The NSW and Australian Governments are making it easier to understand how energy efficient a home is.
In NSW, we’re introducing a new scheme where people selling or leasing homes can choose to share a home’s energy rating. This is called voluntary disclosure of home energy ratings. It’s important because it helps buyers and renters know how much energy the home might use, and how much it might cost to run. It could also make the home more attractive, which will benefit people selling and leasing properties.
This is a key action under the Consumer Energy Strategy.
Why home energy ratings are important
Home energy ratings show how well a home stays warm or cool and how much energy it’s likely to use. They’re like the star ratings you see on appliances like fridges or washing machines. Many homes, especially older ones, don’t have this information.
Knowing a home’s energy rating helps people to:
- choose a more comfortable, energy efficient home
- understand how much the home costs to run
- understand the greenhouse gas emissions the home produces
- feel empowered to make energy efficient upgrades to save on energy costs and improve the homes comfort.
The Australian Government is expanding home energy ratings for all homes. Visit the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) website to learn more about the rollout and find an accredited assessor near you.
How the rollout will work in NSW
- From September 2025
We’re running a series of trials to help design a scheme that works well and is fair for everyone. This includes live testing, research projects and targeted stakeholder engagement with industry groups.
- From mid-2026
We’ll start the voluntary rollout of home energy rating disclosure in NSW. This rollout will include everything we’ve learnt from the trials.
- Later (date to be determined)
We’ll aim to transition to mandatory disclosure once we’ve reviewed the voluntary rollout and the market is ready. This would mean the home’s energy rating must be shared publicly with potential buyers or renters when it’s advertised for sale or lease.
This work is led by the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, with help from other government agencies and industry partners.
Consultation
We have temporarily established an Industry and Consumer Reference Group. It brings together industry and consumer representatives to provide input on the future roll out of home energy ratings. Membership is by invitation. If you are interested in getting involved, please contact us.
The home energy rating trial
We completed a live trial of home energy ratings with the real estate sector at the end of 2025. The trial tested:
- how a home energy rating could fit into the normal buying, selling and leasing process
- what support households and real estate agents need for it to work smoothly in the future.
We also worked with the real estate sector to create training and resources about home energy ratings to empower real estate agents to have conversations with their clients. If you work in real estate and want to learn more or get access to training materials, please contact us.
Frequently asked questions about Home Energy Ratings and our trial
Yes. There are a growing number of accredited assessors in NSW. Go to the NatHERS assessor register to check if there’s an assessor near you.
An assessor visits your home to see how well it stays cool or warm, and how much energy it’s likely to use. After the energy assessment, you will receive:
- A Home Energy Rating Certificate showing your home energy rating and upgrade guidance. You can learn more about the certificate on the NatHERS website.
- Practical tips from the assessor on possible upgrades to save on energy costs and improve the comfort of your home.
Home Energy Ratings are voluntary in NSW. This means you can choose to share your property’s home energy rating.
Please email your question to [email protected].
The trial has now closed. However, there may be future opportunities to be involved in research or other trials, subject to eligibility and location. Please email [email protected] and tell us a bit about your situation.
NatHERS provides reliable home energy ratings and information on how to improve the energy performance of Australian homes. NatHERS is currently expanding to provide ratings for existing homes. Visit the NatHERS website to read about the expansion and availability of assessors.