New Perth Grant Makes Strata Energy Upgrades More Affordable

Mar 196 min read

Updated: Mar 25

Perth's strata property owners now have a clear path toward energy efficiency. Western Australia's residential landscape includes 250,000 strata properties among its 860,000 homes. The numbers tell an important story - 75% of Australians want to lower their energy use, especially since residential buildings account for 13% of Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.

The City of Perth understands these challenges. Their new Residential Energy Upgrade program offers practical support for strata properties ready to embrace sustainable solutions. The results speak for themselves - Concerto Apartments secured a $25,000 grant for their new 80kW solar panel system. This smart investment will save residents $27,700 each year while cutting carbon emissions by 73 tons.

Strata owners can now combine this grant with flexible finance options, making environmental upgrades both achievable and affordable. The program removes traditional barriers to upgrading, helping properties reduce their running costs while contributing to a greener future.

Perth Council Launches $25,000 Strata Sustainability Grant

"Grants up to $25,000 (matched funding) are available for projects which improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings within the City of Perth." — City of Perth, Local government authority for Perth, Western Australia

The City of Perth's latest initiative brings welcome news for strata property owners. Their Residential Energy Upgrade Grant program offers matched funding up to $25,000 to help strata properties embrace sustainable solutions. This practical support helps body corporates take meaningful steps toward environmental upgrades and net-zero goals.

How Much Can Your Building Get?

Your building's size determines the funding stream available:

Stream A: Larger properties with 20+ dwellings up to $25,000 in matched funding

Stream B: Mid-sized buildings with 20+ units qualify for $10,000 in matched support

Stream C: Properties housing 4-19 dwellings can access $5,000 in matching funds

The program works on a dollar-for-dollar basis - the City matches 50% of your project costs. Real results prove the program's value. Take Concerto Apartments, who received $25,000 to install an 80kW solar system serving their 226 units.

Which Buildings Qualify for the Grant?

Your property needs to meet these key requirements:

Hold status as a legally constituted body corporate with an ABN
House at least four residential dwellings
Sit within Perth's local government area

For mixed-use buildings, maintain 75% or more residential strata space

Some properties fall outside the program's scope:

Commercial accommodation venues
Serviced apartment complexes
Hotels and residential care centers
Government or political party-owned properties

The grant focuses on improvements that benefit everyone. Think upgraded lighting systems, better hot water solutions, efficient pumps and motors, modernised lifts, and enhanced air conditioning. You can also switch from gas to electric systems or add solar panels with battery storage.

Time matters - applications close March 13, 2025, unless funds run out sooner. This thoughtful funding program shows Perth's genuine commitment to helping strata properties create a more sustainable future.

How Do Strata Buildings Apply for Energy Upgrade Funding?

Success with your grant application starts with proper preparation. The process follows a clear path through the SmartyGrants online portal, where careful attention to detail makes all the difference.

Required Documentation

Your application package needs these essential items:

Recent bank statements showing property ownership and financial standing
Your strata management agreement for representative applications
Body Corporate's written approval
Two professional quotes detailing proposed works
Utility bills covering the past year
Perth's Energy Data Sheet, completed in full

Larger properties with 20+ dwellings need additional documentation:

NABERS Energy Rating Report from a qualified Assessor
Type 2 Energy Audit meeting AS/NZS 3598.1:2014 requirements

Key Application Deadlines

The City welcomes applications year-round, with these important dates:

Applications opened: July 1, 2024
Final deadline: March 31, 2025, 4 PM AWST
Review periods: 8 weeks for requests up to $30,579.80; 12 weeks for $30,581.33 - $38,224.76
Project timeline: Complete within 12 months after approval

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' experiences and strengthen your application by avoiding these pitfalls:

Project names must match across all documents
Show clear, measurable project benefits
Address specific project challenges, not just funding concerns
Stay within grant limits
Double-check eligibility requirements
Keep organisational details relevant and focused

Your journey starts with a conversation. Schedule time with a City Sponsorship Officer before submitting your application. Their guidance ensures your project aligns with program goals and strengthens your chances of success. Approved applications lead to a formal funding agreement with the City of Perth.

What Energy Upgrades Does the Grant Cover?

"Residential Energy Upgrade Grants support body corporates in residential strata-title buildings to undertake upgrades that will improve environmental performance of existing residential buildings and work towards net-zero emissions." — City of Perth, Local government authority for Perth, Western Australia

Money well spent starts with choosing the right upgrades. The Residential Energy Upgrade Grant program helps strata properties select sustainable improvements that make sense for their needs. Your grant can fund projects benefiting common areas and creating shared value for all residents.

Solar Panel Installation Options

Solar power stands at the heart of Perth's clean energy vision. Your building can harness the sun's energy through modern solar panels and battery systems, creating a reliable power source right on your property. Real results tell the story - one Perth strata complex installed a 80kW solar panel system that now powers 17% of their shared spaces, cutting carbon emissions by 73 tons every year.

Good news for strata companies - Section 64 of the Strata Titles Act 1985 smooths the path to solar adoption. You'll find a straightforward process for sustainability upgrades on common property through simple infrastructure contracts. Better yet, approval needs just an ordinary resolution, with support from more than half of lot owners or unit entitlements.

Lighting and HVAC System Improvements

Your grant opens doors to smart energy solutions beyond solar:

HVAC Enhancements: Modern hybrid solar passive systems work with your building's mechanical services, promising comfort year-round while reducing annual electricity costs by 30-40%
Lighting System Upgrades: Replace old fixtures with energy-smart options that light the way to savings
Hot Water Solutions: Heat pump technology works four times more efficiently than conventional gas or electric systems
Infrastructure Modernisation: Give your pumps, motors, lifts, and ventilation systems a performance boost

The program helps you say goodbye to gas-dependent systems. Funding supports your switch to efficient electric alternatives, supporting Perth's vision for a cleaner energy future.

How Can Buildings Finance Remaining Upgrade Costs?

Smart funding choices make environmental upgrades possible. While Perth's matched funding covers up to 50% of upgrade costs, your strata property has several practical options to manage the remaining investment.

Flexible Strata Finance Solutions in Perth

StrataLoans offer peace of mind without touching your cash reserves. These smart financial tools work independently of existing mortgages and fit your timeline with payment terms from 1 to 10 years. Your building gains valuable advantages:

Worry-free construction phase with interest-only payments for up to 12 months
Pay only for what you use, with staged funding releases
Simple quarterly levy payments that include loan costs
Protection for lot owners - no personal guarantees needed

Special Levy vs StrataLoan Comparison

Money matters deserve careful thought. Picture a 100-unit complex facing AUD 1.15 million in upgrades - their experience shows the clear differences between funding options:

Special Levy:

• Each unit faces immediate costs

• Owners may struggle with unexpected costs

• Today's owners shoulder tomorrow's benefits

• Projects wait while funds trickle in

Strata Loan Advantages:

• Comfortable payments over time

• Projects start when you're ready

• One loan covers multiple improvements

Leveraging Funding to Maximize Green Initiatives

Combining multiple sustainability initiatives into a single, comprehensive project can significantly enhance the efficiency and impact of your strata building's green journey. By integrating improvements such as solar panels, efficient lighting, advanced hot water systems, and upgraded HVAC equipment, properties can achieve substantial cost savings through economies of scale. This streamlined approach reduces overall project expenses, maximises environmental benefits, and boosts property value.

The Residential Energy Upgrade program provides an excellent opportunity to consolidate various upgrades into one cohesive plan, allowing strata buildings to:

Install solar panels and battery storage
Upgrade lighting systems to energy-efficient fixtures
Implement advanced hot water and pump solutions
Modernise lifts and ventilation systems
Transition smoothly from gas to electric solutions

Unified projects simplify administration, minimise disruption, and optimise the benefits to residents. Success stories across Perth illustrate how coordinated efforts can achieve significant environmental and financial outcomes, ensuring the city's continued commitment to sustainability.

Remember, applications remain open until May 15, 2025. Approved projects must be completed within twelve months, providing ample time for effective planning and execution.

Conclusion

Perth's vision for sustainable strata living takes shape through the Residential Energy Upgrade program. Your building can access matched funding up to $25,000, opening doors to smart energy solutions. Whether you manage a large complex or a boutique property, the tiered funding structure ensures everyone has a seat at the table. Clear, simple application steps help qualified properties turn plans into reality.

Real success stories light the way forward. Take Concerto Apartments - their 80kW solar installation shows how grant funding creates lasting value. Lower energy bills and reduced carbon emissions prove the practical worth of these upgrades. Your building could write the next success story, whether through modern HVAC systems or efficient lighting solutions.

Money shouldn't stand between your building and its green goals. StrataLoans offer a practical path forward for funding your share of upgrade costs. These flexible payment options let you start your improvements today while spreading costs over time that works for everyone. Contact StrataLoans to explore your funding options.

This article is bought to you by SCA (WA) sponsor Strata Loans.

References

New Perth Grant Makes Strata Energy Upgrades More Affordable

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