Highlight the Green Credentials of Your Property When Selling

Green-living should be encouraged at all times, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to up the ante when putting your property on the market for sale.

Anyone that thinks that their house will sell simply because “it’s green” will be disappointed, but greenness is a valuable attribute that may tip the balance when selling.

Here are our top five recommendations to “green-up” your property

1. First Impressions: Even before a potential buyer enters the house, what’s known as the “curb appeal” of a property can make or break a sale. A neat and tidy garden is desirable at any time, but it certainly helps assert a property’s “greenness” from the outset. Wonderful green lawns look wonderful, but just be aware that they often require excessive resources to maintain (unless of course you are fortunate to have access to bore water, in which case you should make sure this is clearly displayed). Think about using native grasses, shrubs and vines that are easy to maintain and don’t require excessive chemicals or water to keep looking great. Composting bins, rainwater tanks etc are also positive assets.

2. Highlight The Green Attributes: Don’t be afraid to spell out the green features of your property. Provide a list (itself made from recycled/sustainable material, such as paper or bamboo) which could mention such assets as energy-ratings, energy-efficient appliances, recycled materials (such as flooring), solar panels and non-toxic decorating materials (eg. paint). You may also want to include as a package the official leaflets of products from the supplier outlining their sustainable-attributes.

3. What’s Inside: Many buyers like to look inside cupboards and wardrobes, so whilst some property owner’s often feel this to be a somewhat invasion of privacy it can be turned into an advantage. Make sure what’s seen inside those cupboards are green and organic products, as this will speak volumes when combined with the other attributes of the property.

4. Clean is Green: A strange or pungent smell is never welcome, but it can especially dispel notions of being environmentally friendly. Make sure that the property smells fresh and clean, and do so with natural products, odor free or as neutral as possible rather than ones that are clearly chemical.

5. Environmental Accreditation: There are an increasing number of official bodies that will conduct an environmental audit of your property. Research online to find the best organization for you.

Simon Turner