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It is thought that properties with improved sustainability features will be more water and energy efficient, produce less greenhouse gas emissions, be more cost-effective, safer to live in and more comfortable.
Anyone refusing to supply a form could face up to $2,000 in fines, enforced by local government. If a buyer purchased a home and the sustainability declaration was found to be false or misleading or prepared without reasonable skill and care, and the buyer incurred loss or expense because of that, the seller may be liable to compensate the buyer for the loss or expense (for example, where a seller claims that ceiling insulation is installed and it is not). – www.dip.qld.gov.au – sustainable living fact sheet.
New legislation regarding the advertising of properties for sale has also been introduced to ensure prospective buyers are fully informed on the property in question.
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Under the new legislation, from 1 January 2010 real estate agents and private sellers cannot publish an advertisement for the sale of a property unless the advertisement includes information about where a copy of the sustainability declaration can be obtained.
This requirement applies to online listings, real estate agency window pane advertisements, letterbox drops of advertising materials (which advertise a specific property) and all other forms of advertising. However, it excludes advertisements published in newspapers and magazines or signs that are not designed to specifically advertise the sale of a particular property (e.g. a generic ‘for sale’ sign).
Material used to advertise a number of properties that is distributed as a letterbox drop would also be exempt. If requested, the sustainability declaration must be made available to a prospective buyer. – www.dip.qld.gov.au – sustainable living fact sheet
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