Eco-Friendly Homes: What Buyers Should Know About Green Real Estate

As awareness of the environment increases, property sustainability is becoming increasingly popular and desirable. Green Real Estate is not just a fashionable trend but has become a mainstream requirement as buyers are on the hunt for homes that are energy-efficient, sustainable and lessen their environmental impact.   

What makes a home green and sustainable? 

Homes built to be green and sustainable are built with their environmental impact in mind. Such as:

• Energy efficiency 
• Sustainable materials that tend to be sourced from eco-friendly companies
• Water usage and conservation - such as low flow taps and dual flush toilets 
• Smart home technology such as smart appliances and energy management systems

Benefits of eco-friendly homes for buyers and the environment

There are many benefits to having a more energy-efficient and green home these can be both environmental and financial, such as:

• Lower utility bills  for power and water etc - lead to lower living expenses 
• Increased property value 
• Decreased environmental footprint - reducing energy and water consumption and waste lessens your environmental footprint

These benefits mean going green can be a wise choice for both the homeowner, investor and the planet.  

Features to look for in a green home

When considering a green home it’s important to look for features that contribute to sustainability, are energy efficient and help to reduce environmental impact. 

Energy efficiency

When it comes to being energy efficient here are some things to consider:

• Insulation - good high quality insulation helps to maintain a consistent and pleasant temperature, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Not only is this better for the environment, it keeps your bills lower, saving you money. 
• Energy efficient windows - these can help minimise heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer
• Energy efficient appliances - be sure to check out the energy star ratings on the appliances you use throughout the house 

Renewable energy sources and water conservation 

• Solar panels are very popular and a great way to generate electricity from sunlight. There can be a set up costs up front but this can be offset by the amount that you save on future power bills. 
• Low flow water fixtures in taps, shower heads and toilets that are designed to use less water without sacrificing performance. 
• Greywater systems have also become popular by reusing water from sinks, showers and washing machines for landscaping irrigation and flushing toilets. 

Sustainable building materials and landscaping  

When it comes to building materials be sure to look for:

• Recycled and reclaimed materials 
• Bamboo and cork flooring 
• Non-toxic paints and finishes 

When it comes to landscaping try using native plants for reduced water usage and maintenance as they are used to the local environment.  You can also look at Permeable Paving which allows water to pass through and help replenish groundwater. 

Overview of certifications

Green housing certifications play an important part in helping prospective buyers identify sustainable real estate choices. These certifications are implemented to ensure that specific environmental and energy efficiency standards are met and you can make sustainable choices with confidence. 

Australia has a range of certifications to provide standards and benchmarks for builders, developers and homeowners.  These are:

• Green star 
• NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating System)
• BASIX (Building Sustainability Index) 
• NABERS (National Australian Built Environment Rating System) 
• Living Building Challenge 
• Hia GreenSmart 

It doesn't matter if you're building, renovating or buying, these certifications help make sure that you are doing your part to contribute to a green future. 

Cost analysis of green upgrades and their long-term savings

Investing in sustainable upgrades to your property can help with long-term savings. However, initial costs will always be varied depending on the type of upgrades you choose.  You also want to take into consideration how long the upgrade will last before it needs maintenance or replacing. Some upgrades will also have a longer payback period. All of this is unique to each property and situation. 

There are also some incentives such as credits and rebates for different upgrades as well which help increase savings and lower costs. Do some research and see what initiatives may be useful for you. 

By carefully considering what upgrades might be useful for your family, home and environment you can hopefully achieve a balance between those upfront costs and the longer term savings. 

If you are ready to start the home-buying process our Sales experts at NXTGEN have over 35 years of experience and local property knowledge to help guide you through the process.