Energy Rating for Existing Homes: What It Means for WA Real Estate

The Home Energy Rating scheme (NatHERS) has just expanded nationally to cover existing homes, not just new builds. For real estate agents, sellers, landlords and buyers across Western Australia, this is one of the more significant changes to hit the property market in years.

Here’s what it is, why it matters right now, and how it can become a genuine point of difference in your next listing.

What Is a Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes?

A Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes shows how much energy a property uses today, and where improvements would make the biggest difference to comfort, running costs and emissions.

An accredited assessor visits the property and assesses:

• Design, construction materials, insulation, window types and shading
• The efficiency of fixed appliances such as heating and cooling, hot water systems, pool or spa pumps, and lighting
• Any on-site solar generation and battery storage
• The local climate

The result is a certificate with two ratings that work together:

• Star Rating (0–10 ★) — how well the home’s design and construction maintain comfortable temperatures without artificial heating or cooling
• Home Energy Rating (0–100+) — the home’s overall annual energy use, including fixed appliances, solar and battery storage (100 means net zero energy use)

Why the Existing Homes Expansion Matters Now

This is being described as the biggest change to the NatHERS scheme in its 33-year history. Previously, Home Energy Ratings applied mainly to new builds, assessed from plans before construction. The scheme now allows existing homes, however old, to be rated as they actually perform today.

The finance industry has already taken notice. The Mortgage and Finance Association of Australia (MFAA) recently told brokers this expansion gives them “another opportunity to provide valuable guidance” for clients, as buyers increasingly weigh up ongoing running costs alongside purchase price (Mortgage Professional Australia)

What This Means for Western Australian Real Estate

A Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes gives agents a practical tool to use with both sellers and buyers:

• A point of difference in listings. A third-party certificate showing a property’s efficiency and running costs stands out where two comparable homes are competing on more than just price.
• A way to justify upgrade value. Sellers who’ve invested in insulation, solar, or double glazing can point to a certificate that quantifies the benefit.
• A ready answer for buyer questions. When buyers ask about likely energy bills or how a home performs thermally, the certificate gives a clear, documented answer.
• Positioning ahead of the curve. Rating disclosure at the point of sale or lease is already mandatory in the ACT, and other states are moving in the same direction. Nothing is currently mandated in Western Australia, but the direction is clear, early adoption puts sellers and their agents ahead of it.

A 10% Discount for Homeowners in Participating Council Areas

Homeowners in participating council areas can access a 10% discount on a Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes through EcoForm Consulting, by quoting the code SWITCHYOURTHINKING at the time of enquiry.

Check whether your council area is participating on the Switch Your Thinking website.

Get a Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes in WA

EcoForm Consulting has accredited assessors servicing Western Australia, delivering Home Energy Ratings for rentals, pre-sale homes and investment properties.

Learn more about our Home Energy Rating for Existing Homes service, or contact us to request a fact sheet you can keep on hand, talk through how this could fit into your selling process or request a quote.