Posted in my blog on the 17 November in the article “Sustainability Declaration - New Legislative Rquirement Affecting Sales as of 1st January 2010”, I discussed the proposed Federal Legislation, Mandatory Energy-Efficiency Assessment. The Sustainability Declaration is now mandatory in Queensland. How would this be affected if the Federal Government brought forward a similar legislation.
An article, brought to my attention by http://www.sdqld.com.au/, in the Herald Sun, has proposed the leglislation is on its way sooner than I thought.
This article discusses that all Australian homes will have to undergo a Mandatory Energy-Efficiency Assessment – that could cost up to $1500. This assessment will have to be completed prior to a home being put on the market or, rented under this new law.
The law, currently being drafted by Federal and State Governments, will rate homes by an energy efficiency star system, similar to the rating system for appliances.
It is reported that it will be in place for commercial properties by the end of this year and all residential properties by May 2011.
A spokesman for State Energy Minister Pat Conlon said the ratings would inform prospective owners or tenants of a building ‘s energy use, so they could factor it in to their buying or rental decision.
While Mr Troughton (REISA chief executive) said vendors would bear the cost of having their home rated by a licensed expert, independent SA MLC and former Valuer-General John Darley said landlords would look to pass the costs onto tenants. Will sellers want factor this cost into the price of homes too?
“This will be an extra cost to working families who have to rent because they can’t afford a mortgage,” he said.
“And we need this like a hole in the head unless the governments can convince us there is a definite benefit, like a reduction in household pollution.”
The Council of Australian Government’s National Strategy on Energy Efficiency says Mandatory Disclosure will “help households and businesses prepare for the introduction of the Carbon pollution reduction Scheme.”
It is possible Queenslander’s will now have to complete 2 disclosure statements prior to a house being placed on the market. The paperwork continues!
Hi Shaun, it all is a bit of a joke I reckon, but glad to see the QLD Government revised the Sustainability Declaration Form last week to be much simpler and easier to fill out for home sellers.