A NEW generation of homeowners is seizing the opportunity to secure a future in the Northern Rivers, with young families dominating the bidding at Lismore’s third flood buyback auction of the year.
Overnight, 35 registered bidders gathered at the Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah to compete for 10 homes from South, North, Central, and East Lismore, as well as Girards Hill. The event saw a 100% clearance rate, with homes selling for between $14,000 and $132,000, with a combined value of $400,000.
Since December 2024, 160 properties have been offered for sale through this innovative program, which has earned a reputation as one of Australia’s most accessible housing pathways.
Auction highlights included:
- 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
All homes sold were originally purchased 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 bidders are required to relocate the dwellings to flood-safe land within 11 months.
All proceed from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.
To find out more about the Program go to nsw.gov.au/resilienthomesprogram
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“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.
“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.
“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.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority Acting Executive Director Adaptation and Resilience Division Jane Holden said:
“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.
“These homes are part of the community’s shared history, and this program is about giving them a second life.
“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.”
