By Julian & Renee (Australia) – with writing support from Alberto Aldana (Colombia)
As of March 2026, energy performance disclosure is becoming an important component of buying and selling property in New South Wales. NatHERS — the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme — is expected to be extended to existing housing. Under this system, homes may receive a 0-to-10-star rating based on their energy efficiency and ability to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
This represents a significant development for conveyancers, vendors, and purchasers. Although energy ratings are not yet a prescribed document like title searches, there is increasing movement toward making energy performance disclosure compulsory. Conveyancers should therefore understand this change and its potential impact on property transactions.
The Energy Performance Rating aims to answer a simple question: what will it cost to run this house? If disclosure becomes more common, sellers may need to provide this information so potential buyers can understand the energy efficiency of the property.
Some important points to consider include:
- For vendors: A low energy rating could affect the sale of a property. Buyers may use this information to negotiate a lower purchase price, arguing that improvements such as insulation or double glazing may be required. Flash Conveyancing suggests considering an energy assessment before listing the property so any issues can be identified early.
- For buyers: A full energy performance report can be useful information. It shows how efficiently the building performs and may highlight upgrades that could be needed in the future. Knowing the star rating beforehand helps buyers make more informed decisions, as a home with a low rating may involve higher running costs.
The shift toward compulsory energy performance disclosure could have practical implications for both vendors and purchasers. Vendors may face additional costs and possible delays in listing their property if an energy report becomes required.
Some potential impacts include:
- Lower rating and price negotiations: If a property receives a low rating, such as two stars, buyers may attempt to negotiate a lower price on the basis that they will need to spend money improving the home’s energy efficiency.
- Disclosure requirements: If energy performance disclosure becomes mandatory, vendors may be required to provide the report upfront. This could highlight inefficiencies and potentially make the property harder to sell without improvements.
Energy performance ratings can also benefit buyers by providing greater clarity before purchasing a property.
- An energy report may help buyers understand the long-term running costs of a home, whether it is an older property with outdated insulation or a newer home with energy-efficient features.
- Without this information, buyers may face unexpected costs after purchase, such as upgrades to insulation, windows, or appliances.
Having access to the rating in advance can therefore support more informed purchasing decisions.
Julian and Renee at Flash Conveyancing specialise in property transactions throughout New South Wales. Their experience working with local councils including Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, The Hills, Hornsby, and Parramatta allows them to provide a personalised approach to every settlement. Whether you are buying, selling, or investing in property in suburbs such as Acacia Gardens, Stanhope Gardens, Windsor, Kellyville, or Castle Hill, their team helps ensure that all necessary documentation—including potential energy performance assessments—is handled correctly so the process runs smoothly.
With upcoming changes to energy performance disclosure, Flash Conveyancing can assist clients in understanding the requirements and navigating the conveyancing process with confidence.
Our team has a proven track record of working seamlessly with the Blacktown, Hawkesbury, Blue Mountains, The Hills Shire, Hornsby, and Parramatta councils.
North-West Growth Corridor: Marsden Park, Box Hill, Schofields, Tallawong, Riverstone, Gables, Melonba, Grantham Farm, and Angus.
The Hills District & Surrounds: Castle Hill, Kellyville, North Kellyville, Bella Vista, Baulkham Hills, Beaumont Hills, Norwest, Rouse Hill, Winston Hills, and Westmead.
Blacktown City & Established West: Blacktown, Seven Hills, Glendenning, Glenwood, Stanhope Gardens, The Ponds, Quakers Hill, Kings Langley, Parklea, Acacia Gardens, Arndell Park, Rooty Hill, and Doonside.
Hawkesbury & Lifestyle Estates: Dural, Middle Dural, Kenthurst, Glenhaven, Galston, Glenorie, Annangrove, Nelson, Cattai, Maraylya, Vineyard, and Windsor.
Parramatta & Emerging Hubs: Parramatta, Northmead, North Rocks, North Parramatta, Wentworthville, and St Marys.