Reasons to invest in a green home

A green home is a house designed to be environmentally friendly. A typical green home has energy-efficient features like solar panels, rainwater tanks, and greywater recycling to name a few. Another way a house can be considered a green home is if it was made to adapt to its environment providing natural heating and cooling systems. Properties built using sustainable and recycled materials can also be classified as green homes because of the minimised environmental impact of their construction.

The great thing about investing in green homes is that they offer more than just environmental benefits. Read on to learn more about the many advantages of building a green home:

Save on energy costs

Green homes are famous for their energy-saving amenities. Effortlessly lower monthly utility bills thanks to built-in solar panels, passive heating and cooling design, energy-efficient windows and doors, and other eco-friendly features. Include rainwater harvesting systems and drought-resistant landscaping to lower water usage while keeping your home pristine. Having these cost-saving energy-efficient amenities is also a great way to battle rising energy and water prices.

According to the Nationwide House Rating Scheme (NatHERS), recent minimum energy efficiency requirements can see homeowners save an average of $183 on their annual power bills. Newly constructed homes are required to have at least a 7-star NatHERS rating. Imagine how much you could save on utility costs if you construct a 10-star NatHERS rated home.

Enhance your home's durability

Newly built green homes made from sustainable materials are usually more durable and require less maintenance compared to their non-green home counterparts. Not only does this make green homes easier to maintain but also less costly over time as the need for repairs decreases, as well.

Using sustainable materials like reclaimed wood, for example, helps the environment while providing your home with unique character. Reclaimed wood is also typically claimed from old buildings and furniture that come from more mature trees. Because of this, reclaimed wood is often denser, stronger, and less prone to warping than new wood.

Take advantage of government incentives

The Australian government, both national and state, offer a range of incentives and tax benefits to those who want to build green homes. The incentives range from additional financial support and rebates to tax benefits and grants. It all depends on where you live, what you're constructing, and additional eligibility requirements.

The type of grants and schemes vary depending on the state or territory government. Some areas provide incentives for those building a green home or simply upgrading their homes to install more eco-friendly features like solar panels.

Even a small grant or tax exemption can go a long way when you're constructing a home so don't pass up on these government incentives. Check the guidelines carefully to ensure you're eligible for a certain government grant or scheme.

Improve marketability and property value

There is a rising demand for more sustainable and greener homes as people become more environmentally conscious. Plus, as we've said earlier, green homes offer homeowners plenty of benefits from saving home costs to easier maintenance making them much more attractive to buyers and potential tenants. It's no wonder why a steadily increasing number of home buyers and tenants are putting sustainability and energy efficiency at the top of their wish list when looking for properties.

The resale value of green homes reflects their increasing popularity. Properties that have eco-friendly features typically have higher resale values compared to their standard non-green homes. For those investing in rental properties, you could potentially attract better rental yield because green homes offer more benefits to tenants.

More comfortable living environment

The lifestyle benefits of a green home cannot be overstated. In addition to great financial boons, green homes offer plenty of possible wellness benefits as well. A green home can help raise the overall quality of life by improving indoor air quality and maximising natural light. This helps create a much more comfortable, pleasing, and healthier living environment. This has the potential to enhance the physical and mental well-being of homeowners or tenants.

Have better loan options with lower rates

When you build or buy a green home, you're not limited to the typical home loans. You could be eligible for green home loans where you can get discounted rates. Some lenders offer these special rates to reward borrowers for going green and encourage the creation of more eco-friendly properties.

Just like with standard home loans, some green home loans are better than others. Shop around and compare not only the interest rates but also the loan features and terms. Review carefully how a lender defines a green home and how you could qualify for the green home loan rates.

Find your ideal green home loan

At loans.com.au, we offer green home loans and green construction loans with discounted rates, no monthly or ongoing fees, and many more! Whether you're buying a green home, building one from scratch, or upgrading your home with solar panels, we have a finance solution that can fit your needs.

Learn more about your loan options by calling 13 10 90 or apply online today!