What Is a NatHERS Rating? A Simple Guide for NSW Homeowners
A NatHERS rating scores how energy-efficient your home’s design is, from 0 to 10 stars. New NSW homes now need at least 7 stars under NCC 2022.
If you’re building or renovating in New South Wales, you’ve probably come across the term NatHERS rating. This guide explains what it is, how it works, and what rating you need – in plain English.
What does NatHERS stand for?
NatHERS is the Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme. It’s the Australian Government scheme that measures how much energy a home needs to stay comfortable across the year – without relying too heavily on heating and cooling.
An accredited assessor builds a digital thermal model of your home using approved software (such as HERO) and simulates a full year of local weather. The result is a star rating out of 10.
What do the stars mean?
The more stars, the less energy the home needs for heating and cooling. A higher star rating means a more comfortable home and lower energy bills.
| Star rating | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0-3 stars | Poor thermal performance; expensive to heat and cool. |
| 6 stars | The previous minimum standard for new homes. |
| 7 stars | The current minimum for new homes under NCC 2022. |
| 8-10 stars | High-performance, very efficient homes. |
What rating do I need in NSW?
Since the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 took effect, new homes in NSW must achieve a minimum 7-star NatHERS rating. There is also a separate Whole-of-Home assessment that looks at the energy use of fixed appliances like hot water, heating, cooling and any solar panels.
What affects a home’s rating?
- Orientation – how the home is positioned relative to the sun.
- Glazing – the size, type and location of windows.
- Insulation – in the roof, walls and floors.
- Shading – eaves, awnings and external shading to block summer sun.
- Thermal mass – materials that store and release heat slowly.
How do I get a NatHERS rating?
You engage an accredited assessor and provide your architectural plans. They model the home, tell you whether it meets 7 stars, and – if it falls short – recommend the most cost-effective changes. The result is a NatHERS Certificate you lodge with your BASIX Certificate.
Frequently asked questions
Is a NatHERS rating the same as BASIX? No. In NSW, BASIX is the mandatory certificate covering energy, water and thermal comfort. A NatHERS rating is one accepted way to meet the thermal comfort part of BASIX.
How long does it take? At NathersPro, a standard assessment takes 3-4 business days, with 24-hour express available.
What if my home doesn’t reach 7 stars? That’s common on the first run. Small changes – like upgrading glazing or adding insulation – usually lift the rating without major redesign.
Need a NatHERS assessment for your NSW home? Get a fast quote from our HERA-registered assessors.
BASIX & NatHERS specialists, a division of Contrive Consultants. We help NSW homeowners and builders achieve energy-efficient, compliant homes.