The Future of Real Estate: 5 Features of a Green Home

ImmoAfrica.net April 3, 2023

0 638 3 minutes read

1) Solar panels must feature in a green home
2) Green homes are built out of sustainable materials
3) Green roofs make for wonderful features of a green home
4) Green homes must have environmentally conscious landscaping
5) Eco estates have the best green home features – and people are flocking to them

In the past few years, the focus of real estate has shifted and homeowners are giving more thought to the features of a green home. Green homes are said to dominate future real estate trends with many buyers looking for features that will help save energy, and water, and allow them to live an eco-friendly lifestyle.

Homeowners are already shifting to energy-efficient lightbulbs and off-the-grid alternatives, paving the way for green homes as they gain popularity. Here are 5 features of a green home that buyers will look for in the years to come.

1) Solar power must feature in a green home

Many South Africans have already made the switch to solar power (mainly due to loadshedding) thereby reducing their carbon footprint. A green home is not a green home without solar-powered systems in place. Homes are often kitted out with one or two solar panels that merely assist in supplying power to the house.

However, there are homes in our country that are already completely off-the-grid and that rely solely on solar-powered systems to power their homes. Installing a solar power solution in your home ensures a sound investment for the future and buyers will flock to your home once you decide to sell.

2) Green homes are built out of sustainable materials

One of the overlooked features of a green home is that it has sustainable bones. Everything that is used to build a green home should be environmentally friendly and energy-efficient. This means that extra thought must go into the planning and designing process before the home is built.

During this stage, certain materials can be replaced with eco-friendly options. For example, instead of installing wooden floors rather use recycled wood. Another example is to have proper insulation installed instead of relying on a heating system. There are many things that you can do to ensure that your green home is environmentally conscious.

3) Green roofs make for wonderful features of a green home

Green roofs have been around for a while but it is mostly luxury homes that make use of them. Not only are they aesthetically pleasing but they are also environmentally friendly. A green roof essentially replaces the traditional materials used on a roof with vegetation.

They save energy, assist in absorbing air pollution, and they help to absorb stormwater runoff. It is also said that it extends the lifespan of the roof’s support structure. Green roofs have become a practical feature of green homes and they are sure to gain popularity in real estate trends as people turn towards a more eco-friendly way of living.

4) Green homes must have environmentally conscious landscaping

One of the aspects of a green home that you can’t overlook is landscaping. Sure, planting a few trees here and there already helps but you can be more eco-friendly in the types of trees and plants you add to your garden. The secret lies in understanding your yard as you plan your garden.

Identify areas where trees would work best in providing shade to cool down your house. You should also choose grass and other plants that don’t need as much water. This way you will save on your utility bill. When choosing the types of grass and plants, try to move towards indigenous plants that grow easily in the South African climate. They are more sustainable and don’t require as much maintenance.

5) Eco estates have the best green home features – and people are flocking to them

Eco estates are aimed at preserving the wildlife and the natural habitat of animals whilst offering homeowners an environmentally friendly lifestyle. Eco estates are well-known for their green homes and the excellent health and wellness benefits that residents can enjoy.

These homes are usually equipped with solar panels, and energy-efficient lighting, and homeowners are encouraged to live more sustainable lives. The emphasis here is on recycling, saving water, and living in harmony with nature.

Some of South Africa’s popular eco estates include Val de Vie, Steyn City, Silver Lakes Golf Estate, and Zimbali.

Final thoughts

Many homeowners are slowly but surely turning their current homes into green homes. This is a trend that is bound to take place on a much larger scale. Real estate trends are shifting towards a more sustainable way of life.

If you want to make the most out of your real estate investment, isn’t it time that you make the switch, too?