More affordable and secure rentals are one step closer for the Northern Rivers with the construction of 50 new build to rent units underway in East Lismore.

These homes will help to ease housing pressure in the region which has been grappling with increasing rental stress for years, further exacerbated by major floods. 

While around half of Lismore is made up of single or two person households there is currently a lack of smaller home options available to suit their needs. 

This development will help adjust that mismatch, boosting housing diversity, by delivering a range of apartments from studios up to three bedrooms to suit different renters needs. 

This is the first of its kind housing project for the Northern Rivers, demonstrating a new way of delivering rental housing in the area. 

The new homes will be conveniently located close to shops, services, schools, Southern Cross University, open space and other community infrastructure. 

Importantly twenty-per-cent of the homes will be dedicated to affordable housing for those on low and moderate household incomes, such as the essential workers who keep our cities and towns moving.

The project is being delivered by the NSW Government’s property and land developer, Landcom who has appointed regionally based construction company FK Gardner & Sons as Head Contractor to lead the construction.

Construction is expected to be completed in late 2026, pending weather conditions.

Landcom will remain owner of the build to rent property, which will be managed by a suitable operator on behalf of the NSW Government. 

Build to rent is purpose-built housing designed for rent, rather than sale. It is designed and built specifically for long-term renters to provide secure housing, typically in the form of apartments.

The Minns Labor Government has delivering 400 build-to-rent homes for essential workers in Sydney and construction is progressing on 60 new build to rent homes on the NSW South Coast.

For more information visit our Lismore page.

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said:

“This project will help provide greater housing security and choice for renters in Lismore, delivering 50 new build to rent units which bolster both housing supply and diversity. 

“As one of the first ever build to rent projects outside a major city this development will test a new housing type for regional areas that could be rolled out in other parts of the state. 

“This is another example of the Minns Labor Government delivering more housing to create better outcomes for people of NSW. 

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

“These 50 new built to rent homes will be a lifesaver - beautifully designed apartments in a well located area and above the flood zone.

“The Lismore community has demonstrated time after time how resilient they are, but support is needed to ensure long-term housing security. 

“We are building back better, ensuring our community has affordable and resilient housing for the future.” 

Landcom Executive General Manager Development Tasha Burrell said:

“Build to rent housing is a great example of Landcom’s commitment to making homes happen.  We’re thrilled to announce the start of construction on this site, a step closer to getting people into homes. 

“This is a productive and exciting time for Landcom, with strong momentum across our suite of land and property developments in regional centres and our cities unlocking new housing options for current and future generations.”

FKG Managing Director Nick Gardner said: 

“We are delighted to be supporting the NSW Government & Landcom to deliver this much needed accommodation solution in the Northern Rivers. 

“We look forward to partnering with the local supply chain to maximise opportunities to be involved in the project and deliver a high-quality outcome for the region.”