The movement towards sustainability starts at home, with the choices in insulation, glazing and appliances made long before you move in. As one of Melbourne’s fastest-growing suburban corridors, Lera in Officer is home to a community where energy efficiency isn’t an upgrade you pay extra for. It’s the standard every new home is built to. Here’s what this actually means, what the benefits are for you, and how Lera is powering a sustainable future.
Energy-efficiency in new builds
The Victorian Government is leading the charge towards a greener future, with the transition away from gas connections in new-build homes. From 1 January 2027, all new homes will be designed to run entirely on electricity. Established homes with existing gas connections aren’t impacted, but for new builds like ours at Lera, this means safer, more reliable and energy-efficient lots.
Since May 2024, every new home in Victoria has to meet a 7-star energy rating under the National Construction Code. The rating looks at the home as a whole: think better insulation, higher-performance glazing, and a design that pays close attention to orientation and airflow. This works together so homes use less energy to stay more comfortable, and for buyers at Lera, you’ll start from a stronger baseline than you would in an older established home.
Support that goes further
This doesn’t just benefit the environment, but your energy bill. The price of gas has increased in recent years, and according to the Victorian Government that trend is set to continue. What’s more, all-electric homes with solar energy can save up to $1,920 a year on energy bills compared with older, less efficient homes. Building new at Lera means you’re starting with a home designed for today’s energy standards from the ground up.
There’s also real financial support available. The Victorian Energy Upgrades and Solar Homes program offers a rebate of up to $1,400 towards a solar panel (PV) system, with an equivalent interest-free loan off the upfront cost to install solar panels. It’s open to owner-occupiers of homes under construction as well as existing properties, subject to household income and property value caps. If solar is part of your plan, it’s worth talking to your builder early to coordinate installation and make sure your new home is solar-ready from day one.
Ready for life at Lera?
Sustainability at Lera doesn’t just end with our lots, it’s built into the fabric of our community. Lakeside Square is 5 minutes away for the weekly shop, Cardinia Road Train Station is 5 minutes down the road and Officer District Park is an easy walk on a Saturday morning. Having the everyday essentials close by means less fuel and fewer kilometers for the things you like to do every week; a small cumulative saving that is built into life at Lera.
If you’d like to talk through what energy-efficiency means for your new home, get in touch with our Estate Manager, Vladimir Taraskin, on 0438 265 798 | 03 9115 8651.