The NSW Reconstruction Authority (RA) has set an ambitious target by aiming to release a further 42 homes for sale in Lismore and across the Northern Rivers by Christmas.

To date, 83 flood-affected properties, bought by the RA through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program (RHP), have been offered for sale to be relocated to flood-free land by the new owner. 

Most buyers to date have been locals, with purchase prices ranging from $347 to $200,000.

The next release includes 12 buyback homes from South and North Lismore and central Lismore going to auction at the Lismore Workers Sports Club, 202 Oliver Avenue, Goonellabah, from 5.30pm this Tuesday (October 7).

An additional 22 buyback homes are planned to go to auction in November 2025.

There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1, making it one of the most accessible housing opportunities in Australia. Successful bidders have 12 months to relocate the houses to flood-free land.

As Australia’s largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded RHP goal is to remove high-risk flood-prone homes from the floodplain. Currently, 464 homeowners in the Northern Rivers have received tailored home assessments to improve their homes’ flood resilience. Our target is to complete 1500 of these assessments by mid-2026.

Around 1600 homeowners in the flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers may be eligible for government support to raise, repair, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back under the Program.

More details on the homes available can be found at: https://www.prd.com.au/northernrivers/relocation-homes/.

Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said, “We have set an ambitious target for relocation and reuse to ensure we are leading the way in ensuring we are creating the vibrant neighbourhoods and opportunities our community need.

“It’s giving many people, particularly those with young families, a chance at something affordable in the housing market in one of the best places to live.

“With these tin and timber homes, we are delivering the hopes and dreams of a generation to home their own while ensuring the unique character of this region lives on.” 

NSW Reconstruction Authority Executive Director Northern Rivers Adaptation Division Kristie Clarke said, “The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia.

“Through the buyback process, we’re removing homes from the floodplain and creating new opportunities by making some of these available for relocation.”