FIFTY people attended the second flood buyback auction of the year in Murwillumbah overnight, with bidders including a former rental tenant and a tourism operator picking up houses for between $100 and $100,000.
One hundred and fifty buyback properties have now been offered for sale in the Northern Rivers since December 2024, capturing nationwide attention.
First National Real Estate Murwillumbah auctioned the 10 homes at the Murwillumbah Services Club on Tuesday night, attracting 19 registered bidders, including six phone bidders. All 10 properties sold for a total value of $185,000.
The buyers had a variety of motivations. A successful bidder lived in one of the properties 11 years ago as a tenant and loved the idea of rescuing the house. Another will possibly use their new house for tourism accommodation in the nearby hinterland.
The highlights included:
- 8038 Tweed Valley Way, Murwillumbah: $100,000
- 8 Kyogle Road, Bray Park: $10,500
- 24 Kyogle Road, Bray Park: $5000
- 62 Wardrop Street, South Murwillumbah: $42,000
- 74 River Street, South Murwillumbah: $24,000
- 78 River Street, South Murwillumbah: $100
- 80 River Street, South Murwillumbah: $1000
- 82 River Street, South Murwillumbah: $100
- 86 River Street, South Murwillumbah: $550
- 6060 Tweed Valley Way, Burringbar: $100
The continuation of the auction program builds on the significant interest generated by last year’s sales, where prices ranged from just $1 to $200,000. These auctions have become one of the most accessible housing opportunities in the country, offering a practical way for buyers to secure a home while supporting the region’s long-term flood recovery.
All homes earmarked for relocation have been purchased by the NSW Reconstruction Authority through the buyback stream of the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, jointly funded by the NSW and Australian governments through Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
All auction participants must
show they have secured land to relocate their flood buyback home before the end
of 2026.
All NSW proceeds from the home sales (after costs) are reinvested into the
Resilient Homes Program to support more flood-affected residents.
PRD Real Estate will conduct the next flood auction at the Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah on April 22.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
“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.”
“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.”
