Open plan living, quiet street, considerable yard, contemporary kitchen, near public transportation; these are simply some of the things Australian buyers intend to tick off their list when looking for their dream homes. In 2021, it appears that buyers have added some eco-conscious features to their dream home list.
The RealEstate.com.au 2021 Residential Consumer Omnibus survey discovered that 74% of people think a good energy efficiency rating is important or vital when building, buying, or renting.
These results show how many Australians are concerned about their at-home ecological footprint, but this data also can work as motivation to those intending to sell their property, as they can undertake a sustainable renovation before the property goes on the market.
In the RealEstate.com.au 2000 Residential Consumer Omnibus survey, a handful of sustainable property features were called out as especially preferable for both buyers and tenants.
These are the leading sustainable property features Australian’s really want.
1. Solar power
According to the data, 81% of people wanted solar panels in their next homes. Solar power is an investment on the offset, but it is cost-effective in more ways than one for the homeowner and/or tenant.
With the money a household can save on electricity with solar panels, it typically pays itself off in around two-three years. If one has solar panels, they could reduce their electricity bills by half, two thirds, or pay no electricity bill at all.
This not only reduces the load on the electricity grid but also reduces ongoing electricity costs for the lifetime of the solar system. In addition, while feed-in tariffs remains, one may even make a little money.
2. Efficient lighting
Did you know that lighting alone makes up about 11% of the energy consumed in the average Australian home?
The RealEstate.com.au 2021 Residential Consumer Omnibus survey found 71% of people hope to find efficient lighting in their next homes – this refers to skylights and large windows that make the most of sun positioning, and efficient lighting technology.
Efficient lighting technology can greatly lower the home’s overall energy consumption. We are talking about light fittings, those concerned about their ecological footprint are looking at the wattage – not voltage – of the light bulbs.
For efficient lighting, LED bulbs should be utilised as they use 75% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent lighting. CFL light blurbs can be used to lower properties overall energy consumption as they use 25-35% less energy than traditional light bulbs or incandescent bulbs.
3. Energy-efficient home appliances
Everyone loves a house with a dishwashing machine, however in 2021 and beyond, Australian buyers are seeking properties with energy-efficient home appliances. When looking for a home, buyers need to check out the appliance models and search for the energy ratings online if the energy-efficient sticker has been pulled off the front appliance.
Now, for those in the market for new appliances, you must prioritise your purchases according to star ratings if you have the means. Not only will it benefit you, but it will also additionally help you when it is time to sell or lease, as it could be the thing to get to the property over the line.
4. Insulation
No one desires to buy a draughty home; as a matter of fact, good insulation is a typical feature that environmentally conscious property buyers are searching for. Solid insulation in the walls, floors and ceilings keep a house cool in spring/ summer and pleasantly warm in autumn/ winter. Therefore, assisting households to save on artificial heating that according to Huglo makes up on average 40% of a household’s usage.
5. Good airflow
According to the RealEstate.com.au 2021 Residential Consumer Omnibus survey, good airflow is high on the list for Australians. Quality ventilation and air quality are essential to buyers. As is cross ventilation, which pertains to the little breezes that flows via a window at one end of the house and out the other end.
Good airflow is also a key component to ‘passive design.’ This is a property design that takes advantage of the climate to maintain a comfortable temperature range in the home. At their simplest, passive solar cooling systems include overhangs or shades on south-facing windows, shade trees, thermal mass, and cross ventilation in order to reduce the need for artificial heating or cooling.
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