Sustainable Housing

Sustainable Housing

Queensland Home Sustainability Declaration

sustainability declaration is a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller when selling a house, townhouse (class 1a building) or unit (class 2 building) from 1 January 2010 in Queensland. The Sustainability declaration will inform buyers about the sustainability features of a property and increase community awareness of the value of such features.

By: Scott Parsons

WHAT IS A QUEENSLAND SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION? A sustainability declaration is a compulsory checklist that must be completed by the seller when selling a house, townhouse (class 1a building) or unit (class 2 building) from 1 January 2010 in Queensland. The Sustainability declaration will inform buyers about the sustainability features of a property and increase community awareness of the value of such features.

The declaration identifies the dwelling’s sustainability features in four key areas:

ENERGY WATER ACCESS SAFETY.

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.

DO ADVERTISEMENTS NEED TO REFER TO THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION? Yes. Under the new legislation, from 1 January 2010 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 online listings, real estate agency window pane advertisements, 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.

WILL THE DECLARATION BE REQUIRED AT OPEN INSPECTIONS? Yes. Whenever the home that is for sale is open to the public for inspection, the seller must ensure a copy of the sustainability declaration is conspicuously displayed at the site or in the dwelling. The seller’s agent however is not obliged to provide a copy of the sustainability declaration to every prospective purchaser.

WHERE CAN I GET A COPY OF THE SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION? The sustainability declaration is available on the Department of Infrastructure and Planning’s website.

IS A SUSTAINABILITY DECLARATION REQUIRED FOR PROPERTIES PLACED ON THE MARKET BEFORE 1 JANUARY 2010? A sustainability declaration will be required for houses, townhouses and units if the property has not been sold and continues to be marketed after 1 January 2010, regardless of when the property was initially lised for sale.

Click here to view our FAQ's on the Queensland Sustainability Declaration

We are currently servicing South East Queensland from the Gold Coast to Brisbane. To book your Sustainability Declaration fill out this form. For more information call 1300 600 185