In a region still rebuilding from disaster and grappling with ongoing housing shortages, the Northern Rivers is about to see a new kind of home take shape. Construction has begun on 50 purpose-built build-to-rent (BTR) homes in East Lismore – a first for regional New South Wales.
Delivered by Landcom, the NSW Government-owned developer, in partnership with regional firm FK Gardner & Sons, the project will include a mix of studios, one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments. Twenty per cent will be reserved for affordable rental housing, prioritising low- and moderate-income earners such as essential workers.
Located above the flood zone and close to shops, schools and Southern Cross University, the development aims to offer stability and choice for renters in a region where secure housing has become increasingly hard to find. Construction is expected to finish in late 2026.
A new model for regional housing
The BTR approach represents a fresh direction for housing delivery in regional NSW. Unlike traditional developments sold to individual buyers, BTR projects are designed for long-term rental tenure – giving tenants greater security, professionally managed maintenance, and modern, energy-efficient homes.
For Lismore, still recovering from the 2022 floods, that shift carries added significance. The new development is part of the state’s commitment to boosting resilience, diversifying housing supply, and testing models that could help futureproof regional communities against both market pressures and climate impacts.
Voices from the region
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said the project would help deliver more choice and security for renters: “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.”
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin said the project was a welcome boost for the community: “These 50 new build-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.”
A step towards stability
For the Northern Rivers, this project is more than a construction milestone – it’s a signal of confidence. By trialling new housing models and building climate-resilient homes in regional centres, the NSW Government is aiming to broaden housing options and strengthen communities from the ground up.
If successful, the East Lismore project could become a template for future BTR developments across regional NSW – proof that innovation, when built on local partnerships and lived experience, can help restore both homes and hope.
