Australia's extreme weather patterns are becoming more frequent and severe, with the impacts of bushfires, cyclones, floods and heatwaves becoming a growing concern for property owners and investors. 

The State of the Climate Report 2024 showed that Australia's climate has warmed by an average of 1.51 ± 0.23°C since national recordings started in 1910. This warming is leading to more frequent and intense extreme weather events, like the 2019-2020 Black Summer Bushfires. These fires devastated 24 million hectares of land, destroyed 3,000 homes and caused 33 fatalities, with an estimated economic impact of $10 billion on Australia. The 2022 floods in the Northern Rivers region became the costliest climate-driven disaster in Australia's history, with estimated damages of $3.5 billion in insured losses.

In January 2025, Australia faced record-breaking heat and bushfires in Victoria. In February, New South Wales was struck by severe storms and flooding, with wave heights exceeding 5 metres off the Sydney coast and in March, Cyclone Alfred battered parts of Queensland and New South Wales, causing widespread damage to infrastructure and homes in the affected regions.

As climate change accelerates, weather-proofing homes becomes vital not only for the safety and well-being of homeowners and tenants but also for preserving property value and securing long-term investment returns. By investing in these weather-proofing measures, investors can also potentially lower maintenance and insurance costs, mitigating financial risks associated with these unpredictable events over time.

Whether you're an investor with residential properties in cyclone-prone Queensland, bushfire zones in New South Wales or flood-prone areas in northern Australia, addressing the potential threats posed by extreme weather has become essential to ensuring the ongoing value, safety and insurability of your assets.

How to Weather-Proof Your Property

1. Bushfire protection: Minimising risk and maximising safety

Weather-proofing for bushfire risk has become a top priority. Investors with properties in bushfire-prone areas must consider the following measures:

Fire-resistant building materials: Use non-combustible or fire-resistant materials like metal roofing, brick or cement wall cladding and tempered glass windows. This helps to prevent embers from entering and igniting the home.

Defensible space: Create a defensible space by clearing vegetation, leaves and branches around the property. A minimum 30-metre buffer zone is recommended, but this can vary based on the fire risk in the area.

Regular maintenance: Ensure gutters, downpipes and roof voids are clear of leaves and debris, which can catch fire easily. Install ember guards on vents and chimneys to prevent sparks from entering.

Fire-resistant fencing: Use fire-resistant fencing materials to reduce the risk of a bushfire spreading to your property from neighbouring lots.

These upgrades not only improve the safety of the property but can also potentially qualify for tax depreciation deductions, allowing investors to recoup some of the upfront costs.

2. Cyclone and storm protection: Strengthening for the winds

Cyclones and severe storms are a major concern in coastal and northern parts of Australia. Investing in cyclone-rated infrastructure is essential for minimising damage and protecting tenants. Key measures include:

Reinforced roofing: Install cyclone-rated roof bolts and trusses to secure the roof structure and prevent it from being damaged or blown off during high winds.

Storm shutters: Fit impact-resistant windows and storm shutters to protect against flying debris and glass breakage during storms and cyclones.

Anchor outdoor structures: Secure carports, sheds and other outdoor structures to prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles during high winds.

Storm-rated doors and windows: Replace standard doors with storm-rated ones and use double-glazed windows to reduce the chance of breakage under strong winds.

Investors can reduce the risk of costly repairs and insurance claims by strengthening properties against storms, increasing long-term rental value by offering tenants a safe, secure living environment.

3. Flood mitigation: Minimising water damage

Protecting your property from flood damage is not only essential for the longevity of your investment but can also potentially lead to lower insurance premiums, especially in low-lying or coastal regions. Effective flood-proofing includes:

Elevate key features: Elevate electrical outlets, appliances and air conditioning units above known flood levels to reduce the risk of water damage.

Waterproofing materials: Use water-resistant materials for flooring, walls and foundations. Sealing cracks in walls and foundations with waterproof sealants will prevent water from entering.

Sump pumps and drainage systems: Install sump pumps in basements or lower levels to help remove excess water during heavy rains. Ensure that drainage systems are regularly maintained and free from blockages.

Landscaping for drainage: Landscape your property to improve water runoff. Incorporate swales, trenches or French drains to direct rainwater away from the foundation.

Flood-resistant properties will likely have higher tenant retention rates, especially in flood-prone areas, as tenants will be more confident in the safety of their families and possessions during extreme weather events.

4. Heatwave and extreme temperature protection: Enhancing comfort and efficiency

As Australia faces longer, hotter summers, properties must be designed to withstand the effects of extreme heat. For investors, heat-proofing a home can reduce cooling costs, improve tenant satisfaction and enhance the property's energy efficiency.

Insulation: Ensure proper roof, wall and floor insulation to keep the home cooler in summer and warmer in winter. This also reduces the energy consumption of heating and cooling systems.

Energy-efficient windows: Install double-glazed or tinted windows to reduce heat gain and improve energy efficiency. This is particularly important in regions with high temperatures.

Outdoor shade: Install outdoor shade solutions, like pergolas or awnings, to reduce direct sunlight exposure to the building.

Ceiling fans and air conditioning: Install ceiling fans in common areas and ensure air conditioning systems are efficient and well-maintained.

Heat-proofing homes provides an additional selling point for tenants, especially in areas prone to heatwaves and helps ensure their comfort during peak summer periods.

The financial benefits of weather-proofing

While the upfront costs of these upgrades may seem high, the long-term savings on repairs, maintenance and insurance premiums can make them a sound financial investment. Investors may also be eligible to claim depreciation deductions for weather-related upgrades and improvements to their investment properties, which will help offset the initial renovation expenses. 

By prioritising these upgrades, investors not only protect their homes and tenants but also enhance the value and profitability of their properties, positioning themselves for long-term success in a climate-conscious market.

For more information on depreciation deductions available for weather-proofing upgrades, contact BMT Tax Depreciation at 1300 728 726 or request a quote.

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