Phasing out of fluorescent lighting
As property owners and investors, staying on top of regulatory and environmental changes is essential to protecting your assets and planning for future maintenance. One recent update that will affect both residential and commercial properties is the phase-out of fluorescent lighting in Australia.
While this is not a Consumer Affairs Victoria requirement, it is an important development to be aware of—particularly if your property still uses fluorescent fittings.
Why Are Fluorescent Lights Being Banned?
The phase-out is part of Australia’s commitment to the Minamata Convention on Mercury, an international agreement designed to reduce mercury pollution. Mercury is a toxic heavy metal found in all fluorescent products and is linked to serious health and environmental impacts.
Australia signed the convention in 2013 and ratified it in 2021, meaning we are now required to gradually remove fluorescent products from circulation.
Key Dates for the Phase-Out
Property owners should be aware of the following deadlines:
- December 2026 – Ban of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
- December 2027 – Ban of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes
- December 2027 – Ban of circular fluorescent lamps
With production of fluorescent globes already ending in 2024, sourcing replacements is becoming increasingly difficult and expensive.
What This Means for Property Owners
For landlords and homeowners, this change has direct implications:
- Future repairs and replacements – As stock runs out, finding suitable replacements will be costly or impossible.
- Rising maintenance costs – Owners may face higher expenses if fittings are not upgraded in advance.
- Tenant expectations – Modern tenants increasingly value energy-efficient homes, and lighting upgrades can improve appeal and rental return.
Why Switch to LED Lighting Now?
Making the transition to LED lighting sooner rather than later offers multiple benefits:
- Lower energy bills – LEDs drastically reduce energy consumption.
- Longer lifespan – Less need for ongoing replacements or maintenance.
- Better lighting quality – Comparable or enhanced light compared to fluorescents.
- Smart integration – Many LED systems can be connected to smart home technology.
- Property value – Energy-efficient upgrades are a selling point for buyers and renters alike.
Andrews Estate Agents’ Recommendation
At Andrews Estate Agents, we recommend property owners plan ahead now. By upgrading fittings to LED lighting while installation and purchase prices remain affordable, you can:
- Avoid surprise maintenance costs in the future
- Keep your property compliant with upcoming bans
- Improve energy efficiency and sustainability
- Enhance rental appeal and long-term property value
This is an opportunity to stay ahead of the curve and ensure your investment remains cost-effective and attractive to tenants.
Final Thoughts
While the ban on fluorescent lighting is not an immediate legal requirement under Victorian property regulations, it is a change that will impact all property owners over the next few years.
Taking proactive steps today will help you avoid unexpected costs and keep your property competitive in the rental and sales market.
If you would like advice on preparing your property for these changes—or on any other aspect of property management in Geelong and surrounds—our team at Andrews Estate Agents is here to help.
📞 Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you in keeping your property up to date, compliant, and appealing to tenants.
Important dates to remember: