South Africans are becoming increasingly mindful of the impact we make on the environment. With water and power supply challenges all too familiar, we have been forced to, at minimum, consider a shift toward sustainable living. Sustainability has become a key consideration when choosing a property, with many clients interested in renewable energy, eco-friendly design choices and the ability of the property to adapt to the demands of a changing world.
As the cost of living rapidly rises and society becomes increasingly eco-conscious, homes with eco-friendly designs that are energy and water efficient will be in high demand. After the lockdowns, our clients began either looking for homes that offer a greener, more sustainable approach or aimed to improve their existing homes with features like green walls, rainwater collection systems, boreholes, solar panels and energy-efficient fittings.
North-facing homes remain popular because they receive direct sunlight throughout the day, even in winter when the days are short, helping to save on heating costs. The added benefit of natural light is that it adds a sense of warmth to the home and contributes to feelings of positivity and wellbeing.
Evolving Client Needs
The style and size of a home are no longer the main point of interest but rather, its ability to create a lifestyle and environment that is fulfilling, cost-effective and aligns with the values of the buyer. They want their home to give them peace of mind from the indoors to the outdoors and beyond the boundaries of the property. Well-maintained gardens and green spaces within a property offer a variety of mental, physical and social benefits.
Our clients are not only prioritising their wellbeing but that of the environment and their communities as well. By living sustainably, they reduce their carbon footprint and benefit by saving on exorbitant electricity and water costs.
Walkability is also highly desirable, and many clients want the option to walk their neighbourhoods or use reliable public transport systems like the MyCiTi. Being located close to shopping centres, restaurants and cafés, as well as walking, hiking or biking trails, creates a great deal of value for wellness-conscious clients.
Buy Eco-Friendly Homes
We have several listings from sellers who have considered the benefit of sustainable features, from lush, green garden spaces to borehole water filtration systems to solar-powered batteries that allow for off-the-grid living.
Chez Evergreen Lane, Constantia Upper | Web Ref 5389545
This beautiful, secure development in the heart of Constantia Upper is surrounded by vibrant, green spaces that offer a variety of mental, physical and social benefits. Apart from the beauty on its grounds, the property is close to hiking and running trails in the lush Constantiaberg Valley.
It is built to allow the maximum amount of natural light to enter through large windows on both the lower and upper levels. Full solar PV panels on the roof, are connected to inverters and lithium-ion batteries for off-the-grid living.
31 Urmarah Close, Constantia Upper | Web Ref 5151169
This architecturally-designed home is optimally positioned to receive the maximum amount of natural light through its large windows and skylights. It is surrounded by lush greenery and offers incredible mountain and valley views from the open-plan living area, ideal for mental well-being and stress reduction after busy work days.
This property is built for sustainable living with a borehole water system that connects to a designated pump room where the water is purified into potable water that is safe for drinking, use around the home and watering the garden. In addition, an inverter and battery system uses stored energy to offset loadshedding.
29 Ambleside Road, Pinelands | Web Ref 5325861
This lovely family home receives plenty of natural light and is surrounded by a verdant garden with large trees. It is fitted with 26 solar panels that power a large battery, offering independence from the grid and an uninterrupted green power supply during loadshedding.
A rainwater collection system ensures that rainwater is stored and can be used for multiple non-drinking purposes like refilling the pool, flushing toilets, gardening, washing cars and more.