Home Buyback - home relocation, gifting and occupancy arrangements | Resilient Homes Program
The Resilient Homes Program provides Home Buyback participants the option to relocate or gift their former dwelling to a third party for relocation. Relocation is also an option for eligible homeowners in the Resilient Measures stream. Occupancy arrangements may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The Resilient Homes Program provides Home Buyback participants the option to relocate or gift their former dwelling to a third party for relocation. Relocation is also an option for eligible homeowners in the Resilient Measures stream.
The occupancy arrangement is designed to support homeowners by allowing them to remain in their homes at no cost on a short-term basis post buyback completion. This allows them more time to make plans such as to relocate their existing home or to construct a new home.
Why you might relocate your home
The relocation and reuse of homes has many benefits including:
- the sustainable reuse of homes reduces waste
- time and cost-effective housing solution for recipients
- maintains a connection to the homes and communities
- maintains regional housing stock
- preserves the built heritage of the area.
Home relocation
Relocation is an option for eligible Home Buyback participants and may also be available for homeowners eligible under the Resilient Measures stream. Home Buyback participants can advise if they wish to relocate their home to a flood resilient location in the region when they accept their offer.
Homeowners eligible for Resilient Measures can apply for a Home Relocation grant of up to $100,000 including GST to relocate their current home to a safer location on their property, or to another property in the region.
Relocating a home is a significant undertaking. Much like building a new house, it involves a number of important decisions that will require careful planning, budgeting and management. Being well-informed is the key to making the process smoother and more successful.
RA has resources available to help you understand more about the process of relocating a home and the things that you should consider before deciding if a relocatable home is right for you.
The following is a list of things to consider when deciding to relocate a home.
Determining if the home is suitable for relocation
To determine whether relocation is a suitable option for your home it is important that you understand costs and other potential risks before making any commitments, including payments in connection with relocating a home.
Engage with an appropriately qualified NSW licensed home relocation contractor and / or appropriately qualified NSW licensed builder / contractor early in the process for initial advice on the cost of relocating and renovating the home.
Choosing the right land
When purchasing land for a relocated home it is important to consider the following:
- Does the land have a building entitlement and all relevant approvals (including planning approvals) - these can be obtained from the relevant council.
- Is the land outside of the Priority 1, 2 and 3 zones according to the RHP Flood Prioritisation Maps, where relevant.
- Is the land suitable for your home – key considerations include size, elevation, slope, bush fire and applicable regulations.
- Are utilities such as electricity, water and sewerage already in place or will these need to be established.
Determining whether home relocation is within your budget
The timeline of each home relocation journey will vary depending on multiple factors including access to land, finances, council approvals and availability of trades and relocation contractors. Seek advice from your local council and home relocation contractor to work out a rough timeline to ensure it is feasible to relocate your home within the required timeframe.
Create a budget that includes estimates from your relocation contractor, quotes from licensed builders / contractors and trades people or other service providers, and fees for certificates and permits.
Obtain approvals required for relocating the home
Understanding what approvals are required to relocate your home is essential. Approvals required will vary depending on the relevant council, the work involved, and whether you are relocating within the same council or moving to a new council area.
Speak to your local council(s) for general advice early in your planning. Examples of approvals required include:
- Site access approval. When relocating a home from RA land, you need a Site Access Agreement and Work Plan, approved by RA. Information and support to obtain these is available from RA.
- Development approval. Submit your development application (DA) to your local council via the NSW Planning Portal once you have all the information required.
- Asbestos clearance certificate. SafeWork NSW require that all asbestos is removed from the home before it is transported. After asbestos removal, you will need an Asbestos Clearance Certificate, which confirms that all identified asbestos has been removed.
- Construction Certificate (CC). This can be submitted to council via the NSW Planning Portal with your DA application or via a private certifier. A CC is required before any building work begins on site, it confirms that the construction plans and specifications are consistent with the development approval and comply with the Building Code.
Remediation/make safe works
After the home has been relocated, you will be responsible for ensuring the original site is left in a safe manner. For houses relocated from RA owned land this includes the removal of all residual building materials and any waste material, including any structures higher than 100mm above ground level remaining on site.
Resources
The Concierge Team helps support Home Buyback homeowners through the relocation process. Please reach out through concierge@reconstruction.nsw.gov.au.
Home gifting
If a Buyback participant chooses not to relocate their home, they can gift the home to a third party who can relocate it for residential use within the region.
‘Gifting’ means that RA will allow a third party to remove the dwelling from the land for $0 (for free), if that person meets certain RA requirements.
If the gifting proposal is approved by RA, the sale contract will allow for gifting.
The recipient will be asked to provide a Deed Poll to RA.
The recipient is responsible for all stages of the relocation process, including a Site Access Arrangement and Work Plan, approved by RA. A DA may be required to remove and transport the home, and then to re-install it at the final proposed location.
Occupancy arrangement
In recognition of the challenges faced by home owners in the Northern Rivers, the RA is providing an occupancy arrangement, in certain circumstances.
Resilient Homes Program Buyback participants may be eligible to enter into an occupancy arrangement, where the homeowner requires access to their current home after settlement to of the Home Buyback while relocating their home or building a new home.
This arrangement will allow homeowners who meet certain eligibility criteria to legally occupy the home, following settlement. Occupancy periods will be considered on a case by case basis, all occupancy arrangements must finish by 30 November 2026, four weeks prior to relocation.
- The homeowner must be able to demonstrate that:
- action is being actively taken to relocate their current home or build their new home
- they are unable to reside at the new location
- funds are needed to be released urgently for one or more of these purposes (otherwise, a delayed settlement should be requested).
For tenants or other occupants
Tenants or other occupants of a Home Buyback property may also be eligible for an occupancy arrangement if they meet certain eligibility criteria. The tenant or other occupant of a Buyback property must demonstrate they require additional time to source suitable alternative accommodation after completion of the Buyback purchase, because:
- they have not been able to access the minimum 6-month settlement period under RA’s existing policy, and have not previously declined such an offer, and
- are at risk of homelessness.
To be eligible, the tenant or other occupant must be in lawful occupation of the property when seeking the occupancy arrangement from RA.
Next steps
For more information
Fact sheets and guidance
Find resources about the Resilient Homes Program in our publications and reports library
