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Do ‘green’ improvements really improve the value of my home?

June 18, 2024

This is a great question, and the answer could lie in how ‘green’ the property is.

It’s no secret that power costs have soared in recent years, and home owners who add eco-friendly improvements such as solar panels, roof insulation or smart lighting to their property can reap rewards.

And it’s not just from lower electricity bills.

Domain’s Sustainability in Property 2024[1] shows that homeowners can enjoy considerable gains when they sell a home, just by adding energy efficient features.

As a guide, ‘green’ houses are selling for a price premium of $112,000, while units can command an extra $70,000. 

The benefits don’t end there. Green homes also attract 16.7% greater buyer interest and sell 4% quicker.

Research shows that two-thirds of home buyers prefer energy-efficient homes when given a choice[2].

What are eco-friendly features?

According to Domain, solar panels continue to be the “volume” driver of sustainability features in homes – in almost 43% of houses sold. 

Increased demand is being driven by strong public education on the long term energy cost savings of solar panels, and the price premium attached to homes that have such features.

The catch is that installing solar panels is not cheap. The average cost of solar panels in Australia was $5,796 in late 2023 according to a Canstar Blue[3].

However, lower cost measures can also give your home green credentials.

As a guide, Domain found:

·      Roof and ceiling insulation can save up to 45% on heating and cooling.

·      Wall insulation can save around 15% on heating and cooling.

·      Sealing gaps around windows and doors can save 5-15% on heating and cooling.

These features can all be helpful selling points when you list your home for sale.  

So be sure to let your Raine & Horne sales agent know what steps you have taken to ‘green’ your home. 

Some measures, such as roof insulation, aren’t always obvious to buyers. But they can deliver a big bonus when it comes to your home’s sale value.

If you’re considering listing your property for sale this winter, contact your local Raine & Horne agent for an obligation-free market appraisal. 


 
[1] https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ffx.adcentre.com.au/domain/2024/CRTV-3293/Domain+Sustainability+in+Property+Report.pdf
[2] https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/ffx.adcentre.com.au/domain/2024/CRTV-3293/Domain+Sustainability+in+Property+Report.pdf
[3] https://www.canstarblue.com.au/solar/solar-installation-cost/#:~:text=The%20average%20cost%20of%20solar,a%20variety%20of%20system%20sizes.