Home owners going green to sell properties

Mary Bolling

January 03, 2008 12:00am

HOME owners are resolving to make their houses greener in 2008 as environmental measures appear high on New Year's resolution lists.

A national survey on website realestate.com.au has found 70 per cent intend to install energy-saving lights this year. And 61 per cent are planning to set up grey-water systems.

House-hunters are also making environmentally friendly features a priority. Systems to keep the garden green add up to $10,000 to house values.

The website survey of more than 1000 people showed decluttering was the first priority on Australians' resolution list, followed closely by improving energy efficiency around the home.

Moving into a bigger or nicer home was the third priority, followed by buying new furniture, and installing water-saving devices.

Realestate.com.au general manager Shaun Di Gregorio said the survey results showed an increasing interest in "greenovating".

"It's a refreshing change to see green resolutions making the top 10," he said.

"People often make improvements to their homes before putting them on the market. For those looking to sell, home improvements, particularly 'greenovating', can add considerable value."

Building advisory group Archicentre general manager Robert Caulfield said water tanks added value to a house.

"There's no doubt that in the southern states, as water restrictions have been applied and toughened up, there has been a dramatic change in attitude," he said.

Mr Caulfield said so many lawns and gardens had been reduced to dust bowls by water restrictions that a green garden -- and the tank to maintain it -- would win the hearts of house-hunters.

"If you can keep your garden looking good through the summer months, I would estimate it adds $10,000 to the value of a property."

Last year, an REIV survey showed 93 per cent of Australians rated green considerations as important to their house-buying decision.

REIV chief Enzo Raimondo predicted that a home's environmental features would soon be listed on sale boards.

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