NSW has removed key barriers that stopped apartment owners from installing EV chargers and rooftop solar. New laws that took effect in July now limit what strata committees can refuse.
The changes apply to apartment buildings and connected homes managed by strata committees.
What Changed for Solar Panels
Strata committees can no longer ban rooftop solar panels or sustainability infrastructure just because it changes how the building looks. The only exception is buildings with heavy heritage protection.
This removes one of the main reasons committees used to block solar installations.
EV Chargers Now Need Simple Majority
Proposals to install infrastructure in common spaces now pass with a simple majority vote. This includes EV chargers.
Before, these proposals needed a special vote with 75% approval. Now they only need 50%.
"The biggest issue with EV charging is fear and doubt. Saying it's a 50% majority makes it much easier," says Fred Tuckwell, chair of Owners Corporation Network.
Committees Must Consider Sustainability
Strata committees must now discuss environmental sustainability at every AGM. This is not optional.
They need to review:
- Annual energy use in common areas
- Water consumption
- How much these cost
- Estimates for improvements like solar panels and electricity meters
These estimates must be included in the annual capital works fund.
Tuckwell says forcing committees to think about sustainability will change minds about what's possible in existing buildings. Many committee members are from older generations who haven't considered these options.
What Counts as Sustainability Infrastructure
The NSW government defines sustainability infrastructure as anything that:
- Reduces energy or water use
- Cuts pollution
- Lowers rubbish sent to landfill
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
- Increases recycling
- Supports sustainable transport like EV charging stations
What the New Laws Cover
Change | Old Rule | New Rule |
Solar panel bans | Could be refused for appearance | Can't be refused unless heritage-protected |
EV charger votes | Needed 75% approval | Needs 50% approval |
Sustainability discussion | Optional | Required at every AGM |
Why This Matters for Property Values
Industry expert Ross de Rango says EV chargers will affect what people pay to live in a building.
"As more drivers go electric, residents will expect to charge at home. That will affect rental income and property prices," he says.
Only about 2% of Australia's car fleet is electric now. But once that hits 10% or higher, buyers and renters will demand home charging. Buildings without it will lose value.
"Reducing the threshold from 75% to 50% will help. In some cases, this measure alone will make a difference," de Rango says.
Government Support Available
The NSW government runs a grants program to help cover the cost of installing EV chargers in apartment buildings.
But strata committees have faced pushback from fire services claiming chargers are a fire risk. Standards Australia says they're not.
The new laws should make it easier for committees to move forward despite these concerns.
MORE: DCCEEW Grants and funding
zecar's take
This is a big win for apartment owners who've been stuck watching house owners install solar and EV chargers while strata rules blocked them.
The 50% voting threshold is the real game-changer. Getting three-quarters of owners to agree on anything is nearly impossible. Half is achievable.
Forcing committees to discuss sustainability every year is smart. It normalises these conversations and puts numbers in front of people. When owners see how much common area electricity costs, solar panels start looking like a good investment, not just an environmental choice.
The property value impact is real. In five years, apartments without EV charging will be like apartments without internet today. Buyers will walk away.
If you're in an apartment and want solar or EV charging, now is the time to push. The law is on your side.
About the author
Danny Thai
Danny is a consultant and entrepreneur working at the cutting edge of the electric vehicle and energy transition. He is passionate about educating and helping consumers make better decisions through data.
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