What is the Sustainability Declaration?
A sustainability declaration is a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller (vendor) when selling a house, townhouse or unit. It will be required as part of the sale from 1 January 2010. Properties that have a greater number of sustainability features can have lower operating costs and be more energy and water efficient. They use less energy for heating and cooling, generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, use less water�and best of all, are more comfortable to live in. Sustainability features such as access and safety also mean that the property will be suitable for owners during their various life stages and will reduce the need for expensive future upgrades.
The checklist will identify the property's environmental and social sustainability features in four key areas:
1. Energy
2. Water
3. Safety
4. Access
It will increase the awareness and marketability of the dwelling�s sustainable building features and will act as an incentive to improve the sustainability performance of Queensland�s 1.6 million existing homes. For those homeowners who have already taken steps to improve the sustainability of their property, this means that the environmental, social and financial benefits of those features can be recognised when the property is on the market.
From January 1 2010 declarations are to be available at open home inspections and real estate agents and private sellers cannot publish an advertisement for the sale of a property unless the advertisement includes information about where a copy of the sustainability declaration can be obtained. This requirement applies to real estate agency window pane advertisements, online listings, letterbox drops of advertising materials and all other forms of advertising. It excludes advertisements published in newspapers and magazines or signs that are not designed to specifically advertise the sale of a particular property (e.g. a generic for sale sign). If requested, the sustainability declaration must be made available to a prospective buyer.
Who should complete the Home Sustainability Declaration?
The declaration is designed to be completed by the property owner or a delegated individual. If an owner is unable to complete the form, they can seek help from another person to complete it on their behalf as long as the owner signs it. Where an owner cannot sign the form, a person authorised under a power of attorney or other statutory power may sign the form. Please call or email Energy Rate Your Home if you need assistance with this declaration.
The sustainability declaration is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning�s website
Why is the Sustainability Declaration being introduced?
There is growing concern about the impacts of climate change and the need to improve the sustainability performance of existing housing in Queensland. Encouraging prospective buyers to make informed choices about the sustainability performance of residential buildings is becoming increasingly important. Properties with a greater number of sustainability features potentially have lower energy costs and use less water. They can also be more comfortable to live in and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Homes with access and safety features may be more liveable for occupants during their various life stages and can reduce potential risks around the home such as trips and falls.
The declaration aims to increase awareness of sustainable housing features when a property is marketed for sale. It also promotes possible ongoing financial and environmental benefits that could be achieved with specific features. It is anticipated that the declaration will help promote the sustainability of a home and become a key marketing tool for real estate agents and private sellers.
A sustainability declaration is a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller (vendor) when selling a house, townhouse or unit. It will be required as part of the sale from 1 January 2010. Properties that have a greater number of sustainability features can have lower operating costs and be more energy and water efficient. They use less energy for heating and cooling, generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, use less water�and best of all, are more comfortable to live in. Sustainability features such as access and safety also mean that the property will be suitable for owners during their various life stages and will reduce the need for expensive future upgrades.
The checklist will identify the property's environmental and social sustainability features in four key areas:
1. Energy
2. Water
3. Safety
4. Access
It will increase the awareness and marketability of the dwelling�s sustainable building features and will act as an incentive to improve the sustainability performance of Queensland�s 1.6 million existing homes. For those homeowners who have already taken steps to improve the sustainability of their property, this means that the environmental, social and financial benefits of those features can be recognised when the property is on the market.
From January 1 2010 declarations are to be available at open home inspections and real estate agents and private sellers cannot publish an advertisement for the sale of a property unless the advertisement includes information about where a copy of the sustainability declaration can be obtained. This requirement applies to real estate agency window pane advertisements, online listings, letterbox drops of advertising materials and all other forms of advertising. It excludes advertisements published in newspapers and magazines or signs that are not designed to specifically advertise the sale of a particular property (e.g. a generic for sale sign). If requested, the sustainability declaration must be made available to a prospective buyer.
Who should complete the Home Sustainability Declaration?
The declaration is designed to be completed by the property owner or a delegated individual. If an owner is unable to complete the form, they can seek help from another person to complete it on their behalf as long as the owner signs it. Where an owner cannot sign the form, a person authorised under a power of attorney or other statutory power may sign the form. Please call or email Energy Rate Your Home if you need assistance with this declaration.
The sustainability declaration is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning�s website
Why is the Sustainability Declaration being introduced?
There is growing concern about the impacts of climate change and the need to improve the sustainability performance of existing housing in Queensland. Encouraging prospective buyers to make informed choices about the sustainability performance of residential buildings is becoming increasingly important. Properties with a greater number of sustainability features potentially have lower energy costs and use less water. They can also be more comfortable to live in and generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions. Homes with access and safety features may be more liveable for occupants during their various life stages and can reduce potential risks around the home such as trips and falls.
The declaration aims to increase awareness of sustainable housing features when a property is marketed for sale. It also promotes possible ongoing financial and environmental benefits that could be achieved with specific features. It is anticipated that the declaration will help promote the sustainability of a home and become a key marketing tool for real estate agents and private sellers.
Follow Us on Facebook and Twitter
