Victoria Scorecard to NatHERS Transition: What Assessors & Homeowners Need to Know
The Victorian Residential Efficiency Scorecard program closes on 23 June 2026. NatHERS for Existing Homes is the national replacement. Here's everything you need to know — whether you're an assessor planning your transition or a homeowner wondering what happens next.
Key Deadline: 23 June 2026
After this date, the Scorecard program will no longer operate. Assessors who want to continue conducting existing home energy assessments must transition to NatHERS accreditation. Homeowners can still book Scorecard assessments until the closure date.
In This Guide
What Is the Residential Efficiency Scorecard?
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard is a Victorian Government program that rates the energy performance of existing homes. Launched as a pilot and expanded nationally, it provides homeowners with a star rating (out of 10) for their home's current energy efficiency, along with a tailored upgrade plan showing which improvements will have the biggest impact on comfort and energy bills.
Key features of the Scorecard program include:
- Whole-of-home assessment covering thermal shell, heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, and appliances
- Star rating indicating current performance and potential after upgrades
- Prioritised upgrade pathway with estimated costs and bill savings
- Integration with the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program for subsidised assessments
Why Is the Scorecard Program Closing?
The Scorecard program is closing because Australia is moving to a nationally consistent framework for rating existing homes. Rather than maintaining separate state-based programs, the federal government — through the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) — is expanding to cover existing homes for the first time.
This is a significant shift. Previously, NatHERS only rated new homes and major renovations at the design stage. The expansion means one unified system will cover both new and existing homes across all states and territories.
Why This Is Actually Good News
- National consistency — one rating system understood everywhere, not just Victoria
- Greater recognition — NatHERS ratings are already trusted by lenders, insurers, and government programs
- Bigger market — assessors can work across state borders under one accreditation
- Property value impact — NatHERS ratings are increasingly linked to home valuations and lending criteria
NatHERS for Existing Homes — The National Replacement
NatHERS for Existing Homes expands the well-established Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme to cover established properties. The assessment includes:
- Thermal performance assessment — how well the building envelope retains heating and cooling
- Fixed appliance evaluation — heating, cooling, hot water, lighting, pool/spa equipment
- Energy use estimation — projected energy consumption based on the home's characteristics
- Star rating on the 0–10 NatHERS scale — consistent with ratings used for new homes
The rollout is staged. Stage 1 (from mid-2025) established policies, procedures, and initial assessor accreditation.Stage 2 expands tool availability and assessor capacity, with third-party user interface accreditation opening up the market.
Want a quick estimate? Try our free energy rating calculator — it takes under 2 minutes.
Get Your EstimateTransition Pathway for Scorecard Assessors
If you're one of the hundreds of accredited Scorecard assessors in Victoria, the good news is your existing skills and qualifications provide a strong foundation for NatHERS accreditation. Here's how the transition works:
Check Your Qualifications
Scorecard assessors with Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (CPP41221) or equivalent are well-positioned. This qualification aligns closely with NatHERS assessor requirements. Those with the older CPP41212 (Certificate IV in NatHERS) or CPP41110 (Home Sustainability Assessment) also have recognised pathways.
Apply for NatHERS Accreditation
Register with a NatHERS-accredited assessing organisation. Your Scorecard experience conducting in-home assessments counts as demonstrated competency, potentially qualifying you for an experienced assessor stream with reduced requirements.
Learn the NatHERS Tools
NatHERS existing home assessments use accredited software tools. Familiarise yourself with the approved platforms and complete any required tool-specific training. Stage 2 of the rollout will introduce additional third-party tools.
Start Before the Deadline
Don't wait until 23 June 2026. Begin the accreditation process now to ensure continuity of work. Early movers will be positioned to capture demand as homeowners shift from Scorecard to NatHERS assessments.
What Homeowners Need to Know
If you're a Victorian homeowner, here's what the Scorecard closure means for you:
Before 23 June 2026
- You can still book a Scorecard assessment through the existing program
- VEU-subsidised assessments remain available while the program operates
- Your existing Scorecard certificate remains a valid record of your home's assessment
After 23 June 2026
- New existing home assessments will use the NatHERS for Existing Homes framework
- The assessment covers similar elements — thermal performance, appliances, and upgrade recommendations
- Ratings will be on the NatHERS 0–10 star scale, consistent nationally
- Expect similar pricing — approximately $300 to $700 depending on home size and location
Why Get an Assessment?
Whether through Scorecard now or NatHERS after the transition, an existing home energy assessment helps you:
- Reduce energy bills — identify the most cost-effective upgrades for your specific home
- Improve comfort — address draughts, temperature swings, and moisture issues
- Increase property value — energy-efficient homes attract premium prices
- Access rebates — many upgrade programs require an assessment as the first step
Ready for an official assessment? Find certified NatHERS assessors in your area.
Find Local AssessorsKey Dates and Timeline
Mid-2025
NatHERS for Existing Homes Stage 1 launches
Initial policies, procedures, and assessor accreditation pathways established
Early 2026
Stage 2 preparation
Third-party tool accreditation opens, assessor capacity expands
23 June 2026
Scorecard program closes
Final date for Scorecard assessments in Victoria
Mid-2026+
NatHERS Existing Homes fully operational
National framework replaces state-based programs, broader tool and assessor availability
Impact on Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU)
Since May 2023, Scorecard assessments have been included as an activity under the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, allowing homeowners to receive subsidised assessments. The transition to NatHERS raises important questions about VEU integration:
- The VEU program itself continues — it's the assessment framework that's changing
- NatHERS existing home assessments are expected to be incorporated into VEU activities
- Subsidised assessment availability may continue under the new framework — check the rebates page for current programs
- Assessors should monitor DEECA announcements for updated VEU activity specifications
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Victorian Scorecard program close?
The Residential Efficiency Scorecard program will close on 23 June 2026. After this date, existing home energy assessments in Victoria will transition to the NatHERS for Existing Homes framework.
What replaces the Scorecard program?
NatHERS for Existing Homes is the national replacement. It expands the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme beyond new builds to cover established properties, providing a standardised assessment framework across all states and territories.
How do Scorecard assessors transition to NatHERS?
Scorecard assessors can transition through NatHERS accreditation pathways. Those with Certificate IV in Home Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (CPP41221) are well-positioned, as this qualification aligns with NatHERS assessor requirements. A streamlined pathway is available for experienced assessors.
Will my existing Scorecard certificate still be valid?
Existing Scorecard certificates remain valid records of your home's energy assessment at the time it was conducted. However, for future assessments, the NatHERS for Existing Homes framework will be used instead.
Is NatHERS for existing homes available now?
NatHERS for Existing Homes is being rolled out in stages. Stage 1 commenced in mid-2025 with initial tools and assessor accreditation. Stage 2 will expand availability with additional assessment tools and broader assessor capacity.
How much will a NatHERS existing home assessment cost?
NatHERS existing home assessments are expected to cost between $300 and $700, similar to current Scorecard assessments. Pricing will vary by location, home size, and assessor. Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) subsidies may continue under the new framework.
What Should You Do Now?
For Assessors
- Begin NatHERS accreditation process now
- Complete any required Cert IV gap training
- Register with an accredited assessing organisation
- Get listed in the assessor directory
For Homeowners
- Book a Scorecard assessment before 23 June if desired
- Or wait for NatHERS assessments (same quality, national standard)
- Estimate your rating with our free calculator
- Find an assessor in your area
Official Resources: