A fourth batch of flood buyback homes around Lismore will go up for auction next week, the NSW Government says.
To date, 70 damaged properties bought by the government through a $880 million buyback program have been sold in three batches.
The homes are to be relocated to flood-free sites by the new owner; most buyers so far have been locals and sales prices ranged from as low as $347 to $200,000.
10 MORE BUYBACKS FOR AUCTION
- The fourth release includes 10 buyback homes from South and North Lismore and Girards Hill.
- They will go to auction at Lismore Heights Sports Club from 5.30pm on September 17.
- Another 12 buyback homes will go to auction on October 7.
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin says that “demand from the public is there”.
“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,” she says.
“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.”
NSW Reconstruction Authority CEO Mal Lanyon says the buybacks are part of the Resilient Homes Program, “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,” he says.
“These auctions are helping to give homes a second life while contributing to a safer, stronger and more resilient Northern River.”
There is no reserve price on these houses, meaning bidding can start and end at $1; the government says. The new owners will have 12 months to relocate the houses.
Around 1600 homeowners in flood-prone areas of the Northern Rivers region may be eligible to raise, retrofit or have their home voluntarily bought back.
Details on the homes for auction can be found at www.walmurray.com.au/pages/real-estate/ra-auction-houses
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