Home energy ratings

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 energy 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 home's 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

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Subsidised Home Energy Ratings

The NSW Government is launching a subsidised Home Energy Ratings pilot to help households better understand and reduce their home’s energy use.

Eligible households can book a discounted on-site assessment, which will help identify practical ways to improve home comfort and reduce energy use.

Assessments are delivered by NatHERS-accredited professionals using nationally recognised standards. As the pilot is new, availability in some areas may be limited, but the program is expanding rapidly.

To find out more, check availability in your area, register your interest and be matched with an assessor, visit the Subsidised Home Energy Ratings booking page.

Training resources are available for the real estate sector

We have worked with the real estate sector to create training and resources about home energy ratings to empower 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 the roll-out