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While sustainability features might seem a luxury add-on when it comes to new apartments, the reality is that consumers now have a level of expectation – which isn’t always to do with saving the planet. 

New home buyers around the country have a long wish list when it comes to what they want in an apartment or new build. From air-conditioning to outdoor areas, ensuites to built-in-robes, expectations are high with developers sometimes stretched to fit all these requirements in at a consumer-friendly price point.

New home buyers are increasingly savvy when it comes to the features they’re expecting when looking to purchase. Picture: HIP V. HYPE

But with sustainability increasingly a key focus across broader society, where does that leave the new home industry? You might be surprised.

New home buyers want cost-effective homes

Sustainable features like solar power, double-glazed windows and energy-smart design might sound like nice-to-have items in a home, but the reality for consumers is that they know these items will save them money over the long term.

According to a recent realestate.com.au survey of 1,001 Australian new apartment buyers, more than 42% were searching for developments with green features such as solar power, green common areas, water harvesting features and communal vegetable gardens.

When surveyed, 78% of responders thought housing developers should incorporate sustainable features and 59% thought solar power is primarily a cost-saving benefit.

“Sustainability is important to buyers,” explained Stacey Lewis, market research and insight manager at realestate.com.au, “but it’s an expectation for most, rather than a value-add.”

“When buyers think about sustainability, it’s largely a cost-based or cost-saving decision,” Ms Lewis said.

Executive manager of economic research at realestate.com.au Cameron Kusher agreed, saying he thought sustainability features will move, over the coming years, from a nice inclusion to a necessity.

“Remember that once upon a time features like air conditioning, for example, were not standard; now you wouldn’t buy a new apartment without them. Moving forward, sustainability features that can save the owner money on an ongoing basis will become the norm rather than the exception.”

Melbourne developer paving the way for sustainable living

Sustainable housing developers have realised that their customers aren’t always solely concerned with saving the earth when it comes to buying their next home, but the cost-saving benefits of sustainable homes are making it easier for consumers to make a greener choice.

“The biggest driver for many of our purchasers is location and value,” said Katya Crema, director of projects and head of sales at HIP V. HYPE, a sustainability-focused housing developer in Melbourne.

In planning for their most recent project, the completely carbon-neutral Ferrars & York, they benchmarked prices against single-fronted terraces in the area so that their terrace-style penthouse homes are priced in a similar range to the cost of a renovated terrace. The other apartments compare price-wise to the un-renovated terraces in the area.

So when it comes to purchasing-time, customers have a clear choice between buying an existing terrace or a brand-new, high-performing, carbon-neutral apartment, Ms Crema explained.

Location and amenities are key for new home buyers. Picture: Hip V. Hype

Add to this the lower lifetime operational costs, lower maintenance bills, smarter design and added lifestyle factors of a newer home and the sums are pretty clear. Consumers are making a choice that not only makes sense for the hip pocket but for the planet, too.

Launched online in May, Ferrars & York sold 60% of the project within 10 weeks with construction set to commence in late August. Ms Crema said the very positive result demonstrates that people see value in well-designed, high sustainability performance homes regardless of the uncertainty in the broader property market amid COVID-19.

One purchaser, Lincoln Brown, said he and his partner, Tanja Spolander, were drawn to Ferrars & York for its location next to the South Melbourne Market, as well as the high sustainability performance of the apartments and its community focus.

A focus on sustainability is changing the new housing market

Liam Wallis, founder of HIP V. HYPE, told realestate.com.au that the Australian new home market is changing slowly but surely when it comes to sustainability.

“The minimum energy efficiency standards are still quite low compared to global leaders and a lack of focus on post-completion testing means that there’s a high likelihood that many new buildings do not perform as designed,” Mr Wallis said. 

“For us at HIP V. HYPE, a deeply integrated approach to sustainability is non-negotiable. We believe that the built environment should not expand at the expense of our natural environment and we have a responsibility to ensure that the projects we are delivering contribute to the sustainable growth of our cities.

Sustainability is becoming more of an expectation than something buyers are willing to pay more for. Picture: Hip V. Hype

“Our purchasers see long-term value in low impact, durable homes that will not only be cost-efficient to operate over their lifespan but will also provide liveable spaces that support the physical and mental wellbeing of the residents.”

The South Melbourne project is powered by 100% renewable energy and, using very high energy-efficiency design and passive design principles, including natural light, cross-flow ventilation and external blinds that minimise energy use for heating and cooling, significantly reduces energy costs.

“This approach also provides for more consistent internal temperatures to enhance healthy living and, importantly, comfort,” Wallis explained.

“We don’t believe that living more sustainably is about significantly changing our way of life, we believe that it’s simply about living smarter, a little less wasteful and, importantly, being more aware of our decisions. Design and technology also play a huge role in helping us to live more sustainably, more simply.”

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A life of luxury.

A Richmond house with a luxurious interior compared to “cashmere” has achieved a massive sale on the brink of Melbourne’s stage four business shutdown.

The renovated Victorian at 10 Erin Street fetched $4.66m — $260,000 above the top end of its quoted $4-$4.4m range — in a deal done an hour before curfew on Wednesday night and a week before an expressions of interest campaign was due to close.

It was one of several sales rushed through before the Melbourne property market was required to move entirely online from 11.59pm Wednesday, as the Victorian Government tightened its COVID-19 restrictions.

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The main living area before its “cashmere”-like renovation.

And as it appears now.

New listings in the city are expected to essentially dry up due to a six-week ban on physical property inspections.

RT Edgar Toorak selling agent Max Ruttner said a lack of stock on the market had helped the standout Erin Street house achieve a premium price.

“There are still a lot of buyers out there, and a bit of a flight to premium property,” he said.

A quality renovation by the four-bedroom home’s “high-profile architect and designer” owners was also a major drawcard for the Camberwell-based purchaser.

Mr Ruttner said the vendors described being in their “comfortable, light and luxurious” home of seven years as “like wearing cashmere”.

The property was clearly a bit dated when it previously last sold in 2013.

Sophisticated and elegant.

He and co-listing agent Jeremy Fox conducted 60 private inspections of the house and received five offers ranging from $4m up to the eventual sale price.

The buyer — a downsizing family — outbid a solicitor, doctor, buyer’s agent and another downsizer to win the keys.

“They own an amazing house in Camberwell, so it was always going to be hard to find something that replicated that — they’d been searching for two years,” Mr Ruttner said.

“On (the buyer’s) first phone call to me she said, ‘Max, we’re pretty particular’. I said, ‘I promise if you come and have a look, you’ll love it’.”

“We signed the (sales) contracts at 7pm last night and were home by curfew.”

The property’s last sale was worth $2.67m in 2013, CoreLogic records show.

The smart, elegant kitchen.

A stately facade.

The owners had since revamped the interior, preserving period character while adding “welcoming” tones and colours, a sleek new kitchen with Travertine benchtops and Miele and Smeg appliances, Carrara marble bathrooms, and Rick Eckersley-designed gardens.

Mr Ruttner said his agency planned to use the six-week lockdown to “stay in touch with our clients and keep relationships going”.

“In real estate, momentum’s important,” he said.

“You’ve just got to keep going and try to do a few deals via 3D (online) inspections.”

An old-fashioned study …

… turned formal lounge room.

Floor-to-ceiling luxury.

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samantha.landy@news.com.au

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YOU could own one of the Gold Coast Hinterland’s most “iconic wedding venues” with a rare Tamborine Mountain property on the market.

The three titles on the corner of Curtis and Long roads include a chapel, restaurant and original Queenslander house.

The chapel at 216 to 226 Cnr Curtis & Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain.

Inside the chapel.

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“Currently family owned and operated, this property offers endless potential for future growth and is a must see opportunity,” the listing states.

“Offering three titles of land spread out over two acres of established gardens, a central location that ensures high exposure and the ideal mix of work and lifestyle opportunity.”

The house features an open plan design, six bedrooms and a separate art studio and shed.

The house on offer at 216 to 226 Cnr Curtis & Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain.

The restaurant.

The restaurant can accommodate between 80 and 110 people and has a licensed bar, cold room and commercial kitchen while the chapel has seating for up 60.

The property is on the market with a listing price of $2.45 million through Blake and Fleur Willis of First National Tamborine Mountain – North Tamborine.

“It’s been on the market for a little while but all of a sudden we’ve had a huge amount of inquiry,” Mr Wallis said

“The interest we are getting from people is to continue the business the way it is.”

216 to 226 Cnr Curtis & Long Rd, Tamborine Mountain.

Mr Wallis said the lifestyle the mountain offered as well as the local school had been huge drawcards for potential buyers.

“Across the board we are getting a lot of activity (on Tamborine Mountain),” he said.

“It seems to be younger families from the Gold Coast and Brisbane.”

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Textural brick walls, exposed timber beams and slate floors at the home.

Mid-century modern styling takes centre stage at this tranquil Eaglemont home.

Vendors Joceline and Jake Davies completed “very sympathetic renovations” at 24 Castle Street to restore the property to its former glory.

The six-bedroom 1969-built house on a 737sq m block is on the market with price hopes of $2.35-$2.499m.

“We wanted to maintain the original beauty of the house,” Ms Davies said. “All the choices we made are in keeping with the original flavour.”

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The six-bedroom house at 24 Castle Street, Eaglemont.

Renovations on the property have been in keeping with its mid-century origins.

Included among the updates were treatments of the original timber floorboards, an exposed brick wall, new paint throughout and restoration works on the staircase.

“Of all the homes we’ve renovated, this one we’ve been really attached to,” Ms Davies said. “I think what particularly stands out is the location: I’ve never lived anywhere so enchanting.”

The home is on the market for $2.35-$2.499m.

The staircase was restored, with the cedar baluster maintained.

Japanese-inspired gardens surround the home, which has green outlooks from every room.

Mr Davies added that beautiful outlooks from each room combined with the house’s architectural features, including the textural exposed wall, clean lines, Oregon beams and slate floors, to make for a beloved family home.

An entry gallery provides privacy for the house’s multiple downstairs living spaces, warmed by an open fireplace and with bi-fold doors extending to a vine-covered outdoor pergola.

The lower level also features two bedrooms, including the main, and a stylish kitchen with timber cabinetry and hand-glazed splashback tiles, each with outlook to Japan-inspired landscaped gardens.

Seamless indoor-outdoor integration with bi-fold doors.

Timber cabinetry in the kitchen.

Hand-glazed tiles are also present in the kitchen.

The vendors said it was their first mid-century modern project.

Upstairs is an accommodation wing, with three bedrooms, a family bathroom and a study.

Nelson Alexander Ivanhoe agent Liz Walker said it was the type of home that buyers would move suburbs for.

“We reckon it’s going to be an inner-city family that’s going to buy it,” Ms Walker said.

An upstairs bedroom was converted into a light-filled study.

Timber features prominently in the home.

There are six bedrooms in the large family home.

The bathrooms were left untouched by the vendors.

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jack.boronovskis@news.com.au

@jackboronovskis

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Sydney Roosters star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves has sold in Mosman. Picture: Brett Costello

Sydney Roosters star Jared Waerea-Hargreaves and wife Chelsea haven’t wasted any time in snapping up a buyer for their renovated Mosman home.

It took just five days for the property at 55 Countess St to sell, through Michael Coombs and Anthony Godson, of LJ Hooker Avnu.

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Mr Coombs was tight-lipped about the sale result, however it is understood the property sold for about $5 million.

The property was due to go to auction on August 29, and had a guide of $4.85 million.

Mr Coombs said 35 groups inspected the property, and six contracts were issued in the five days after it came to market.

The gorgeous backyard.

Classic style.

Negotiations began in earnest on Sunday and the property was officially sold on Tuesday.

“There were a couple of buyers who were very disappointed, but they just couldn’t move quickly enough,” he said.

He wasn’t surprised by the speed of the sale or the level of interest.

“It’s probably one of the best properties in the area,” he said.

“These are the deals where I love my job – an amazing house, lovely vendors and lovely buyers.”

Waerea-Hargreaves and wife Chelsea.

The Waerea-Hargreaves family. Source: Instagram

The Roosters star in action.

The buyer is a local family, Mr Coombs said. He said the sale showed the strength in the lower north shore market, which is still struggling due to a shortage of stock.

“The market is ticking along strongly, and I think come spring there’s going to be a lot more buyers around,” he said.

“COVID’s really made people focus more on their family and their house.”

The Waerea-Hargreaves family had bought their Countess St property as their forever family home, but the renovation bug has hit hard and they want to do another project.

Mrs Waerea-Hargreaves said they hoped to stay in the Mosman area, as they loved the family vibe and the eldest of their two daughters is due to start school next year.

“It is such a great area for families,” she said.

The couple did a stunning renovation.

The outdoor living and dining space overlooks the pool.

Indoor living.

The home is a clever mix of classic architectural styles that make the most of the light-filled interiors and extensive outdoor spaces.

The skylit all-seasons deck has an outdoor kitchen that is perfect for the family and the living areas are kept cosy in winter with a dual sided fireplace,

Other features include a stone kitchen with Miele appliances, impressive main bedroom with

deck, ensuite, walk-through wardrobes, zoned ducted reverse cycle airconditioning, and state-of-the-art home security system including video intercom.

There are multiple living spaces.

Formal dining.

Prime location.

The manicured rear garden and lawns are low-maintenance thanks to an integrated irrigation system, and there is a gas-heated pool.

Mrs Waerea-Hargreaves said she and her husband had thought carefully about listing their home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We did question it, but this seems like a long-term thing and I don’t think it’s going to go away overnight,” she said.

Mr Coombs said the couple was now on the hunt for their next home, and are making Mosman their priority.

“They love Mosman,” he said.

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House hunters have swamped Western Australia’s south west since the state’s COVID-19 regional borders were reopened, local property agents say.

Real estate agents have reported a large spike in buyer enquiries in the popular holiday towns of Busselton, Dunsborough, Yallingup and Margaret River since 29 May, when the WA government reopened intrastate borders that had been shut during the health pandemic response.

Agents say buyers are rushing to snap up properties in WA’s south west after intrastate borders reopened. Picture: Getty

Agents said after years of WA’s lacklustre property market and eroding prices, a lack of stock and keen demand has fostered a market resurgence that could prompt price rises across the region.

The HomeBuilder scheme is pushing up demand

Managing director of Stocker Preston, Louis De Chiera, said renewed interest in the south west had largely been driven by land sales, thanks to government incentives to boost the construction sector, but there had also been steady enquiries about established properties.

“We’ve definitely seen a huge increase in activity in both enquiries and in sales,” Mr De Chiera said. “The level of sales has been unprecedented in the last 15 years, I’d say.

“People are potentially looking for holiday homes or to relocate permanently, but a lot of the sales have been in vacant land.

“The offering from the government in terms of incentives is encouraging people to buy, so while the volume is up, the majority of those sales have been vacant land.”

In June, the WA government announced $20,000 grants on the back of the $25,000 HomeBuilder grant from the Federal Government for owner-occupiers who build or substantially renovate their homes.

Mr De Chiera said Stocker Preston offices in Dunsborough, Busselton, Margaret River and Augusta had all experienced increases in enquiries and sales over the past four to eight weeks. There had also been a steady turnover of established properties, he said.

This four-bedroom home in West Busselton sold for $855,000 at the end of July. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

“Lack of stock has been an issue,” he said. “We’re seeing a bit more stock come to market now. People who are thinking of selling are realising that now might be a good time to sell, but the number of buyers looking far outweighs the stock available, so we’re seeing multiple offers occur.”

“Perth people just don’t want to be in the city anymore”

First National Margaret River sales agent, Megan Booth, said there had been a flood of buyer enquiries and an increase in sales since the regional border closures were lifted in late May.

Ms Booth said the area was suffering a shortage of stock and pre-pandemic uncertainty had translated to significant sales successes in some towns.

In July, the quaint timber A-frame home at 15 Timor Place, Margaret River received a cash offer of $740,000, just two weeks after it was listed.

This tranquil Margaret River home received a cash offer of $740,000 after just two weeks on the market. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

“The market is not suffering at all,” Ms Booth said.

“We’re finding it [similar to] pre-GFC, that’s how busy we are. We’re doing a sale a day, on average. I’m hearing it’s the same in Dunsborough, Augusta, Busselton. I think there’s a lot of Perth people who just don’t want to be in the city anymore and they want a bit of acreage.

“When the borders opened and most of the restrictions were lifted, we just got inundated with enquiries and inspections, and then sales. Pretty much every property that we show, we get at least one offer.

“It’s pretty crazy. We weren’t expecting this.”

Agents “run off their feet” with interest from around Australia, and the world

Realmark Dunsborough sales representative Julie Fairclough said she was “run off her feet”.

Ms Fairclough said there was a cohort of people who were keen to capitalise on the region with a holiday home. Others were interested in purchasing properties now ahead of their retirement in a few years’ time and rent them out.

“There’s no shortage of buyers. There’s cash offers left, right and centre. We’re absolutely run off our feet. It’s insane,” she said.

“Everyone wants to get out of the city. I’m getting calls from around Australia and around the world, particularly from West Aussies, expats, who want to come home.”

The vendors for this Dunsborough home accepted an offer within three days of it being listed. Picture: realestate.com.au/buy

Ms Fairclough said she listed a Dunsborough property online on a Friday night in early July. By Sunday morning there had been three viewings and the vendor accepted an offer that afternoon.

“We had three offers from the three viewings well over $2 million and another offer written sight unseen,” she said.

“It’s just what’s happening. People are buying immediately. We did a FaceTime walk over of a block in Yallingup and a couple from Dubai bought it. Yallingup and Dunsborough are just going crazy.

Would-be buyers are eager to snap up beachfront properties like this limestone beauty in Quindalup. Picture: realestate.com.au/sold

“In Yallingup and on beachfront properties, there is a massive upwards trend of prices. People are paying top dollar.”

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