Many home owners are still unaware of the amazing Government rebates and subsidies available for them, many of which will have a positive effect on the value of their home. Nerang First National is always focused on achieving the highest possible price possible for homeowners and because many of these rebate are only available for a limited time we suggest that if you think you may be able to take advantage of them you investigate them further now.

A range of rebate and subsidies are in place to act as a financial stimulus and to influence Australians to go green. Australian Governements at local, state and federal levels are providing a range of rebates that is allowing homeowners to improve their property values with minimal or in some cases no outlay our of their own pocket.

There are currently a number of these rebates can be accessed by home owners for a range of  household improvements including these five examples.

Water Tanks and Other Water Wise Initiatives

Nerang First National and other real estate agents around the country are noticing a significant rise in buyers looking for water wise property. Many local councils are offering significant rebates for property owners who install water tanks.  Buyers have become conscious about water-saving devices in homes such as rainwater tanks, drought tolerant gardens and low flow taps.

With the trend to smaller residential blocks there are water tanks that can suit every property including underground tanks and slimline water tanks. Refer to your local city council if they are currently offering a water tank rebate you can take advantage of.

Here on the Gold Coast the Gold Coast Home Watersaver Rebate Scheme has now finished but you can still access the Federal Governments National Rainwater and Greywater Initiative which allows for up to $500 rebate for applicable water tank installations.

Home Insulation Package

The Australian Government is currently offering up to $1,600 to install ceiling insulation. The assistance is available to eligible owner-occupiers, landlords and tenants. The Energy Efficient Homes Package aims to install ceiling insulation in Australian homes making them more energy efficient; to boost the economy and to create jobs.

The Home Insulation Package helps households reduce their energy use, cut their power bills by around $200 a year, and increase the comfort and value of their homes. For many home owners the rebate will cover all or the vast majority of their total insulation cost.  You must use a registered installed to take advantage of this rebate.

Solar Hot Water Rebate

The Solar Hot Water Rebate is another key part of the Australian Government’s Energy Efficient Homes Package, under the Nation Building – Economic Stimulus Plan.

Under the Solar Hot Water Rebate the Australian Government is offering a rebate of $1,600 to install a solar hot water system or $1,000 to install a heat pump hot water system. The new hot water systems must replace an electric storage hot water systems which can save a family up to $700 in energy costs each year.

The Government rebates don’t stop at just these three detailed above. In fact the Australian Government will cover your interest.

Green Loans – Home Sustainability Assessment and the Green Loans Subsidy

Home owners now have access to a low interest or interest free ‘Green Loan’ to improve energy and water efficiency in their home. Under the scheme hundreds of thousands of  working families will be eligible for loans of up to $10,000 specifically for the installation of solar, water and energy efficient products in their homes.

Examples of what could be purchased using these scheme includes solar power or solar hot water, updating your old fridge to a new energy efficient one, even window tinting or natural lighting (skylights) just to name a few.

The first step in the Green Loans program  is to undertake a free Home Sustainability Assessment. Through the Green Loans Program, householders are able to access a free, comprehensive Home Sustainability Assessment to reduce their energy and water bills, increase the comfort of their home and help reduce damaging carbon pollution.

The assessment involves the physical inspection of major energy and water systems relating to thermal comfort, water heating, lighting, refrigeration, cooking, entertainment, water efficiency and outdoor consumption, and waste management.

Household that take up the Home Sustainability Assessment may be eligible to take out a loan to undertake the home improvements suggested in the assessment report. To assist these households, the Australian Government has lowered the cost of finance by providing a Green Loan Subsidy to participating financial institutions.

This subsidy covers the interest on borrowing of up to $10,000 for a period of up to four years.

ClimateSmart Home Service

The ClimateSmart Home Service is a Queensland Government Initiative.

During your ClimateSmart Home Service, a licensed electrician will visit your home, install a wireless energy monitor for you to keep and conduct an energy audit of your home. A

Where suitable, the electrician will supply and install a free water and energy efficient showerhead, and supply and install up to 15 free energy efficient light globes – all in less than an hour and for just $50.

You’ll also receive a customised Energy and Water Efficiency Plan for your home and access to My ClimateSmart Home, a customised online resource for more energy and water savings.

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Tagged: climate smart, climatesmart, government rebates, green loans, green loans subsidy, home insulation, home insulation package, home insulation rebates, home sustainability assessment, rainwater tanks, rebates, solar hot water, solar hot water rebate, water tank rebates, water tanks, water wise

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