Energy Efficiency
Energy Star Rating
The NatHERS energy star rating of your home directly affects your comfort, running costs, and resale value. A higher star rating means a more thermally efficient home. NCC 2022 introduced a 7-star NatHERS benchmark for new homes, with commencement dates and jurisdictional variations differing across Australia. Some builders achieve 8 stars as standard, which is a meaningful difference.
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Builders Include Standard
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Offer as Upgrade
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Do Not Include
What is it?
The NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) star rating measures the thermal performance of your home's design — how well it maintains comfortable temperatures without heating or cooling. NCC 2022 introduced a 7-star NatHERS benchmark for new homes, with commencement dates and jurisdictional variations differing across Australia. An 8-star home is noticeably more comfortable and cheaper to run. The rating is determined by the home's orientation, insulation, glazing, and design.
Why buyers compare it
- A higher star rating means lower heating and cooling bills year-round
- Some builders achieve 8 stars as standard — others only meet the 7-star minimum
- Higher ratings improve comfort and resale value
- Upgrading the star rating during design is far cheaper than retrofitting insulation later
Is it worth upgrading?
Questions to Ask Your Builder
Energy Star Rating — Typical Costs
Included
Standard compliance under NCC 2022 — functional but higher running costs
$2,000 – $6,000
Improved insulation and design — noticeably more comfortable
$5,000 – $12,000+
Premium insulation, double glazing, superior thermal design
Compare My Build Tip
Ask for the actual NatHERS energy rating report for your specific design and block orientation. The star rating can vary significantly depending on which way the house faces — a design that achieves 8 stars facing north might only achieve 7 stars facing west. The rating should be based on your actual block, not a generic assessment.
Which Builders Include Energy Star Rating?
SJD Homes
Southern Vale Homes
Fairhaven Homes
Aston Homes
Beachwood Homes
SOHO Living 
Simonds Homes
Hudson Homes
Evoca Homes
Hallmark Homes
DR Homes 
Bold Living
Carlisle Homes
JG King Homes
Clarendon Homes QLD
Arden Homes
McDonald Jones Homes
Kingsbridge Homes
Value Homes
Henley Homes
Metricon Homes
Integrity New Homes 
Cougar Homes
Coral Homes
Ownit Homes
Brighton Homes
Indigo Homes
Gemini Homes
DARE Homes
AUSMAR Homes
Stroud Homes
CJ Homes
Dixon Homes
McCarthy Homes
Rawson Homes
Vantage Building Group
OJ Pippin Homes
Omni Built Homes
Fresh Homes
Homes by CMA
Mimosa Homes
Stylemaster Homes
Plantation Homes
Austart Homes
Omnia Homes
Hotondo Homes
Wide Bay Homes
Emerald Developments
Orbit Homes
Boutique Homes
Burbank Homes
Steve Bagnall Homes
Tapscott Homes
Homebuyers Centre - VIC
Nostra Homes
CCS Homes
G.J. Gardner Homes – Gold Coast South
P.J Burns Builder
Ausbuild Homes
Leonard Homes
Kiba Built
ABC Homes
G.J Gardner Homes – Melbourne North West
Eden Brae Homes
Bellriver Homes
New Living Homes
Masterton Homes
Domaine Homes
MOJO Homes
Champion Homes
Montgomery Homes
Hibbarb Homes
Wisdom Homes
Candor Homes
Lily Homes
Fowler Homes
Tempo Living
Kurmond Homes
Perry Homes
Winton Homes
Trend Connection Homes
Casaview Homes
Vogue Homes
Baygrove Designer Homes
Kaplan Homes
Crystele Homes
Practical Homes
Eagle Homes
Dream Scope Homes
Arcadia Homes
Homes By DJ Jones
Ellis Developments
MasterBuilt Homes
Bundy Homes
Arden Vale Homes
G&P Builders
McLachlan Homes
Weeks Homes
Metro Homes 
Kookaburra Homes
Coast Life Homes
CSB Homes
Everyday Homes
Infinite Homes
King Homes
Malpress Homes
Stonewood Homes
Bennic Homes
Movinda Homes
Verona Homes
Clarendon Homes NSW
Arli Homes
Metronest Homes
Oxame Homes
Melbourne Homes
5AB Homes VIC
5AB Homes SA
Hudson Ridge Builders
Langdon Building
Lane Housing Co
Arkadian Homes
Oasis Building Group
McMaster Designer Homes
Highmark Homes
Hearty Homes
Sessions Builders
Colmac Homes
Legend Homes
Key Homes
Allworth Homes
Garraway Homes
Hosies Homes
Redink Homes
Ultra Living Homes
Neptune Homes
Costa Homes
Better Built Homes
Vision Homes
Tullipan Homes
Oakworth Homes
Green Homes
Bluetongue Homes
Meridian Homes
Homes By ZAC
Provincial Homes
Avia Homes
Kline Homes
Ridgewater Homes
Central Property
Paul Gray Builders
Twomey Homes
Xircon Homes
Oakridge Living
Hunter Homes
MyStyle Homes
Aspect HomesRelated Guides
What Are Inclusions vs Upgrades?
Understand the difference between standard inclusions and paid upgrades in a new home build.
Hidden Costs Builders Don't Mention
Discover the costs that builders commonly exclude from their advertised 'from' prices.
Upgrade Costs Guide
Full breakdown of common upgrade costs across all categories in Australian home builds.
What to Compare Before Signing
The essential checklist of what to compare between builders before you sign a contract.
Compare Energy Star Rating Across All Builders
Use our free comparison tool to see all inclusions side-by-side and find the best builder for your needs.
Compare All Builders