Are sustainable homes becoming more common?

Over the last three years, there has been an increasing number of homes advertising sustainable features, according to Ray White.

Ray White data analyst, William Clark, said the proportion of listings advertised as including solar panels, batteries, or as ‘off-grid’ has been growing considerably.

“This is not an exhaustive list of ways a house can be green, however, solar panels were the most frequently advertised, while batteries and being off-grid make a house green to the greatest degree.”

William Clark, Ray White

PropTrack senior analyst, Karen Dellow, says listings on realestate.com.au with eco features such as solar panels, glazed windows, and water tanks, were up 10% in the past 12 months.

“The percentage of eco-listings as a proportion of all listings is 17%, up 2% year-on-year,” she said.

Percentage of listings with mention of solar panels, battery, or being off-grid

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Source: Ray White.

“While there has been an observable decline from an April 2023 peak, the trend over the last three years still looks strong,” said Clark.

Queensland is leading the pack

According to Ray White data, Queensland currently has the most green listings, which Clark attributes to the sunshine state’s large amount of wealth along the coast.

Dellow added that New South Wales recorded the biggest increase year-on-year at 15%.

“In August 2022, the national minimum Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) rating for newly built properties increased from six to seven, and this higher rating will decrease energy costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said.

“This new legislation will take effect from 1 May 2024.

“With the government delivering more than $1.6 billion in the recent budget for energy-saving upgrades for homes, businesses, and social housing, this will assist in upgrading homes with battery-ready solar PV, modern appliances, and other improvements to keep them warmer in winter and cooler in summer.”

Most green listings by state for the 2023 financial year.

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Source: Ray White

Affluent areas are more likely to be green

Add Valuer managing director, Belinda Botzolis, agreed that eco homes are an emerging trend.

“Typically, if you build or renovate a home and you’re going to put something in as an owner-occupier, you’re going to look at the best possible option, and usually that’s something green.”

Belinda Botzolis, Add Valuer

However, Botzolis was quick to point out that sustainable houses are more likely to be in affluent areas, regardless of whether it is a suburban area or a regional area.

“To make your home green is not cheap – solar is not cheap, double glazing is not cheap, and extra insulation is not cheap,” she said.

“If you’ve got an area where you don’t want to overcapitalise, you will see that the green factor is not as prevalent.”

Article source: Queensland Property Investor