9th August 2014
SUSTAINABLE HOMES AND GARDENS WIN BUYERS Sustainability is not only a buzzword among builders and homeowners, in some cases it is now also the law. Rules governing new buildings, including additions and renovations, were introduced in Victoria almost three years ago. The 6-star energy efficiency rating, which aligned Victoria with the Building Code of Australia, requires all new homes to either have a solar hot water system or a rainwater tank for toilet flushing. The rules also focus attention on insulation, the thermal performance, size and location of windows and building orientation. The days when urban had a path from the street-facing front door have given way to north-facing living areas to capture winter sun and shade out summer sun. And that shady grapevine over a pergola becomes part of an energy efficiency plan, some of these features have now become much more “mainstream”.
Yarraville
104 Somerville Road 9316 9000
Williamstown 1/66 Douglas Parade (Corner Stevedore Street) 9393 1600 www.jasstephens.com.au
Environmentally friendly design was seen as the province of the well-off and of no great interest to buyers. But times change and agents report buyers increasingly ask about a home’s sustainability credentials. For example, with more than 1 million Australian homes now with rooftop solar panels, most people are aware of their potential energy and cost saving benefits. There have been thousands of new homes, which comply with the new 6-star rating built in Victoria in recent years. But throughout Melbourne there are many older homes. Agents report that while buyers may be charmed, they also ask about other features such as double glazing and solar hot water that reflect the home’s overall sustainability. Not so many years ago, agents wouldn’t have seen the need to promote sustainability features. Now, though, these are seen as attracting buyers who want to reduce their footprint and their bills. Features such as solar panels, rainwater tanks and energy-efficient design are taking their place in marketing campaigns. So while investing in such features can also repay that investment through reduced costs, increasingly they add to a home’s capital value. And to complement sustainable buildings, we can maintain other environmentally friendly habits such as installing drip water systems, growing fruit and vegetables, mulching and composting. For more information see www.sustainability.vic.gov.au and www.buildingcommission.com.au/sustainability
Craig J. Stephens Managing Director / Officer in Effective Control M 0418 547 938
As a service to our vendors, we will require names & phone numbers on entry of all inspections. Privacy Act 2000: We use personal information collected from you during open for inspections for security purposes. We may also use that information to contact you with respect to this property and others we believe may be of interest to you. Also, we may contact you in relation to other services provided by us or our associates such as insurance, mortgages and loans. By providing your information to us you agree to our use of it as described above unless you advise us differently. If the information is not provided we may not be able to provide an effective and comprehensive service to you. (Your personal information will be collected and held in accordance with provisions of the Information Privacy Act 2000). We have obtained all information in this document from sources we believe to be reliable, however, we cannot guarantee its accuracy. Prospective purchasers are advised to carry out their own investigations. We strongly recommend that you clearly register your interest with our representative at the open for inspection, so that in the event of a sale being imminent, your position is protected. We make every effort to contact all interested parties prior to a property being sold.
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ALEX TEEUWSEN Sales Consultant
NATHAN GLEESON Sales Consultant
REECE GOSSTRAY Projects Sales Manager Banbury Village Sales Manager
HELEN CORALLO Personal Assistant for Branko Lemaic & Tate Moore
Mobile 0487 648 159
Mobile 0409 556 584
Mobile 0418 378 276
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Email ateeuwsen@jasstephens.com.au
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NICOLE GRECH Marketing Manager
LACHLAN MCCRAW New Business Development Manager – Rental Department
DARIA BECK Rental Department Manager
NICOLE SMITH Leasing Consultant Rental Department
SUE STEVENS Property & Finance Consultant
MAX WALLER Director Provincial Home Loans
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Direct Line 9316 9039
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Join our successful sales team. Call Nicole Grech on 9316 9012 to discuss your options.