A 12-lot development in Woodend boasting homes with minimum 7.5-star energy efficiency has sold out.
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Villawood Properties' Lonicera community at the junction of Honeysuckle Lane and Old Lancefield Road features detailed design guidelines prescribing rainwater re-use, energy and water efficient appliances and fittings and home ratings well above the minimum 6-star rating across conventional estates.
Villawood Properties' regional Victorian general manager Julian Perez said buyer demand in Woodend is indicative of a sustainability surge in Australia's mainstream new build housing.
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"Energy efficient, all-electric homes powered by solar are on the increase as people seek bill busting, higher performance, comfortable and healthy housing," Mr Perez said.
"This type of housing can wipe thousands of dollars off energy bills per annum and years off the average mortgage compared to conventional 6-star homes."
Villawood Properties paid for a renewable and energy efficient consultant to guide purchasers with ready advice to achieve higher performance homes through passive design features such as orientation, draft-proofing, glazing, insulation and leading energy efficient fit-out homes.
Mr Perez said projects such as Lonicera were more important than providing a feel-good factor and are the way mainstream housing is headed.
"Climate scientists predict the possibility of 50-degree days in our capital cities in future decades," he said.
"How we build today will be crucial for building resilient, carbon-neutral housing that reduces energy bills and carbon emissions while reducing running costs and protecting residents during future heat."
As sustainable housing becomes more mainstream, Mr Perez forecasted leaps forward in local renewable energy, microgrids, community food production, rainwater harvesting and electric vehicle enabled homes.
Villawood Properties plans to continue its energy efficient developments with a 20-lot project, Rhondda Park in Woodend, featuring a minimum 7.5-star energy rating.
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