Lismore
Investment Score
68
/100
AI Intelligence Summary
Lismore is a regional city in NSW's Northern Rivers region, serving as a major service center for surrounding agricultural and tourism areas. Home to Southern Cross University, the city maintains a diverse demographic with a significant student population alongside established families and professionals. The 2022 flooding events have profoundly impacted the community, leading to major infrastructure rebuilding, government buyback schemes, and population displacement. Despite these challenges, Lismore retains a strong arts and cultural scene, quality educational facilities including Lismore Base Hospital as a regional medical hub, and active community groups focused on flood recovery and resilience. The property market has experienced significant volatility due to flood risk reassessment, with many properties requiring major repairs and an extremely tight rental market. Climate resilience planning and flood mitigation infrastructure projects are now central to the city's future development, while the proximity to alternative lifestyle communities like Nimbin adds to the area's unique character.
Strengths
- •Major regional service center with strong economic foundation
- •Home to Southern Cross University providing education and employment
- •Vibrant arts and cultural scene with galleries and performance venues
- •Quality healthcare facilities including Lismore Base Hospital
Opportunities
- •Major infrastructure rebuilding creating modernization potential
- •Climate resilience planning attracting government investment
- •Growing focus on sustainable and flood-resistant development
- •University expansion could drive population and economic growth
Considerations
- •Ongoing recovery from devastating 2022 flooding events
- •Reduced housing stock due to flood damage and buyback schemes
- •Extremely tight rental market with limited availability
- •Climate risk concerns affecting property values and insurance
Property Market
$520K
-8.5% 1yr
$380K
-6.2% 1yr
$450K
$480/wk
$400/wk
65
0.8%
52.0%
Price Growth
| Type | 1 Year | 3 Year | 5 Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| House | -8.5% | +15.2% | +28.5% |
| Unit | -6.2% | +12.8% | +24.3% |
Rental Yields
House Yield
4.8%
Unit Yield
5.5%
Townhouse Yield
5.1%
Investment Scorecard
Demand/Supply Ratio: 1.80
Demand exceeds supply — favourable for sellers
Tax & Financial Intelligence
CPA-grade analysis for Lismore at median house price
Save $17,930
+8% surcharge
$480/wk
Negatively geared
Reduces taxable income
~$177/week
Based on 5.7% p.a. growth (from 5-year trend), 50% CGT discount, 39% MTR
5-Year Hold
10-Year Hold
Investor Quick Summary
Entry cost (stamp duty)
$17,930
After-tax yield
2.93%
Weekly holding cost
$177/wk
10yr CGT (est.)
$71,114
Estimates based on FY2025 NSW rates at median house price. Assumes 80% LVR, 6.5% interest rate, 39% marginal tax rate ($135K-$190K bracket). Individual circumstances vary. This is general information only and not personal financial advice. Consult your CPA before making investment decisions. Local Knowledge Pty Ltd — Registered Tax Agent.
Demographics
45,000
38
$52K
per annum
58.0%
35.0%
28.0%
6.2%
18.0%
Dwelling Mix
Lifestyle & Community
45
12
2
730.0 km
Nearest Station: Casino Railway Station
Regional city lifestyle with university culture, outdoor recreation opportunities, and proximity to alternative lifestyle communities. Strong focus on community resilience and sustainable living.
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Data sourced from multiple sources. Last updated 27 March 2026.