How energy upgrades supercharge property values
A lick of paint here and there and a freshly tiled bathroom may freshen up a home and sometimes add value. But that’s not what moves the dial for property sale prices. In the US, energy efficiency is the real game-changer.
IF clients want to boost their property’s value, they should forget fancy dining rooms and infinity pools. Think EV chargers and water-saving tapware.
Sustainable, energy-efficient features are the U.S.’s hottest sales trends of 2025, according to a report by America’s Realtor.com.
With utility bills biting as hard there as they do in Australia, buyers seek homes that save water, generate power, and are environmentally friendly.
“The acceleration of efficiency-focused features is striking,” says Anthony Smith, senior economist at Realtor.com.
Leading the way are homes with WaterSense fixtures: showers, taps and toilets that meet the US Environmental Protection Agency’s criteria, similar to Australia’s WELS star rating.
They use at least 20per cent less water than standard fixtures, with mentions in sales listings up 290% over the previous year.
Next comes biophilic design, with features like indoor gardens, courtyards, plus abundant natural light and ventilation.
That’s followed by EV charging with solar and battery backup, and net-zero ready homes that can potentially generate as much power as they use.
Sound familiar? Australian builders and regulators have long carved the same green groove, with high energy costs and climate change a global challenge.
“This surge reflects both pragmatic economics and strategic marketing,” says Realtor.com’s Smith.
“Buyers want lower bills and resilience, while sellers and builders see value in branding homes as efficient and forward-looking.”
