The Minns Labor Government is well on the way to delivering more secure rental housing for East Lismore with 50 new build to rent homes now rising out of the ground.

Construction has progressed rapidly since breaking ground in November. With foundations now laid, the focus has shifted to the main building structures.

The project is the first of its kind in the region and is being delivered by the NSW Government’s developer, Landcom. Importantly, more than 20 percent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for residents on low-to-moderate incomes.

The development will boost Lismore’s housing diversity by offering a range of floorplans – from studios to three-bedroom apartments - to suit different lifestyle needs. Residents will be close to shops, schools, Southern Cross University, and local parklands.

Under the build-to-rent model, the NSW Government will retain ownership of the property, to ensure long-term rental security, with the site managed by a specialist operator.

Weather permitting construction is expected to be complete by late 2026. Planning is also progressing for the adjoining site redevelopment, which will unlock at least 400 additional homes for the Lismore community.

The Development Application for Stage 1 (100 homes) is expected to be lodged with Lismore City Council before the end of March 2026. This broader precinct will feature a variety of housing options, including specific lots designed to accommodate homes relocated through the buyback auction program.

The regional Build-to-rent program was funded in the Minns Labor Government’s first budget and is also building 60 new build-to-rent homes on the NSW South Coast.

This Regional Build-to-Rent program builds on the Minns Labor Government’s recent reforms to speed up the delivery of more homes and make housing more secure for regional NSW, including:

• The Pre-sale Finance Guarantee to get housing construction underway faster
• The development of the NSW Pattern Book and accelerated planning pathway for those who use the pre-approved patterns
• A $6.6 billion investment in social and affordable housing in NSW
• Once in a generation reforms to the State’s planning legislation
• Greater protections for renters including a cap on rent rises, banning no-grounds evictions and a crackdown on real estate agents.

This is all part of the Minns Government’s plan to build a better NSW with more homes and services, so people have somewhere to live and in the communities they choose.

For more information about Lismore please visit: https://landcom.com.au/eastlismore

Premier Chris Minns said:

“The availability and affordability of housing is one of the biggest issues facing NSW residents, and Lismore and the wider Northern Rivers region are doing it particularly tough.

“Projects like this designed specifically for renters help fill a gap in the housing market, opening up a mix of smaller homes suitable for different lifestyles.” 

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“The Lismore build to rent project is a great example of the Minns Labor Government delivering new housing options for Lismore in a way the community has never seen before.

“Once complete each of these apartments will provide a secure home that is close to shops, services, education and open space.” 

Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said:

“It is fantastic to see these 50 new homes literally rising out of the ground, delivering beautifully designed, modern apartments in a prime location safely above the flood zone.

“The Lismore community has shown incredible resilience, but we are building back better by ensuring our residents have access to the affordable, secure, and resilient housing they deserve for the future.” 

Landcom CEO Alex Wendler said:

“Landcom is making homes happen for the people of Lismore.

“As Landcom marks 50 years of delivering housing for NSW, we’re proud to see strong momentum with our projects in the Northern Rivers which will deliver diverse and affordable housing where it’s needed.” 

*Note: Render is indicative and subject to change and approvals.