Young families are driving strong demand for affordable housing in the Northern Rivers, dominating bidding at Lismore’s third flood buyback auction of the year, with one minister saying it was “heartening” to see new buyers enter the market.
A total of 35 registered bidders attended the auction at the Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah, competing for 10 homes relocated from South, North, Central and East Lismore, as well as Girards Hill.
All properties sold, with prices ranging from $14,000 to $132,000, for a combined total of $400,000.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the strong turnout from younger buyers showed the program was creating a pathway into home ownership while keeping communities intact.
“It is heartening to see so many young families securing these homes, providing them with a tangible pathway to homeownership while ensuring we keep our people and their energy right here in the Northern Rivers,” she said.
Since December 2024, 160 properties have been offered through the program, which is emerging as a relatively accessible pathway into home ownership.
Saffin said the initiative was also helping retain community character while reducing flood risk.
“This program is a uniquely Northern Rivers solution to housing that is setting a benchmark for the rest of Australia, proving that we can move residents out of harm’s way without losing the heart of our community,” she said.
The homes were originally acquired by the NSW Reconstruction Authority under the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, a joint initiative of the NSW and Australian governments.
Successful buyers are required to relocate the dwellings to flood-safe land within 11 months.
Saffin said relocation, rather than demolition, was central to the program’s approach.
“By choosing relocation over demolition, we are delivering a sustainable and innovative outcome that preserves our local housing stock and gives these buildings a second life in a safer location,” she said.
NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Executive Director, Adaptation and Resilience Division, Jane Holden, said the auctions were part of a broader effort to reduce exposure to flood risk.
“The Lismore auctions are part of our commitment to relocate and reuse buyback dwellings wherever possible, as we progress the removal of households from areas of high flood risk,” she said.
“These homes are part of the community’s shared history, and this program is about giving them a second life.”
Holden said many bidders had prepared in advance, working with contractors and councils before auction day.
“It was encouraging to see bidders come well-prepared, engaging with relocation contractors and local councils in advance, with strong interest from young families and first-home buyers seeking a pathway to a safer future,” she said.
What sold
- 213 Casino Street, South Lismore — $14,000
- 7 Frank Street, South Lismore — $38,000
- 14 Tweed Street, North Lismore — $40,000
- 11 Coleman Street, Central Lismore — $132,000
- 163 Ballina Road, East Lismore — $35,000
- 1 Cathcart Street, Central Lismore — $41,000
- 144 Dawson Street, Girards Hill — $21,000
- 153 Dawson Street, Girards Hill — $26,000
- 219 Molesworth Street, East Lismore — $17,000
- 99 Crown Street, South Lismore — $36,000
Proceeds from the sales, after costs, are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.
More information is available at nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with North Coast Times to reach locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.