- Sustainability can increase a property’s value by up to 15% more than it would otherwise.
- Savings are a key factor in increasing property value; a sustainable home can save up to 48% on electricity and gas consumption.
For investors or individuals looking to live off rental income, property value is crucial as it ensures higher profits. However, it’s important to note that the performance of a property is not limited to the income it generates but also includes savings on services or maintenance, which can be achieved by implementing sustainable measures.
Real estate properties, in general, tend to increase in value each year. For 2023 alone, according to the Federal Mortgage Society (SHF), appreciation was 12.7% for new homes and 10.7% for used homes, while the general variation in the real estate sector ranged between 15% and 30%. However, sustainability practices can boost these figures by up to an additional 15%, according to the Japanese company Daikin, and also benefit the environment.
But how can sustainability increase the value of our properties? Here are some ways sustainable practices can enhance property value:
• Design smartly: The first step before constructing a property is to develop the project. Sometimes the space is small or not ideal for conventional construction, but this is where smart design comes into play. Smart design involves maximizing the use of land and resources, organizing each space to enhance air flow, light entry, temperature regulation, and possibly including features like vertical gardens.
• Use sustainable materials: Choosing sustainable materials can reduce energy consumption by 30%, carbon emissions by 35%, and water consumption by between 30% and 50%, according to the portal Lamudi. Additionally, these materials are often more economical and offer other benefits, such as eco-friendly paint that prevents wall cracking by creating a porous layer; modular concrete that is resistant to moisture and fire; or PET bricks that promote recycling and contain fewer chemicals than cement.
• Reduce future consumption: As mentioned earlier, sustainability can increase property value due to the savings it represents. However, this also extends to reducing future service costs. According to the Sustainable Housing Report in Mexico by the National Housing Commission (CONAVI), a sustainable house can reduce electricity and gas consumption by up to 48%, help avoid air conditioning use, adopt rainwater irrigation systems, and promote self-cultivation.
• Support urban development: Whenever a property is built, the goal is to positively impact the surrounding environment, improving living conditions if possible. Sustainable buildings directly benefit the occupants and also those outside, as they set standards for development and design. This encourages more people to adopt such building models, which benefit the economy and reduce environmental impact.
Sustainability has recently become a trend because it allows for economic savings while protecting the environment. It has also become visually appealing and innovative as it uses resources that were previously underutilized and promotes construction innovation. As you can see, it can also increase a property’s value, making it highly recommended. So, if you are considering building or renovating your home, we suggest researching and embracing this practice for numerous benefits.
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Fuentes de consulta:
https://www.alpha-hardin.com/7-materiales-de-construccion-sustentables/
https://www.lamudi.com.mx/journal/construccion-sustentable
https://www.conavi.gob.mx/images/documentos/sustentabilidad/2b_Vivienda_Sutentable_en_Mexico.pdf