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Australians are eager to make their homes more energy efficient, but cost pressures and lack of understanding are holding many back, according to the second PropTrack Origin Australian Home Energy Report, released in collaboration by REA Group and Origin.
The report, based on insights from over 4,800 participants in the realestate.com.au Residential Audience Pulse Survey, explores the motivations and barriers Australians face in adopting energy-saving initiatives at home.
More than half of respondents – 56 per cent – plan to improve their home’s energy efficiency within the next five years. Cost savings are the top driver, motivating 68 per cent of those surveyed, followed by environmental concerns at 55 per cent.
On average, households intend to spend $7,950 on energy-efficient upgrades over five years, indicating a potential $80 billion in national investment.
Despite this intent, knowledge remains a major obstacle. Two in five respondents said they don’t know how to improve the energy efficiency of their home, and only 34 per cent claimed a good understanding of “electrification” – the transition from gas to electric power in homes. Awareness was even lower among respondents under 35.
Those with greater knowledge of energy efficiency are more likely to convert their homes to electricity, reinforcing the link between education and action.
Costs are also a barrier, with 45 per cent citing upfront expenses as the main factor preventing adoption of energy-saving features.
REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh said: “The rising cost of living has placed affordability at the forefront of household concerns, with home owners and renters seeking solutions to reduce energy bills. Making the switch to all-electric appliances in the home could help save costs, reduce energy use and lower carbon emissions.
“Yet, upfront costs and knowledge gaps are significant barriers preventing many from adopting energy-efficient features. By addressing these barriers effectively, we can accelerate the transition toward more energy-efficient homes to benefit both the environment and household budgets.
“It’s clear that people with a good understanding of energy efficiency are more likely to make upgrades to their home and alter their behaviour to reduce energy use. This indicates that wider education is crucial to improving energy efficiency across Australia.”
Origin retail executive general manager Jon Briskin added: “Saving on their energy costs is the biggest motivator for Australians to make home energy upgrades, however, the findings in this report show many don’t know where to start.
“We’re committed to supporting our customers to take control of their energy with a range of useful tools and information. This includes our app, energy rewards program and podcast to help Australians improve their energy efficiency, bring energy bills down and move toward electrification.
“Small changes to energy habits and upgrading to more efficient appliances within their budget is a good starting point for many households.”
The report also found that 63 per cent of respondents believe property owners should be responsible for energy upgrades in existing homes. Around half also believe state (49 per cent) and federal (48 per cent) governments should play a leading role.
When it comes to electrification, 40 per cent said they would consider switching to an all-electric home, 28 per cent would not, and 32 per cent remain undecided – highlighting continued uncertainty around the benefits of going electric.
The cost of living has already prompted behavioural changes, with 70 per cent of respondents adjusting energy habits. The most common actions included turning off lights (52 per cent) and appliances (42 per cent).
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