NatHERS for Existing homes?

For 30 years, NatHERS (the National Home Energy Rating Scheme) has provided energy performance ratings for new Australian homes, making them more energy efficient and comfortable to live in.

In April 2023, the Australian Government announced funding to expand NatHERS to offer ratings for EXISTING buildings instead of only ‘off-plan’ pre- build assessments.

These new ratings will help householders better understand their home’s energy performance, identify cost-effective upgrades to improve the comfort of their home, and reduce their energy bills.

The ratings can also underpin ‘green’ loans at reduced interest rates that homeowners will be able to apply for to undertake energy performance upgrades on their homes.

Ratings for existing homes will be available from mid-202 and be performed by a trained and accredited assessor visiting the home to gather the data. Building plans and specifications are not needed.

Currently, only the Residential Efficiency Scorecard offers NatHERS endorsed energy ratings for existing homes. The Scorecard is administered by the Victorian Government on behalf of all State governments.

In the ACT The Civil Law (Sale of Residential Property) Act 2003 requires all homes being sold or leased in the ACT to carry an energy rating. This enables owners and buyers to compare a home’s passive energy performance characteristics with others for sale in the Territory. Yes, they have been doing this since 2003!

Properties are given an energy efficiency rating based on the running costs of homes in terms of energy output, such as heating and cooling. Homes with a higher EER are more cost and energy efficient. This information is available at every point of sale for a dwelling in ACT.

Soon, all existing homes in Australia will be able to access a NatHERS rating for an existing home.