass; they are part of The Tweed Shire Council area’s shared history. This program has always been about people—supporting those who have moved on through a buyback, and empowering those who are now giving these houses a second life on safer ground.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said the Murwillumbah auctions are part of a much bigger policy solution to assist the removal of households from the danger of major flood risk.
“We have an Established Relocation Concierge team to support homeowners through the relocation process.”
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