Buyback homes in the Northern Rivers are set to get a new lease of life as part of a housing reuse initiative by NSW Reconstruction Authority and Homes NSW.
Homes purchased as part of the buyback program and pods from temporary housing programs in Northern NSW and the Central West will be offered to support affordable, social, transitional, crisis or key worker housing, or as community spaces that provide human and social support services.
The Homes Reuse Program will offer the homes and pods through an Expression of Interest process to eligible organisations which may include community housing providers, Local Aboriginal Lands Councils and Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, local government, not-for-profit community organisations and NSW Government agencies.
Priority for the relocatable homes will be given to organisations representing flood impacted Aboriginal communities, and those wishing to retain the homes within the region for community, key worker accommodation and social housing use. The program will also consider proposals for the use of the pods for temporary accommodation or community programs.
By putting homes back into local communities, the program aims to help ease the chronic shortage of housing in the region, which is currently estimated at more than 24,000 dwellings.
The NSW Reconstruction Authority will provide funding of up to $135,000 per buyback home to support removal and relocation costs. By redirecting funding originally allocated for property demolition, the program will help community housing providers and other community organisations relocate eligible buyback homes for future community use. Pods are not eligible for relocation funding.
Expressions of Interest for the Homes Reuse Program will open on 9 July and close on 17 September 2026 with briefings to be held for eligible organisations and groups.
For more information on the Homes Reuse Program visit https://www.nsw.gov.au/homes-reuse-program
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"The NSW Reconstruction Authority and Homes NSW are repurposing existing safe and suitable buyback homes in the Northern Rivers and Central West to help address the significant housing pressure felt across flood impacted communities.
"Repurposing buyback homes and pods will help vulnerable residents stay connected to their communities.
"By investing up to $135,000 per home to relocate these buildings rather than demolish them, we are turning a potential waste into a massive win for local families. It is a common-sense approach that keeps roofs over heads and keeps communities together."
Minister for Housing Rose Jackson said:
"Right now, communities across regional NSW are feeling the pressure of the housing shortage every day. That's why we're looking at every sensible opportunity to get more homes into communities faster and make sure good, usable homes don't go to waste.
"This program is about making practical use of homes that still have life in them. If they are safe, functional and able to provide housing for people who need it, then it makes sense to give them a second life where they can make a real difference.
"By working with community housing providers, Aboriginal organisations and local councils, we can help deliver more housing options for communities while reducing waste and keeping valuable housing assets in use."
