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Melbourne — Tier-1 Pillar

Melbourne 6-Star NatHERS Compliance — FirstRate5, Thermal Modelling, 7-Star Transition

Melbourne 6-star NatHERS compliance reality. FirstRate5 or AccuRate thermal modelling, NCC 2022 7-star transition, glazing U-value and SHGC, insulation R-values, orientation, shading. A$1.8K-A$4.2K assessor fee typical.

~1 min read·Updated 2026-04-23

Victoria requires 6-star NatHERS energy rating on new class-1 dwellings and major alterations. The 2022 update to the National Construction Code moved the target to 7-star nationally for new dwellings (with Victoria transitioning on its own timeline). Thermal performance is modelled in NatHERS-accredited software — FirstRate5, AccuRate, or BERS Pro — by an accredited assessor.

The 6-star (moving to 7-star) target drives glazing U-value and SHGC per orientation, insulation R-values, orientation, shading, and thermal mass. Melbourne's climate zone 6 (mild temperate with cold winters) emphasises winter warmth and solar gain on north-facing glazing.

AskBaily routes your Melbourne NatHERS assessment through a certified assessor who optimises the rating early in design.

What NatHERS compliance involves

  • Trigger. New class-1 dwelling. Major alteration.
  • Assessor. NatHERS-accredited, FirstRate5/AccuRate/BERS Pro certified.
  • Modelling. Thermal performance rating 0-10 stars. 6-star minimum in Victoria currently.
  • Inputs. Glazing, insulation, orientation, shading, thermal mass.
  • Report. NatHERS Certificate lodged with Building Permit application.

Frequently asked questions

6-star or 7-star? Victoria currently 6-star. NCC 2022 moved the national target to 7-star. Victorian transition ongoing. Projects at design today typically target 7-star to future-proof against transition.

How much does a NatHERS assessment cost? A$1,800-A$3,200 for a typical residential project. A$3,500-A$4,200+ for complex renovations.

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