Jeff Gibbs
Another 10 flood-affected homes will be auctioned this month as part of the NSW Government’s $880 million Resilient Homes Program, giving properties a new lease of life on flood-free land.
The homes, located in South and North Lismore and Girards Hill, will go to auction at the Lismore Heights Sports Club on Wednesday, 17 September 2025, from 5.30pm. A further 12 buyback homes are scheduled for auction on 7 October 2025.
There will be no reserve price at the auctions, meaning bidding can start and finish at just $1. Buyers have 12 months to relocate the houses to flood-free sites.
To date, 70 homes bought back by the Government have been sold through relocation auctions, with prices ranging from $347 to $200,000. Most buyers have been locals, keen to give the dwellings a second life outside the floodplain.
Minister for Recovery and the North Coast Janelle Saffin said the demand for the homes had been strong:
“For some people, this is the ultimate renovation project. For others, it’s the ultimate reset – a fresh start for the house and for the person who takes it on. This is about making the most of existing housing infrastructure while helping preserve the unique character of our region.”
Ms Saffin said the Government’s priority was to “steamroll the selling of these houses”, to ensure they were removed quickly from the floodplain and relocated to safer ground.
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon said the auctions were central to the recovery strategy:
“The Resilient Homes Program is one of the most ambitious initiatives undertaken after a disaster in Australia. These auctions are helping to give homes a second life while contributing to a safer, stronger and more resilient Northern Rivers.”
Around 1,600 homeowners across the Northern Rivers remain eligible for the program, which includes options to raise, retrofit, or voluntarily sell flood-affected properties.
More details, including photos of the homes up for auction, can be found at Walmurray & Associates Real Estate
