The Minns Labor Government is releasing the next batch of flood-affected homes for sale across the Northern Rivers, following an overwhelming community response to the first three home relocation auctions.
To date, 70 flood-affected properties, bought by the Government, through the $880 million Resilient Homes Program, have been sold and will 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.
This next release includes an additional 10 buyback homes from South and North Lismore and Girards Hill going to auction at the Lismore Heights Sports Club from 5.30pm on 17 September 2025. A further 12 buyback homes will go to auction on 7 October 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 will have 12 months to relocate the houses to flood-free land.
As Australia's largest climate adaptation initiative, the jointly funded Resilient Homes Program is creating safer communities by removing flood-prone homes from the floodplain.
Around 1600 homeowners in the flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers may be eligible to raise, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back under the Program.
The Minns Labor Government remains firmly committed to reusing and relocating as many flood-affected homes as possible.
More details on the homes up for auction, including photos can be found at: https://www.walmurray.com.au/pages/real-estate/ra-auction-houses
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said:
"The demand from the public is there, and we want to make as many homes as possible available, so people can relocate them to a safer area.
"For some people, this is the ultimate renovation project. For others, it's the ultimate reset: a fresh start for the house and a fresh start for the person who takes it on.
"This is about making the most of existing housing infrastructure - and it helps preserve the unique character of our region while helping people move to safer places.
"We are steamrolling the selling of these houses as we want to get houses off the flood plains and give them a new lease of life in a different, safer location."
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon 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.
"These auctions are helping to give homes a second life while contributing to a safer, stronger and more resilient Northern River."
