SOARING electricity prices have changed the way property seekers look at homes.
New research showed properties with sustainable features such as solar panels, battery packs and rainwater tanks have been selling faster and at higher prices than homes without the eco-friendly features.
The typical difference in sales price was 10 per cent higher, while the sustainable homes also took about 13 days quicker to sell, according to the study by property group PRDnationwide.
Part of the appeal of a home with sustainable features was the potential utility bill savings and the promise of lower maintenance costs over time, Dr Mardiasmo added.
“Things like solar panels add value to a home,” she said.
“People realise that they can save money on energy bills or electricity, which is alluring when bills keep going up, so people think ‘if I have to pay more now I will come out on top in the long run’.”
Read more: Northern Star