Embracing the 'off the grid' lifestyle is driven by various factors. It involves disconnecting from city utility services, and some people do it to assert their independence, liberating themselves from the burden of monthly service fees. Others are motivated by environmental concerns, choosing to live in a more eco-friendly and sustainable manner.
Off the grid family home in Parel Vallei for R4.495 million
According to Roger Lotz, franchisee for Rawson Properties Helderberg, there is definitely a demand for off-the grid property. "Considering the current state of Eskom and the previous draught and water shedding in some provinces, off-the-grid living has become a must-have for buyers.
Off-the-grid-living homes is particularly prevalent in the mid-to-high-end property segments, where alternative power sources are quickly becoming must-have features for these buyers. These buyers are a mixed-age profile anything from young families, middle-aged to retirees.
Charming home in the desirable area of Somerset Ridge R3.7 million
"I believe that people are also striving to balance their impact on the environment. This makes eco-friendly properties that have energy efficiency, carbon footprint reduction, and water-wise initiatives very attractive to the modern buyer. Remember, Off-the-grid-living has always been in existence but green, holistic, wellness-focused living spaces were largely confined to the luxury property market back then. But now we are starting to see a shift whereby these property elements/features are slowly being introduced to the mid-property price levels," says Lotz.
Luxury housing market:
Speaking into the luxury housing market in Cape Town, Karryn Cartoulis of RE/MAX Living explains that “it is now one of the first questions a potential purchaser will ask as they enter the property. The solar panels actually become a feature on a home and clients don’t seem to be put off by their appearance as they are more interested in their performance. With constant loadshedding and increasing electricity prices, it really is the only way to go – especially if you are working from home.”
Adrian Goslett, Regional Director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, says: “What I will say is that adding solar power to your home is an expensive exercise. Those who do go to the trouble of having it installed are unlikely to sell anytime soon. This could mean that the demand for solar-powered homes might outstrip supply, which could push up the price of these homes," he says.
Susan Watts, Broker/Owner of RE/MAX Living, agreed that there has been an increase in demand for off-the-grid-living. "Most buyers are looking at a solar or inverter solution or an inverter solution which can be converted to solar at a later stage. In the Cape Town City Bowl and Atlantic Seaboard there are definitely more homes ‘leaving the grid’ or resorting to a partial power solution to tie them over during load shedding. Other suburbs where alternative energy solutions are becoming more popular include Sunset Beach. In the Atlantic Seaboard area many apartment blocks are installing alternative power solutions. Station House in Sea Point is a great example of this,” says Watts.
A contemporary architectural masterpiece in Upper Oranjezicht R49 million
“Foreign buyers are less inclined to tolerate the daily load shedding. Buyers in the higher price brackets also generally indicate that this is a necessity for a home to tick all the boxes,” says Watts.
She goes on to says that as more homes install solutions to combat the problem of load shedding, so too has demand increased. "Seeing this increase in demand, we are one of the first real estate companies to add a search facility to our website allowing buyers to look for properties with alternative energy solutions. As the requests for this feature increased, we realised that we needed to pivot to cater to the needs of our agents and buyers,” says Watts.
Modern-contemporary home in Fresnaye for R35 million
Cobus Odendaal, CEO of Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty in JHB and Randburg, says: " We’re increasingly asked about energy features and, with more expensive properties, it’s becoming an expectation. And if a buyer has a choice between two similar homes, they will generally opt for the one with energy saving or producing features.
It’s not just about keeping the lights and wifi on – it’s also about security during loadshedding as most security systems don’t work without electricity.
Discover your very own "Forest Retreat" in the heart of Westcliff for R12.75 million
Attractions:
Odendaal says, energy independence, not relying on the public utility grid is becoming a key attraction with loadshedding having become the norm rather than the exception. Solar energy is also a renewable resource and people are becoming increasingly conscientious about reducing their carbon footprint.
"The initial set-up is expensive but, after that, monthly expenses are reduced to a more affordable rate. It also increases a home’s value as properties with solar power systems typically have higher resale value these days. The security aspect is important because most security systems are power dependent. These properties often appeal to those who prefer a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle.
"The demand exists throughout the country and when the term ‘Off the Grid’ appears in a property advert, it undoubtedly catches the eye. Affordability of these systems does dictate the presence – or lack – of these features in certain areas at the moment," he says.
Odendaal says there is a mix of potential off-the-grid buyers interested in off-the-grid properties. "It’s pretty much across the board nowadays," he says.
"Everyone now strives to at least have the comfort of back-up electricity to a larger or smaller extent. The level of back up is dictated by affordability," Odendaal adds.
Want all the latest property news and curated hot property listings sent directly to your inbox? Register for Property24’s Hot Properties, Lifestyle and Weekly Property Trends newsletters or follow us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.
Print
