⚡️ Did you know? A better energy rating could save you $350–$1,500 a year on bills ⚡️🏠 Homes with higher NatHERS ratings sell for up to 10% more 🏠🌿 Australia's average home rating is just 2.9 out of 10 stars — find out yours 🌿⚡️ Did you know? A better energy rating could save you $350–$1,500 a year on bills ⚡️🏠 Homes with higher NatHERS ratings sell for up to 10% more 🏠🌿 Australia's average home rating is just 2.9 out of 10 stars — find out yours 🌿
Updated for 2026

Energy Performance Certificate in Australia

Australia doesn't use the UK-style "EPC". The local equivalent is a NatHERS certificate — a star rating out of 10 plus a Whole of Home score — issued by an accredited assessor. In the ACT, an EER must also be disclosed when you sell or lease.

$300–$800

Typical 2026 cost, depending on new build vs existing home.

2–5 business days

Standard turnaround once plans or a site inspection are complete.

Nationwide

Accredited assessors covering every state and territory.

Which certificate do you actually need?

SituationCertificateTypical cost
New home or major renovation (most states)NatHERS new home certificate (7 stars + Whole of Home)$300–$700
New home in NSWBASIX certificate (with NatHERS thermal modelling)$300–$650
Existing home — upgrades, resale or curiosityNatHERS existing home certificate$400–$800
Selling or leasing in the ACTEnergy Efficiency Rating (EER) statement$300–$500
Victorian existing home, rebate-focusedVictorian Energy Scorecard$250–$450
Design that can't meet stars by simulationJV3 / Section J performance report$1,200–$4,000

What's on the certificate

Star rating (0–10)

Thermal performance of the building envelope in your specific climate zone. NCC 2022 sets 7 stars as the minimum for new homes.

Whole of Home score

A score out of 100 for fixed appliances — hot water, heating and cooling, lighting, pool pumps and solar PV.

Predicted energy load

Modelled heating and cooling energy in MJ/m² per year — the number certifiers actually check.

Construction specifications

Insulation R-values, glazing U-values and SHGC, wall and roof build-ups. Build to these or the certificate is void.

Climate zone and assessor details

NatHERS climate zone, accredited assessor number and accrediting organisation.

Certificate ID

A unique number councils and certifiers use to verify the certificate is genuine.

How to get one in four steps

  1. 1. Choose an accredited assessor. Only assessors accredited through a NatHERS AAO can issue a valid certificate — browse our directory of accredited assessors or read the domestic energy assessor guide.
  2. 2. Send plans or book an inspection. New builds need scaled plans, elevations and a window schedule. Existing homes need a site visit to measure and record construction.
  3. 3. Modelling and preliminary result. The assessor models the home in accredited software and reports the draft star rating with options if it falls short.
  4. 4. Certificate issued. You receive the stamped certificate, usually within 2–5 business days, ready for council or your certifier.

Need an energy certificate for your home?

Tell us your postcode and we'll match you with accredited assessors nearby who can issue your certificate.

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