If you’re thinking about listing your property this year, forget the purely decorative touches and a neatly trimmed garden that you’ve been told will win over buyers.
The housing market appears to be undergoing a seismic shift, and the new currency of home value is efficiency.
This year, buyers will be increasingly focused on their bottom line and environmental impact, transforming what used to be luxury green tech upgrades into core expectations of a mid-range home.
Not only are buyers focused on the carrying costs of buying your home, but they also want to minimize day-to-day running expenses.
Energy-conscious features are dominating buyer thinking right now. This trend signals that a home isn’t just shelter but an asset whose long-term operational cost matters as much as its curb appeal.
For property owners, leveraging these insights is key to commanding attention and maximizing the value of the property.
If you are thinking of selling, I’d be delighted to help you with your property needs and talk to you about the priorities and preferences of buyers in our neighborhood.
Here are six energy-efficient features that buyers are starting to ask for consistently:
WaterSense fixtures – These are the big kahuna, leading the charge with explosive growth. They use at least 20% less water than standard fixtures, appealing directly to the buyer’s wallet. WaterSense fixtures are highlighted strongly as part of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) agenda.
Net-Zero-Energy homes – A home that can produce as much or more energy than it consumes is a massive differentiator. Solar panel technology is no longer for the mega-rich. It has filtered into median-priced listings.
EV charging – With gas prices volatile and electric vehicles going mainstream, having a dedicated charging setup is highly desirable, especially if you already have solar panels.
Battery backup – Once a niche feature, these battery systems are now seen as a crucial layer of home resilience. While some tax incentives, such as the Inflation Reduction Act’s Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and Residential Clean Energy Credit, expired just last month, the long-term economic case for these upgrades is only strengthening.
Smart lighting – These systems support efficiency and convenience, allowing owners to easily manage their energy use and the ambiance of their home no matter the time of day.
Seller’s advantage: If you have a host of green technology features, be sure to market them prominently. If you don’t, understand that they’re rapidly becoming a market expectation rather than a premium offering. Frame your home’s infrastructure as future-proofed.