Low-carbon lifestyle: Why Canberra buyers are seeking sustainable homes

Sustainable living concepts are moving into mainstream thinking with buyers now putting a stronger emphasis on home comfort and lower running costs.

Peter Morrell of Peter Morrell Real Estate says buyers now have a much stronger appreciation of the difference a higher energy efficiency rating can make.

“It used to be an item that didn’t generate much interest – that’s definitely changed,” he says. “Buyers are certainly much more educated around that and also the sustainable gains of a north-facing orientation and the inclusion of features like solar.”

Morrell says other inclusions like roof and wall insulation and double glazing had also moved up buyers’ priority lists.

Jenny Edwards of Lighthouse Architecture and Science is at the forefront of designing sustainable homes and introducing the concepts into renovations. Her order book is filled well into 2023.

“We’ve all been spending more time in our homes, really since the bushfires in the summer of 2020-2021,” she says. “I think people have really noticed since then – including lockdowns and wet weather – the impact the environment can have on home comfort.

“That has, I think, heightened people’s appreciation of their home as something worth investing in.”

Edwards says the key sustainability drivers are “comfort, health and affordability”.

“We look to build these into our homes with all the principles and inclusions that deliver a sustainable new build or renovation,” she says.

These include building orientation, house size, insulation, solar panels, material selection, thermal mass, double glazing, smart lighting and draught-sealing.

• Philosophy: Sustainable home design is more than a high energy efficiency rating (EER) – it’s a whole philosophy that focuses on “comfort, health and affordability”.
• Design: Start with a building orientated to welcome northern light. Sustainable home features include pad insulation, thermal mass in walls, roof insulation, double glazing and draught-proofing.
• Footprint: The bigger the home, the more challenges it presents. A well-designed smaller sustainable home can provide a similar sense of spaciousness, often within half the footprint.

Check out our top pick of sustainable homes for sale:

Weston

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Low-carbon living is growing in appeal among buyers, and this Weston Creek home comes packed with extras that increase comfort and reduce costs.

Set in a quiet loop street, this light-filled, four-bedroom home has a touch of mid-century appeal with its timber-framed picture windows and doors. 

It’s not short on room either, with a lower-level space that has its own entry, bathroom and access to a huge storage room. The upper-level entry leads into a central living-kitchen-dining space highlighted by timber flooring (with underfloor heating), a soaring ceiling and clerestory windows. 

There’s a touch of history, with bespoke carpentry that includes reclaimed timber from the Canberra Rex Hotel. 

Big picture windows enhance the connection to the mature, lush gardens and there’s access onto a patio, ideal for entertaining and highlighted by a spa.

There are four good-sized bedrooms, the main with an en suite. The bathrooms have been updated, and the main has a freestanding bathtub.

The living spaces are completed by a sunroom with access to a front deck.

But back to those “low carbon living” extras: The home has been equipped with central active solar heating (with a backup combustion stove) and solar hot water. 

A water-wise buyer will appreciate the three water tanks that reduce reliance on town water. One, with a 10,000-litre capacity, can be used for toilets, the washing machine and drinking. 

Price guide: $1.29 million +

Auction: 9.30am, February 12

Agent: Peter Morrell Real Estate, Peter Morrell 0466 778 730

Or try these:

Bonner

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Price guide: $1 million +

Auction: 9:30am, February 12

Agent: Hive Property, Steve Langford 0451 115 122

Gordon

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Price guide: Mid-$900,000 +

Auction: 11am, February 12

Agent: Belle Property Canberra, Josh Yewdall 0430 213 909

Coombs

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Auction: 6pm, February 25

Agent: Kalogris Property, Peta Swarbrick 0432 391 755