Not necessarily – if you are using a high-quality bespoke home, designed above the bare minimum energy efficiency compliance standards as a fair comparison.
Some studies have shown a 5-10% premium while others have shown a minimal cost difference.
Some high-quality components aren’t as easy to source here as they are in Europe or America, and can cost slightly more, but more suppliers of higher performing products and importers of Passivhaus certified components are now emerging in Australia which has helped to minimise additional costs.
Additional costs can also be mitigated with smarter design responses, such as increasing insulation levels or reducing glazing levels to a point that cooling systems become redundant or substantially reduced in size and cost, or by reducing the overall building footprint to reduced construction costs to offset any premium.
Consideration should also be given to prioritising what is important; higher performance windows that will last the life of the building and provide continual measurable comfort improvements, or premium finishes or fixtures that may date or even be replaced when trends change?
With increasing energy prices, the payback period for any additional expense to build to a higher, more energy efficient standard will be paid back sooner too!