New developments like C & L Residences, Collingwood focus on sustainability.
Less than one in ten real estate agents know the energy star rating of properties they have listed for rent or sale, according to a new study.
The Environment Victoria “secret shopper” style survey of 303 agents across the state found just 9 per cent of respondents knew the energy rating of properties they put on the market.
Only 1 per cent of agents knew the energy bill of the property, while just one in three could name energy efficient features of the property, with one agent citing a “fence” as one such example.
RELATED: How to future-proof the value of your home
Jamie Durie: Sustainable home style, affordable green living
Melbourne bridesmaid suburbs where you can save most on rent
The survey has prompted calls for more awareness of homes’ energy ratings. Picture: AAP Image/Tracey Nearmy
The study prompted calls for mandatory disclosure of energy performance for homes for sale and minimum energy performance requirements for rental properties.
“Too many Victorians will either shiver through August to save energy, or pay a lot more on bills to stay warm,” Environment Victoria campaigns manager Nicholas Aberle said.
“But inefficient homes are a problem every year, not just during lockdown.”
“It is time we passed laws in Victoria requiring that real estate agents tell home buyers about a home’s energy efficiency rating.”
RMIT senior lecturer in the school of property, construction and project management Neville Hurst said it was time to “get ahead of the game and take the bullet and bring in mandatory reporting”.
Solar panels have grown in use amid calls for clean energy. Picture: Melbourne Airport
Dr Hurst said a power imbalance between landlords and tenants meant it was also necessary to have minimum standards for rental properties.
“Tenants generally aren’t really in a position or have a level of awareness that energy costs of a particular building can be quite huge compared to another,” he said.
Dr Hurst added there should be more education available for real estate agents.
“It should be part of their overall professional development, not mandated in the way occupational health and safety is,” he said.
Retired secretary Jean Christie was one of the volunteers to conduct the survey, going to open for inspections in her local area and surveying properties in Shepparton, Echuca and Wangaratta over the phone.
She said she the lack of information available to prospective tenants and househunters was a concern.
“On the whole they really had no idea and were rather surprised when I asked questions,” Ms Christie said. “Mostly they were not able to answer.”
“I think it should encourage agents to start asking buyers and landlords to consider making their properties energy efficient.”
Sustainability Victoria did not respond to requests for comment.
READ MORE: Hawthorn East unit sells without inspection or virtual tour
Flinders ‘treehouse’ has private forest, luxury pool, spa and entertainment areas
Why you shouldn’t judge a house by its facade
The post Agents lack knowledge of energy ratings: Environment Victoria study appeared first on realestate.com.au.