17 January 2007
Drought To Change
Home Buyers Priorities
Water tanks connected to drip watering systems and grey water systems for gardens have become the extras home buyers will increasingly seek as Australia's drought bites into level four water restrictions in major cities.
At level four all watering is banned outside and both Adelaide and Melbourne are facing level four restrictions within weeks according to government statements. Brisbane is already operating on level four water restrictions along with many rural and regional areas of Australia.
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Archicentre, the nation's largest provider of pre-purchase housing and design reports, today suggested that putting a water tank in the garden connected to a drip watering system was far more likely to attract a home buyer than a spa in the ensuite or marble top benches in the kitchen. Managing Director of Archicentre, Robert Caulfield said, "Not only is the drought causing increased cracking in houses but it is also shaking up buyer priorities. Archicentre has launched a survey on its website www.archicentre.com.au to gauge home buyers feelings about water tanks and their value compared to a spa or plasma screen". "We also expect to see real estate agents advertising homes with tanks and drip watering systems as major features". "Home owners putting their properties on the market should consider the marketing value of installing a water tank which can also in many cases attract a government rebate." Mr Caulfield said that the availability of tank water to protect the garden is a major asset. It costs around $2000 - $3000 to put in a 4500 litre tank, and with the average garden costing $10,000 to $20,000 to replace, water tanks will pay for themselves many times over and can be highly sought after by home buyers. |
"After all people purchase not only the home but also make their buy decision on the garden environment and its sustainability."
"People will not spend over $500,000 on average to buy a property full well knowing its gardens could be shrivelled in the next couple of months unless an alternative water source is available."
Mr Caulfield said that Australia is a nation of gardeners and Archicentre will be recommending water saving devices within the home and garden in all of its pre-purchase housing reports.
"Apart from protecting the garden, water from a water tank could play a major role in keeping the soils moist around the home to limit the increasing trend of costly cracking, which can cost from $5,000 to $50,000 to repair."
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