Energy-efficient features have shot up buyers’ wishlists, as more people look for ways to reduce their bills and impact on the environment.

But how can green-keen househunters be sure they’re securing a sustainable home, and where and how can they find them?

Realestate.com.au research suggests environment-focused buyers would do well to target Highett — the southeastern Melbourne suburb had the most listings mentioning energy-efficiency-related keywords in the state last year.

When searching for green properties, househunters should try using terms like “sustainable” or “off grid”, “star rating”, “energy efficiency”, “eco friendly” and “mud brick” as realestate.com.au found these were the most commonly mentioned keywords in listings. And water tank and glazed windows were among the most frequently referenced features.

When it came to inspecting a home, the first step should be asking if a Residential Efficiency Scorecard assessment had been completed, according to Cal Forsyth, director of energy rating assessment company Ephe.

“(If so), you have all the answers you need,” Mr Forsyth said.

“If not, there are some key things to look for before and during an inspection.

“Does the floorplan allow absorption of solar radiation — heat from the sun — during cooler months? Does it have features that will protect the internal temperature of the home during warmer months? Does it have an appropriate sized solar PV system?”

Househunters should also take note of a home’s orientation, he said. Ideally, living areas should be on the northern side of the home to capture as much sun as possible throughout winter, while you want bedrooms on the southern side.

“Some well-designed homes with ample land size are designed to follow the solar pathway, featuring a staggered footprint that traces the sun’s north to west movement,” Mr Forsyth added.

“In hotter months, where the sun’s angle is increased, the living areas need to be protected by eaves, external blinds and other features.”

Mr Forsyth also recommended asking the selling agent to provide proof of the quality of the home’s ceiling and wall insulation. If they couldn’t, househunters should find out the year the house was built, and then investigate the typical materials and regulations for residential construction in that era to get an idea of the quality.

Green machine

Constantine and Angela Tripodis’ Black Rock home is a green machine.

The 6-star energy rated house is packed with features designed to improve its efficiency, led by a comprehensive 10.4kW solar system comprising 40 panels.

The property’s builder Ari Karanicolas, director of personalised building and development company Aricon, said it also had a 200L solar hot water unit with two panels of its own, in-floor hydronic heating, double glazing throughout, and a Tesla charger for electric cars. He added the landscaping was designed to “thrive in low-watering conditions”.

“(Energy efficiency) is a major part of building now. (New houses) have to have a minimum 6-star rating, and I imagine we’ll be pushing that even further to seven,” Mr Karanicolas said.

“People do need to invest in some of these elements first up, but in the long run, there will be a significant saving (on bills).”

The downsizing Tripodis are preparing to list their 9 Bayview Crescent home.

It’s due to hit the market later this month, via Buxton Sandringham’s Peter Hickey, with price expectations exceeding $5m.

Source