When we imagine what a brand-spanking new home might look like, we often envision state-of-the-art technology, cutting-edge design and luxurious architecture. But don’t let all those glamorous real estate property buyer ‘reality’ shows fool you, as this couldn’t be more further from the truth.

There’s actually a huge shift towards building greener and more affordable homes these days. From the suburbs to the cities, homes that can actually save you money while also reducing your environmental footprint are becoming more popular amongst homebuyers in 2023 – and with the cost of living continuing to skyrocket, why wouldn’t a sustainable home be your number one priority?

Introducing master planned communities

Master planned communities (or MPCs) are large-scale residential developments with highly curated amenities that aim to give residents the feeling of living in a self-contained town. In short, you won’t need to drive an hour in traffic to take your kids to a nice park, pop by a department store, have lunch with a friend or enjoy an afternoon at the golf course. MPC homes are also typically fitted out with all the best features and appliances to help you save money in the long-term.

What can we learn from master planned communities?

Homebuyers looking to nab a property in recent months have become increasingly aware of the benefits offered by homes built in MPCs, including less petrol consumption, lower energy costs and better water-saving features.

But if you’re a homebuyer looking to find an existing home, or perhaps you’re even interested in building your next home from scratch, there’s no reason why the features and benefits of an MPC home can’t be applied to your next property!

Here are six sustainable features you may want to consider when buying or building your next home:

1. Solar panels: Harnessing solar energy through rooftop solar panels is an excellent and cost-effective way to reduce your carbon footprint while powering your home.

2. Walkability: When choosing a location for your new home, prioritise walkability. What do I mean by this? Simply put, you want to be able to leave your car at home while you conveniently pop across to the shops, local pool, park or doctors surgery on foot. Homes that are within a short distance or radius of key amenities not only enhance your lifestyle but typically contribute positively to the value of your home.

3. Energy efficiency: Sustainable design plays a crucial role in making your home both environmentally friendly and cost-effective to run. New homes in Australia must meet minimum efficiency standards, which means that the hard work of optimising orientation and cross ventilation is already done for you when buying a house and land package. But if you’re designing your own home or buying an existing property, this is certainly something to keep in mind.

4. Energy-efficient appliances: Don’t underestimate the impact of your appliances on your energy consumption. Opting for low-energy options can lead to significant savings, consider installing energy-efficient appliances such as electric reverse-cycle split systems for heating. Always check the energy rating on new appliances before your buy, and consider replacing old appliances if their energy rating is poor.

5. Water-saving features: New homes can incorporate various water-saving features such as low-flow toilets, showerheads and faucets. Such simple additions can make a significant difference to your water bill!

6. Thoughtful construction: If you’re a buyer who’s considering building a home from scratch, consider what will happen throughout the construction process. By this, I mean choosing to work with designers/conveyancers who have a deep knowledge of green homes-building, and understand your goal to reduce everyday consumption and costs.

If you’re interested in learning more about reducing costs in your next home or would like a professional property buyer to help you find a ‘green home’ on the market, drop us an email at support@kittyandmiles.com.au! We’d be happy to assist you in your journey towards a sustainable and affordable future.