SUSTAINABLE design features are becoming more important to buyers who are willing to pay an extra $130,000 for a home with benefits.
The latest research, revealed exclusively to The Courier-Mail, shows green homes account for 10.4 per cent of all house listings in greater Brisbane, with the median price 13 per cent more than for a non-sustainable home.
PRDnationwide national research manager Louise Moeller said sustainable housing features were playing an increasingly more dominant role and were a key selling factor.
“The median price for properties advertising eco-friendly features is $616,019, compared with the Brisbane median of $545,000,” she said.
Homes with three sustainable features are selling for a median of $675,000 – an extra $130,000.
“The most common eco-friendly feature found in greater Brisbane listings were water tanks,” Ms Moeller said.
“These were present in almost half of all sustainable-focused properties (46.6 per cent) and solar-based features accounted for 36 per cent.”
Grey water systems accounted for 5.7 per cent of listings and property listings with an energy efficiency rating of medium or above accounted for 11.4 per cent.
“A year or two ago these features may have been listed as bulletpoint inclusions, however now we are seeing listings actively promoting the actual benefits of the eco-friendly feature,” Ms Moeller said.
“Solar systems are described as money-savers – that they will “slash the power bill dramatically” – while water tanks are ideal for sustainable gardening needs.
“Our research indicates that the awareness and importance of energy efficiency in housing is gradually influencing the way people think about property, and buying and selling in Brisbane.”
For Holland Park resident Leanne McKnoulty, the decision to go green was easy.
Since buying her property in 1998 she has installed many eco-friendly initiatives including solar panels, five water tanks, thermo-activated ceilings vents, LED down lights and energy-efficient appliances.
“I save about $1200 in bills and I generate more electricity than we use here so I also get about $800 to $900 back per year which I then invest in other initiatives,” Ms McKnoulty said.
“Once you’re exposed to those really simple ideas that save money it’s quite contagious.”
Ms McKnoulty, who will open her home to the public for Sustainable House Day on Sunday, September 11, aims to educate others on how you can still be green in small spaces.
Her edible balcony garden provides tomatoes, salad greens, herbs and eggplants.
More than 100 of Australia’s best environmentally sustainable homes will be open this year for Sustainable House Day. Visit Ms McKnoulty’s home at 12 Gill St, Holland Park, between 10am-4pm.
Original article published at www.dailytelegraph.com.au by Darcie Akeroyd 09/9/16