Could Energy Ratings Be the Next Big Thing in Housing? Cecille Weldon Explains

We’re all familiar with energy ratings on appliances and cars, but what if your home came with one too? Could this be where the housing market is headed? Today, we sit down with Cecille Weldon, Australia’s top expert in residential energy efficiency, to explore what this could mean for the future of housing. Could energy ratings become the next game-changer in real estate?

Cecille breaks it down for us — how homes might be rated, who will cover the costs, and whether property buyers and tenants are really willing to pay more for energy-efficient living. With rising energy costs and climate change in the spotlight, this couldn’t be a more timely discussion.

We also talk about the big moves happening behind the scenes with Cecille giving us the scoop on her work with the NSW Government’s Sustainable Homes team, which is pushing for energy ratings to become a standard at the point of sale or rent.

It’s all about making homes healthier, more comfortable, and cheaper to run in the long term. Tune in to understand how these upcoming changes could reshape the property landscape — and what it potentially means for your next move. Let's get started!

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:12 - Who is Cecile Weldon?

02:29 - How has livability and sustainability evolved in the property industry since?

05:27 - What role does energy efficiency play in property value beyond just purchase price?

09:05 - How are rising energy costs affecting buyers' decisions in the property market?

13:03 - The complexities of property value and buyer behaviour in the property market

19:35 - Are homeowners choosing kitchen upgrades over energy efficiency improvements?

21:31 - Will energy efficiency standards for properties be mandatory or voluntary in Australia?

25:51 - Will energy efficiency improvements be viewed as non-essential expenses?

30:10 - How properties are going to be assessed for energy efficiency plus potential costs

32:56 - Will living in a home for 10-15 years drive the adoption of energy-efficient solutions?

38:34 - How homeowners can make energy-efficient changes without big expenses

43:13 - Are investors in Victoria required to upgrade to new energy standards?

47:10 - Challenges in the real estate sector regarding energy efficiency upgrades

50:45 - What challenges exist for upgrading energy efficiency in strata buildings?

53:00 - How to encourage strata owners to prioritise cladding safety upgrades?

58:07 - Cecille Weldon’s property dumbo

About Our Guest:

 

Cecille Weldon is the founder of Future Agent Academy and director of Weldonco Advisory, recognised as one of Australia's leading experts in residential energy efficiency, property value, and the property marketing sector. An accomplished Proptech entrepreneur with a background in real estate, franchising, research, communications, and education, Cecille provides insights on consumer demands, the impact of climate change, and new regulations in the property industry. With qualifications including a BA, DipEd, and GradDipLing, she has developed courses for real estate agents and serves on various boards, including the Proptech Association and the REEDI Forum. Cecille's passion lies in enhancing property capabilities, emphasising the importance of energy efficiency in boosting property value, and addressing the need for healthier, more affordable homes.

Connect with Cecille Weldon:

• LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecille-weldon-56100a13/
• Weldonco's Website https://www.weldonco.com.au/
• Future Agent's Website https://www.futureagent.com.au/

Resources:

• Visit our website https://www.theelephantintheroom.com.au
• If you have any questions or would like to be featured on our show, contact us at: The Elephant in the Room Property Podcast - questions@theelephantintheroom.com.au
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