Sustainable building trends boost property values

READ: Solar power | An environmentally friendly alternative that will improve the value of your property

By doing so, they are not only enhancing their property values, but also achieving significant reductions in long-term homeownership costs - all while contributing to the conservation of South Africa's unique and diverse environment.

Alternative Energy Sources

One of the most significant trends shaping sustainable building in South Africa is the integration of alternative energy sources. With abundant sunlight, solar energy has become the most popular choice for homeowners looking to reduce their reliance on the traditional power grid and free themselves from ongoing loadshedding. "Homes with established solar systems are also highly sought-after, providing an invaluable edge for sellers looking to stand out in today's competitive market," says Jacobs.

READ: 6 crucial tips to help you prepare your home for solar energy

If you live in a sectional title complex, however, harnessing the power of the sun has become a heated issue and getting the necessary approval to go solar can be a lengthy process, according to specialist sectional title attorney and BBM Law director Marina Constas.

Let's revisit her insights shared in March 2023 (article), Constas explains that solar panels generally need to be installed on the roofs of units or carports, and these are common property in a sectional title development.

"This means that they are not part of any owner's exclusive use area or section, according to the Sectional Titles Schemes Management Act. Common property is owned by all members of the body corporate, which is all the owners in the scheme. You simply cannot make decisions about installing solar panels on your own when you live in a sectional title property," she stresses.

According to the legislation, reasonable improvements may be made to common property, but the owner would have to first get consent from the body corporate by way of a Special Resolution..

READ: Switching to Solar | What you need to know

The first step for an owner considering a solar system for their sectional title home is to ask the managing agent or trustees to call a special general meeting of the body corporate, to propose the passing of a special resolution. Constas recommends that the owner goes to this meeting well prepared, with all the supporting documentation needed to justify their solar system. "Before the special general meeting, I would recommend that the owner wanting the solar system conduct a public relations exercise and discuss the project with all his neighbours. There are aesthetic considerations in a complex. In many cases, other owners object just because they feel they were not consulted," she says.

On a practical level, instead of providing permission to one individual owner, the trustees should word the resolution in such a way as to create a policy on solar for all owners, she advises.

"In my experience, body corporates are generally allowing individuals to install their own solar panels on condition that the sectional title property owner pays for them and also for the maintenance thereof," Constas notes.

Another option for the installation of a solar system in a sectional title complex is for the project to be initiated by the trustees, for the benefit of all owners. "If the trustees decide that the complex should go solar, they would need to send a letter to all owners with details of the project, including the cost, how it will be funded and how it will look. Which roofs will the panels be installed on, for example? Will a special levy need to be raised? Would there be any issues with the weight of the panels? If the body corporate plans to install a system using reserve funds, it will also be responsible for maintenance. Once the trustees have sent out the letter outlining their solar project, owners would have 30 days in which to object.

"Installing solar power in a sectional title home is not a quick or simple solution to the electricity crisis. There are tricky issues to unravel around relationships, money and aesthetics," she says. "With the one-year tax rebate now available to residents, solar systems have become even more attractive, however, sectional title schemes and role players like managing agents, trustees and bodies corporate need to arm themselves with the facts and be prepared for an influx of applications from owners," she says.

READ:  Is a compliance certificate required when solar energy is used?

Waterwise Gardens

Jacobs shares, that in a country where water scarcity is a pressing issue, it stands to reason that waterwise gardens are gaining popularity. "Drought-resistant, indigenous landscaping has become very trendy," says Jacobs. "It not only reduces water consumption, but also needs less maintenance than traditional gardens with equally beautiful results, offering homeowners a combination of economic, environmental and lifestyle benefits."

Rainwater Harvesting

Rainwater harvesting systems, coupled with greywater reuse, have also become popular with South African homeowners and investors. "Collecting rainwater and greywater for non-potable uses like irrigation and flushing toilets helps homeowners reduce their reliance on municipal water sources and minimise the impact of water restrictions," says Jacobs. "This not only reduces a property's environmental footprint, but also the owner's monthly utility bills - something cost-conscious property buyers are increasingly aware of."

Sustainable Building Materials

According to Jacobs, South Africa is currently experiencing a surge in the use of sustainable building materials that prioritize eco-friendliness without compromising structural integrity. "Builders, developers and home renovators are intentionally choosing materials with low environmental impact, like recycled steel, reclaimed wood, and bamboo - all of which are renewable and contribute to a lower carbon footprint," he says. "We're also seeing some innovative uses of materials like hempcrete as a sustainable, non-structural concrete alternative - an important step towards reducing our reliance on non-renewable resources like building sand and gravel."

The benefits of using sustainable building materials extend well beyond the construction phase, typically providing better insulation and temperature regulation than traditional alternatives, with a more contemporary design aesthetic. "A lot of buyers are very conscious of these benefits, actively seeking homes that support a more sustainable lifestyle. That can make all the difference to a sale in the current buyers' market," says Jacobs.

Energy-Efficient Appliances and Smart Home Integration

Incorporating energy-efficient fittings and smart home technologies is another trend shaping sustainable living in South African homes. "LED lighting, energy-efficient HVAC systems, and intelligent home automation have all risen in popularity as demand for energy efficiency has grown. "Buyers are looking for homes with low energy consumption to reduce their utility bills, and also to make solar installations more effective," he says. "Smart home integration makes this easier, combining automated lighting and security systems with energy monitoring and management to help homeowners actively optimize their energy usage." This, Jacobs says, not only elevates a property's value, but also provides another unique selling point with which to capture potential buyers' attention.

The adoption of sustainable building practices in South Africa is not just a response to environmental concerns and energy and water shortages. It's also a strategic move to enhance residential property values.  As the real estate landscape evolves, incorporating these sustainable trends not only positions properties as responsible and forward-thinking but also ensures long-term financial benefits for homeowners and investors. "With increased awareness, and a shift towards sustainable living, the fusion of green features with residential properties is set to become the new standard, transforming the real estate market in South Africa for the better," says Jacobs. 

https://www.property24.com/articles/sustainable-building-trends-boost-property-values/32123