Sustainable housing features: Building a foundation for future cities and future people

Absence of adequate information on sustainable housing features, perceived unaffordability of its instalment process, and low awareness of potential benefits contribute to little demand for low and zero carbon homes in Australia. Sustainable housing related policies in Australia are not as enhanced as policies introduced by other countries. By acknowledging the key roles played by different advisors, valuers, insurers, banks and policy makers, the benefits of the sustainable housing can be delivered to different main stakeholders (owners, constructors, developers and investors); and further help to increase the supply and demand of sustainable housing. Across Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria there is an average of 33% increment in the sales price of houses which had specific sustainability-related features . This is a hidden economic benefit that not many people know. To build a strong foundation for “future cities”, we need to have better understanding on the benefits of “green” features, better approach by relevant stakeholders and better inclusion of sustainable housing features as a requirement in urban planning