As energy costs rise, there’s never been a better time to make our homes more energy efficient – and the reward can go beyond savings on power bills.

In some parts of Australia, electricity bills have been flagged to rise by almost 10% from 1 July 2025[1].

The federal government will hand out another $150 electricity rebate to each household from 1 July 2025[2], but it’s a drop in a bucket given the scale of rising energy costs.

Energy efficiency has become a must-have

Not surprisingly, soaring power bills are seeing more Australians add ‘energy efficiency’ to their wish-list when they buy a new home.

According to Domain’s latest Sustainability in Property report, listings for energy efficient houses attract 13.8% more views.

Energy-efficient apartments enjoy 6.5% higher demand compared to less eco-friendly properties.

The downside of making our homes more energy-efficient is the cost.

Rooftop solar power, which is one of the most sought-after ‘green’ home features, can set you back around $13,000[3]. 

Add a solar battery, and you could be looking at an extra $13,000[4].

Fortunately, the federal government’s new Cheaper Home Batteries Program, which starts on 1 July 2025, offers a 30% subsidy on the cost of a solar battery[5]. It can be coupled with state-based incentives for bigger savings.

Even so, a new solar and battery system, which can cut around $2,300 each year off a household’s power bills[6], will still take years to pay for itself.

The good news is that home owners can enjoy a far more immediate benefit.

Boost your home’s value by $118,000

Domain’s report says buyers are willing to pay a premium for energy efficient homes.

That premium can be impressive!

Adding energy-efficient features can boost the value of a house by $118,000, or add an extra $75,000 to the value of an apartment.

The upshot is that giving your place a green theme can call for a financial investment.

But the reward is big savings on power bills, and an increase in your home’s value that should far outweigh the cost.

[1] https://www.aer.gov.au/news/articles/news-releases/final-determination-2025-26-safety-net-prices-nsw-sa-and-se-qld

[2] https://www.pm.gov.au/media/more-energy-bill-relief-every-australian-household-and-small-business

[3] https://www.energy.nsw.gov.au/households/ways-get-started-households/home-solar-systems/cost-and-rebates-home-solar-systems#:~:text=As%20a%20guide%2C%20the%20cost,the%20more%20you'll%20save.

[4] https://www.agl.com.au/residential/solar-and-batteries/batteries?cide=sem-vpp&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11173942531&gbraid=0AAAAACkxnPcKEh832deGVwPPIvpkWNxTi&gclid=CjwKCAjwi-DBBhA5EiwAXOHsGRWGsd6h-f0t91FPa0aaB2xYbeE7ERNGpHLFLqYFqsdXc4-YPGxWixoC6WoQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

[5] https://alp.org.au/news/labor-to-deliver-one-million-energy-bill-busting-batteries/

[6] https://alp.org.au/news/labor-to-deliver-one-million-energy-bill-busting-batteries/#:~:text=Analysis%20by%20the%20Department%20of,cent%20of%20a%20typical%20family