Queenslanders looking to sell
their home are now required to complete a Sustainability Declaration.
The declaration is a
compulsory checklist that the Queensland Government says will inform
prospective buyers about the “sustainability features” of a property and
“increase community awareness of the value of such features”. The requirement
came into force on January 1, 2010, and applies to all houses, townhouses
(class 1a building) and units (class 2 building).
In addition to highlighting
the ‘green’ features of a home, the Sustainability Declaration also targets
water usage, access and safety.
According to the state
government’s Sustainability Declaration fact sheet: “The declaration aims to
increase awareness of sustainable housing features when a property is marketed
for sale. It also promotes possible ongoing financial and environmental
benefits that could be achieved with specific features.
“It is anticipated that the
declaration will help promote the sustainability of a home and become a key
marketing tool,” the Department of Infrastructure and Planning document stated.
Vendors are encouraged to
complete the declaration themselves.
Though it is intended that
the declaration be as comprehensive as possible, it is not required to complete
the document fully before advertising. Sellers must instead complete the
declaration to the “best of their ability and knowledge”.
The Sustainability
Declaration must be available and “conspicuously displayed” during open for
inspections, however, sellers are not obliged to supply a copy to every
prospective purchaser.
More information including
advertisers obligations, a reference guide and the Sustainability Declaration
form itself go to http://www.dip.qld.gov.au/sustainable-housing/sustainability-declaration.html
