How Increase Your Home Resale Value

According to a well-known architectural firm Archicentre,the escalating energy and water prices are boosting the market value of any green homes and commercial establishments. In an article this month Archicentre said that Australian families are now becoming wiser, more discerning and are looking into all aspects before settling for a home.



Current electricity and water prices are on record highs, continuing to increase rapidly, and there is no sign of this stopping. The architectural industry is now more concerned about how to increase a home’s energy and water efficiency than its aesthetics, though it is still possible to have both. New homes built today are being fitted as standard with solar panels and solar hot water systems for better energy reliability, and water saving home components for added efficiency. Aside from that, maximising natural light is also a top priority as light bulbs consume a great deal of energy, and of course having effective insulation &home design to keep ambient temperatures as pleasant as possible without air-conditioning.



So that is what you are competing with if you are trying to sell your existing home or "old" house, and taking the time now to improve its sustainability rating will increases its market value and ability to stand out in a crowded market. Even if you don’t plan to, you never know if you will be selling your home for some reason in the future, and in the meantime you have the ability to be greatly reducing your ongoing utility bills as well.



For instance investing in solar panels will get its best returns in the long term, but it doesn’t mean that you won’t start to accumulate its benefits immediately, and it makes sense to take advantage of generous government schemes and incentives while they are still available. Installing solar power todayinstantly saves you significant money offyour electricity bill, and it is expected that the system will pay for itself in just 5 to 6 years. After that the rest of its 25 year life expectancy is all profit, and whether it is you or another family who gets to enjoy those savings the value of no longer having to pay electricity bills is the same.



Selling your older home with a solar panel system already installed gives you immediate leverage against any of your competition who doesn’t have one. Any real estate agent will tell you that green homes have more advantages in marketing than just the physical aspect of the home. It is now considered to be one of the key foundations in real estate since the market is directed towards it;consumers have a high awareness of rising utility costs, as well as all the campaigns about the perils of global warming problems.



In Canberra, one of the highest energy consuming cities in Australia as well as a leading architectural district, solar panels are being fitted to the majority of the homes as it has become a standard feature that buyers demand.



The value of solar energy also applies to the commercial sector which in some areas is struggling with high vacancy rates for lease properties; those with energy efficiency technology are occupied faster and more in demand frombusiness owners as they promise prospective tenants both better earnings through better energy efficiency, and a way to gain carbon offsets with the upcoming carbon tax.