‘Framing sustainable home and community features front and center when putting the property to market - albeit with smart technology integration and making use of natural resources – is a sure-fire way to captivate the attention of buyers,’ says homestager Kirsty Fisher, business development manager at home-staging company Lemon & Lime Interiors (opens in new tab). In a survey for home insurance company Aviva (opens in new tab), two thirds of homebuyers say they would consider buying an eco-house or sustainably-built home, with almost a quarter of this group of people saying it would actually be a priority for them. When it comes to sustainability features these house buyers want there’s a growing choice adds Kirsty: ‘Whether it be long-lasting and energy-saving alternatives or the presentation of upcycled furnishings on initial viewings, current buyers are finding themselves more drawn to eco-friendly spaces.’
How much value can sustainable features add?
Ben Fisher, a real estate investor and owner of wealth management company The Fisher Group (opens in new tab) believes that at least 70 percent of homebuyers are now demanding sustainable features. ‘I’d say that eight out of 10 buyers are even ready to pay around 45 percent extra only to get environmentally friendly homes. ‘Most of the buyers want Energy Star-rated windows and appliances, or triple-pane insulated glass windows higher than the required codes, efficient lighting, water-conserving toilets and tankless water heaters.”
How to stage sustainable home features
Some sustainable features may be less than obvious, so make sure you highlight these to your broker and buyers, says Amy Stansfield, home expert at wallcoverings company, Wall Sauce (opens in new tab). ‘Of course, anyone will be able to see the solar panels on your roof but do they know that you have low-VOC wallpapers that use eco-friendly inks? Or that the wallpaper you have used is recyclable?’ Not all sustainable features have to be big-ticket items costing thousands of dollars. Climate-aware touches – literally – needn’t cost the earth, says Erin Sykes, chief economist at Nest Seekers International (opens in new tab). ‘I like to see reclaimed hardwood accents, for instance,’ she says. ‘Reclaimed and repurposed wood gives a unique sense of history and texture to a space. And then, super-modern additions such as smart thermostats and lights. These are not just eco-friendly, but efficient. Being able to adjust thermostats and lights remotely is a big win for busy folks or those who travel often.’ If you’re looking to sell up put in the effort to highlight any sustainable or energy-saving features. The little features could all add up to a substantial premium and an eager buyer.
