Insights / Residential
7 star NatHERS requirements in Victoria
Since 1 May 2024, a new Victorian home rated through NatHERS needs at least 7 stars and a whole-of-home rating of at least 60. This is what that means on the drawings.
Two numbers: 7 stars and 60.
The NCC 2022 energy efficiency provisions for homes commenced in Victoria on 1 May 2024. Under the NatHERS option, a new home needs a star rating of at least 7 and a whole-of-home rating not less than 60. NCC 2025 keeps both numbers in Specification 42.
The star rating
A score from 0 to 10 that estimates how well the design keeps comfortable temperatures in the local climate: layout, materials, insulation, windows, orientation and shading. It also carries separate heating and cooling load limits.
The whole-of-home rating
A score from 0 to 100 and above that estimates the energy the home uses: heating and cooling, hot water, lighting, pool and spa pumps, with rooftop solar able to offset it. It is a separate test. Solar cannot make up for a poor star rating.
What the rating involves.
- An accredited assessor models the home in NatHERS accredited software from the drawings.
- The software tests the design in its climate zone and reports the star rating and whole-of-home rating.
- The assessor issues a NatHERS certificate and stamps every drawing page the rating relied on.
- The certificate and stamped plans go in with the building permit application.
The Building and Plumbing Commission recommends using a NatHERS accredited assessor for the energy rating report.
What the drawings need to show.
Practice Note EE-03 lists what goes with the certificate:
- Site plan, floor plans, elevations and sections.
- Electrical or lighting layout, including the number and location of downlights and other ceiling penetrations.
- Any on-site renewable energy and the appliances included.
- A window schedule: performance (U-Value), size, glazing and frame type, opening style.
- Specifications with material schedules and insulation R-Values.
The stamp shows the certificate number, assessor details, property address and a QR code. Everything has to match: if the insulation on the drawings differs from the certificate, one of them is amended.
Where jobs come unstuck.
Changes after the rating
Any design change can mean the rating needs review, even extra downlights or exhaust fans.
On site
The building surveyor can check insulation, appliances, glazing and the number of ceiling penetrations against the approved documents.
Extensions
Extending or substantially renovating, for example more than 50 per cent, may bring the current energy requirements in. The building surveyor decides the extent.
More on our 7 star energy ratings page.
Sources: Building and Plumbing Commission, Energy efficiency requirements, NCC 2022 and Practice Note EE-03; Home Energy Rating (NatHERS), Understanding your new homes certificate; NCC 2025 Volume Two, Specification 42. General information, not an assessment of any particular site.
Common questions
When did 7 stars start in Victoria?
The NCC 2022 energy efficiency requirements commenced in Victoria on 1 May 2024, including 7 stars and a whole-of-home rating of at least 60 under the NatHERS option.
Can solar panels get a house to 7 stars?
No.
Solar counts towards the whole-of-home rating, but the star rating is a separate test of the building fabric, and one cannot offset the other.
Do apartments need 7 stars too?
Under the NCC 2022 rules apartments use, units must average at least 7 stars with each unit at least 6 stars, and each unit needs a whole-of-home rating of at least 50.
Is NatHERS the only way to comply?
No.
There is an elemental route through the ABCB Housing Provisions and a Performance Solution route.
NatHERS is the most common, used by around nine in ten new homes.
Need a 7 star rating?
For builders and designers of new homes and townhouses: NatHERS ratings with stamped plans, ready for the building surveyor within 48 hours.
Which reports does my job need?
The usual list, from each council’s planning scheme and website.
Step 2: a quote or fee proposal for this list. Name and email are enough; the drawings can come later.
Get a price for this listOr call 0470 389 168Tell us about the project.
A quick quote from your plans, before any work starts.
Quick quote from your plans. Planning and residential reports within 48 hours; Section J, CMP and GTP within 72 hours.
Start here
See which reports your job needs, then get the quote for that list.
- What will it cost?
- A quick quote from your plans, before any work starts.
- Will council accept it?
- Every report is written to the council’s own policy or the NCC edition that applies.
Beyond Green Energy Assessments