Small gardens desired by eco-buyers

South Africa’s prolonged drought is having a significant impact on the choices local buyers are making when purchasing a property, according to the head of Gumtree Property.

In recent months, demand for water-wise properties – homes which are equipped with boreholes, small gardens or no lawns – has soared, as people become more aware of the need for sustainability in their homes.

Gumtree notes that this trend is evident in properties for sale as well as for rentals.

The rising costs of electricity and water are making homes which allow tenants some measure of control over their utilities more attractive – prompting landlords to increasingly invest in energy and water saving devices.

“The tightening of water restrictions in Johannesburg and Cape Town are further fuelling demand for water-efficient homes.”

Houses in which water and electricity saving devices have been installed tend to receive significantly more attention from people searching for homes to buy or rent, according to Gumtree. Searches for “borehole water” and “eco-estates” have also seen a steady increase since the beginning of 2016.

The tightening of water restrictions in Johannesburg and Cape Town are further fuelling demand for water-efficient homes. This is particularly true for Gauteng, where residents have frequently been left without water in recent months.

Alternative sources of water or energy on a property are an excellent selling point in these tough economic times. In addition to allowing consumers to conserve water and the environment, it also helps occupants to reduce their bills.

Homeowners can add value to their properties by investing in a rainwater-harvesting system. Gumtree estimates that a rainwater tank and grey water system reduce a home’s water bill by 75% and increase the value of a property significantly.

While a well-established garden is always considered an asset, homeowners are advised to gradually convert to water-wise indigenous plants – as not everyone has time to maintain a garden. A low-maintenance indigenous garden is an attractive option for both the young urban market and retirees.

There are currently over a thousand properties on Gumtree billed as eco-friendly, sustainable or eco-sensitive. This is more than double the number in previous years and provides a clear indication that green considerations are highly marketable.

Eco-estates have seen a dramatic rise in popularity – rising from just five big eco-estates in 2008 to around 50 in 2010. However, not all eco-estates are as sustainable as advertised. True eco-estates do include artificial landscaping – such as golf courses and vineyards – that requires the use of irrigation systems.