Cape Town is not just a city known for its breathtaking beauty and scenic beaches but also with a recent global awakening in environmental awareness it has also become a booming area of sustainable living.
It is becoming more and more common for real estate to have more eco-friendly and self-sustaining features in homes for the purpose of being more environmentally friendly but is also making South African lives more comfortable.
Not only does self-sustainable housing reduce greenhouse gas emissions but with South Africa’s current way of living, now is the best time to invest in self-sustainable living. Load-shedding and water shortages have become the new norm in the majority of South Africans everyday lives, and can be very unpredictable. Self-sustainable homes offer long term solutions and the cost of installing these features are also the most affordable it will ever be.
According to CCPI, South Africa is one of the nine countries that are responsible for 90% of the world’s carbon emissions.
Therefore, because South Africa has such an unpredictable power grid, it is the main reason why so many are seeking alternative sources despite how expensive they might be and having more self-sustainable features is a huge benefit to the environment. Solar power is just one of many ways to have a more eco-friendly and self-sustainable home.
According to Statista, solar energy capacity has grown from 262 to 6, 326 megawatts since 2013 up until 2023.
Self-sustainable homes have been designed and renovated with the environment in mind. Homes like these have been built with features like solar power, water conservation, renewable energy and smart technology. These features are growing higher in demand and will continue to do so in the long term.
They will not only add more value to a property but are also kinder to the environment.
Owning a self-sustainable home is not only convenient but it is also a long term investment as the demand for self-sustainable home living is increasing. Considering the circumstances in South Africa, becoming more self-sustainable would be very beneficial. Having these features in a home will add “more sizzle to the steak”, according to David E Miller, development expert at Tyson Properties Southern Suburbs.
Therefore, selling a home with features such as solar power and water conservation will have a higher resale value in the long term for any home. “Houses with these features will have a higher resale value and it ensures the buyer will see that value in the long term”, says Priscilla Young, Area expert in Constantia Upper and Surrounds at Tyson Properties Southern Suburbs.
