Following an overwhelming community response to the sale of the first three flood-affected homes for relocation, another batch of houses will soon be put up for auction.
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 October 7.
No reserve price
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 1,600 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.
Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, said the demand from the public is there. ‘We want to make as many homes as possible available, so people can relocate them to a safer area.
The ultimate renovation project
‘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.
Ms Saffin said this is about making the most of existing housing infrastructure. ’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.’
More details on the homes up for auction, including photos can be found at: www.walmurray.com.au/pages/real-estate/ra-auction-houses.
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