Seven-star energy rating for new homes. The Victorian Government recently announced a set of new building standard that are to take into effect from 1st October 2023 with a transition strategy to occur from 1st May 2023. These new changes will mean, new home owners will find it cheaper to heat and cool your property all year round. It is anticipated to be more comfortable to occupy, particularly against Melbourne’s extreme weather (both hot and cold seasons). The increased Seven-star energy rating will come under the changes to the National Construction Code (NCC). The new rules mean the minimum energy efficiency standards for a new house will increase from six (6) to seven (7).
What will we see in a new home?
The new standards will provide examples such as:
- The inclusion of fixed appliances including cooling and heating
- Change to hot water systems
- Improved energy efficient lighting
- Offset energy use through solar photovoltaic technology
The new changes will additional create new mandates for new apartment buildings and commercial sites to feature electric vehicle charging stations to all car spaces and roof tops, not just an allocated area. These will need to be able to support solar photovoltaic retrofits. Under the NCC, new apartments and homes will also be required to have better accessibility by including a step-free street or parking entry to the building, accessible doorways, a toilet on the entry level of an apartment, step-free shower and reinforced bathroom walls to support the installation of grab rails. The new NCC will commence on 1 May 2023, with a transition period to 1 October 2023 to assist the industry with its transition.
What to do next?
If you’d like to learn more about purchasing a brand new home or a property off the plan, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would welcome the opportunity to help. Our YouTube channel and Market Insights also provide a wealth of information to assist you with many areas relating to property.
While we have taken care to ensure the information above is true and correct at the time of publication, changes in circumstances and legislation after the displayed date may impact the accuracy of this article. If you want to learn more please contact us. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.
November 2022
