Sustainable House Day is back in 2026, and we’re inviting people across Australia to open their homes and share what they’ve learned along the way.
Whether you live in a house or an apartment, own or rent, your experience can help others see what’s possible. From small upgrades to full retrofits and rebuilds, Sustainable House Day is about real people sharing practical solutions that make homes more comfortable, affordable and climate-ready.
You don’t need a perfect home. What matters is your story.
How it works
When applications open, you’ll complete a single online form where you:
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- Tell the story of your home
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- Share key sustainability features and lessons learned
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- Upload photos
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- Indicate how you’d like to take part
This information becomes your online house profile, which visitors explore before and after the event.
Step 2: Choose how you’d like to participate
As part of the same application, you can choose to:
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- Open your home in person on Sunday 17 May 2026 (with scheduled tour times), or
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- Feature your home online only, with a profile and optional video
Step 3: Add a short house tour video (optional but encouraged)
You’ll also be invited to include a short video walkthrough of your home. This can be simple and informal — filmed on a phone is fine. We’ll share tips and guidance to make this easy.
Videos enable your story to reach people who can’t attend in person and serve as a long-term learning resource.
Step 4: Welcome visitors on the day (if opening in person)
If you’re hosting in person, visitors book tickets and time slots through the Sustainable House Day system. This keeps tours manageable and ensures a safe, supported experience. The team will send you your list of RSVPs the week prior to the event.
Step 5: Join the Online Q&A Week (optional)
After Sustainable House Day, you can choose to take part in a one-week online Q&A. Visitors ask follow-up questions on your home’s profile, and you reply when it suits you. This is a low-pressure way to extend the impact of your participation.
I’ve submitted an application but haven’t heard back. What should I do?
You should receive an automated confirmation email when you submit your application. Please check your spam or junk folder and make sure you selected “submit” rather than “save and continue”.
If you still can’t find it, email shd@renew.org.au with the subject line Help find my application and include your house title.
How do I open my home for Sustainable House Day?
If this is your first time, check out the website and complete the homeowner application form. You can save your progress and return to it at any time.
If you’ve opened your home before, unfortunately, we have changed our system and you will need to resubmit your house profile for 2026. Your 2025 house profile is still live so feel free to take copy and photos from it for 2026.
When do homeowner applications close?
Applications typically close in late February. Exact dates will be shared on the website and via email.
What’s involved if I open my home?
All participating homes will have an online profile outlining their sustainability features and story on our website. Many homes also include a short video tour.
If you choose to open your home in person:
- You’ll be available on Sustainable House Day (Sunday 17 May 2026)
- You’ll nominate tour times and group sizes
- At least two people should be present to welcome visitors and manage check-ins
Renew provides clear guidance, resources, and support throughout the process.
Some homeowners may also be invited to take part in webinars or opt to join the online Q&As after the event.
Do I need to resubmit my house profile if I’ve participated before?
Yes. We have changed our website and application system you will need to apply again. Sorry!
How will I know if my house has been accepted?
All applications are reviewed by a selection panel. You’ll be notified of the outcome by email once the review process is complete. We aim to process all applications within a week.
I need help creating my house tour video.
Your video doesn’t need to be polished or professionally produced. A simple, handheld video filmed on your phone is perfect. We love honest walkthroughs that show your home as it really is, with you talking us through what you did, what worked well, and what you learned along the way. Think of it as telling your story to a neighbour rather than creating something for an awards night. Clear audio, natural light, and a steady-ish hand are great, but authenticity matters far more than fancy editing or production values.
A step-by-step Video Resource Guide will be available on the site soon. If you need extra support, email shd@renew.org.au with Video assistance in the subject line.
Will my address be published publicly?
No. Your exact address is never published on the website. Only your suburb and state are shown publicly. Your address is shared privately with ticket-holders attending your in-person tours.
How do I see who’s attending my house tours?
You will be sent a list of RSVPs for your home tours the week before the event.