The recent National Construction Code took effect on May 1. It means all new homes in Australia must achieve a 7-star efficiency rating, along with a range of other features making them more accessible and liveable.
In a nutshell, 7-star efficiency homes use significantly less gas and electricity – which will save you in energy bills, as well as up to 15m tonnes of emissions nationally per year.
Plus, the range of design upgrades gives young families, those with disabilities, injuries and the elderly, greater mobility and easier access to their home without sacrificing any of the beauty or functionality.
What are the changes?
The future looks bright (and greener) with these new updates:
- Elevating energy efficiency: Say hello to a mandatory seven-star energy rating for all new homes, stepping up from the current six-star rating.
- Embracing liveable housing: New builds will incorporate design elements making homes more accessible and adaptable for everyone.
- Cutting down energy use: A stronger focus on optimising home energy consumption for a smaller environmental footprint.
Why this matters to you
These updates are a game-changer for anyone looking to jump into homeownership. Not only will your future home be kinder to the planet, but it will also be more efficient to run and suits various needs. It’s a lifetime of benefits, providing lower utility bills and a cozy, comfortable home all year-round.
Benefits of the NCC updates
- Accessibility meets design: Features like stepless entries and wider doors mean your home is ready for the now and adaptable for your future.
- Savings galore: With 7-star energy efficiency, expect to see a positive difference in your energy bills.
- Green living: The Whole of Home approach ensures every corner of your home is dialling up the sustainability.
Explore our Home Designs
Frequently Asked Questions - NCC and 7-star updates
The Australian Building Codes Board in conjunction with the Victorian Government has announced an update to the National Construction Code, which will be implemented across the industry from May 1, 2024. These updates to the building code will address livable housing requirements, implement a Whole of Home rating, increase stringency on the thermal performance of homes (energy efficiency) and improve the industry standards to condensation management.
- Liveable Housing Design: Ensure Australian housing is adaptable to the changing needs of its occupants.
- 7-Star Energy Efficiency Ratings: Improve thermal performance of a home and the homeowner’s ability to maintain its temperature.
- Whole of Home: Reduce energy usage within the home and improve energy efficiency.
Homebuyers Centre’s home designs and design options will be updated to comply with the new Liveable Housing Design Guidelines. This includes stepless entry into new homes, wider doors, corridors and easier access to bathrooms.
Homebuyers Centre’s standard inclusions will be further enhanced to deliver a 7-star energy efficiency rating as opposed to 6-star, which is the current energy-efficiency requirement. New homes will feature products that will continue to improve its energy consumption such as double-glazed windows and solar power systems.
As these changes include adopting newer products with greater efficiency, it does mean our product range must incur a price increase to meet the new requirements.
While this will come at an additional cost initially, there are benefits for homeowners with reduced energy bills and greater ability to regulate a home’s temperature. The changes will also help the wider community aim towards reducing our carbon footprint.
No, the updates to the National Construction Code (NCC) do not impact the gas supply to your home. However, as part of the Victorian Government’s Gas Substitution Roadmap, new gas connections for new homes, apartment buildings, and residential subdivisions requiring planning permits are being phased out. This change started from January 1, 2024 but will largely impact established areas rather than new homes.
New homes being built in new communities (residential subdivisions) will rarely require homeowners to apply for a planning permit as this has already been obtained by your land developer as part of their process. New communities require a lengthy planning and approval process which can be between 2-4 years before a land developer begins selling land, which means the Gas Substitution Roadmap is unlikely to impact new homes in new communities for another few years.
Customers who are interested in upgrading their home to all-electric rather than gas will have the ability to do so with our all-electric packs.
- Livable Housing Design: Livable Housing Design Guidelines
- 7-Star Energy Efficiency: 7-Star Energy Efficiency Common Questions
- Whole of Home: NatHERS Whole of Home
Speak to a New Homes Consultants
For more information on the NCC and 7-star updates, speak to one of New Homes Consultants.