Energy-efficient homes are showing signs of attracting stronger sale prices and rental returns, with two WA properties among the case studies highlighted in a new national report.
The Efficiency Edge, released by the Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA) and Cotality, examines the growing role of home energy performance in property decisions as buyers and renters place greater emphasis on comfort, running costs and energy use.
The report found higher-performing homes in its case studies achieved sale prices up to 66 per cent above comparable local medians, while one property recorded a rental return 35 per cent higher than an alternative inspected by the tenant. It notes energy performance was one factor in these outcomes, alongside location, design, condition and other property characteristics.
Key findings
The report points to growing consumer interest in understanding how homes perform:
- 86 per cent of participants in Australian Government research said seeing a home's energy rating was important when buying
- 75 per cent said it was important when renting
- home energy performance is becoming more relevant to considerations such as comfort, running costs and affordability
- energy ratings and other performance information are becoming more visible as disclosure requirements develop across Australia.
REIA President Jacob Caine said consumers were increasingly looking beyond a home's appearance and location.
"Consumers are increasingly interested in understanding how a home will perform, not just what it looks like or where it's located," he said.
"Comfort, running costs and energy performance are becoming part of the property conversation, and real estate professionals have an important role to play in helping consumers understand what that means in practical terms."
WA homes put energy performance to the test
Two of the four case studies featured in the report are in WA.
In Mount Hawthorn, a three-bedroom home sold for $1.25 million in 2023, above the comparable local median at the time. The property is now rented for $1,250 per week, compared with a suburb median of $950 for three-bedroom houses. The report highlights natural light, cross-ventilation and year-round comfort among the features contributing to its appeal.
In Fremantle, a three-bedroom townhouse sold for $1.555 million in April 2026, around 22 per cent above the comparable three-bedroom townhouse median. Buyer feedback included in the report also identified sustainability as a significant factor in the purchase decision.
How WA compares
Approaches to energy ratings, disclosure and minimum standards currently differ across Australia:
Australian energy efficiency standards by state and territory (2026)
| State/Territory | Home energy rating disclosure | Rental energy efficiency standards |
| ACT | Mandatory at point of sale since 1999 | Established requirements and highest disclosure maturity |
| NSW | Voluntary disclosure being introduced ahead of mandatory scheme | Minimum Energy Efficiency Rental Standards (MEERS) under consultation in 2026 |
| VIC | Limited disclosure today | New minimum energy efficiency standards for rental homes from 2027 |
| QLD | No disclosure requirement | Minimum housing standards in place; future energy-specific reforms possible |
| WA | No disclosure requirement | Energy efficiency measures not formally under consideration |
| SA | No disclosure requirement | Considering minimum rental energy efficiency standards as part of national reforms |
| TAS | No disclosure requirement | Exploring nationally-aligned rental efficiency measures |
| NT | No disclosure requirement | Early-stage consideration of national reforms |
For WA property owners and buyers, the findings suggest energy-efficiency features may become an increasingly visible part of how homes are assessed, marketed and compared.
For the full findings and case studies, download The Efficiency Edge.
