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5 posts
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Sustainable rental properties
Posted 30 Dec 06 10:03 PM
I am a property investor and property manager. One thing I am keen on is having 'environmentally friendly' rental properties. Why? I'd be preaching to the converted to go on about the reasons for the planet, so take those as read. The reasons I specifically like these is about people. What a gift to give someone is that of living in a healthy home. That they can easily afford their power bills due to efficient lighting and heating choices. That they are warm and healthy and safe. Ultimately, these work out as economic advantages for both the tenant and the landlord. My goal, both with my own properties and those that I manage for other people is to have healthy warm homes that cost less than average to inhabit, that encourage good tenants to stay long term. I'm intending to discuss ways I do this, and you can too if you have investment property, and also hear your ideas on what you think is right, good, and affordable. I have a few complaints about various things, and would also like to hear your gripes too. Looking forward to an active and lively discussion.
Jackie.
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6 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 2 Jan 07 8:27 PM
You can drastically cut the power bill by installing hot water heat pumps. All the convenience of a standard cylinder and element at a third of the price. For most households they will save at least as much energy as solar for much lower capital cost, without panels on the roof and without any control or frosting problems. If you know of a reason NOT to fit one let me know, (apart from the capital cost).
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3839 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 3 Jan 07 10:06 PM
As a potential tenant of an friendly property, I would certainly pay a premium to live in a house that I knew to be well insulated and with eco features such as solar hot water heating etc. It would serve a two fold purpose of lowering my cost of living, while satisfying my urge to spend my money in such a way that encourages sustainable practices.
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35 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 8 Jan 07 9:41 AM
I will be renting my own home within the next 12 months so I will be able to say if a super insulated, passive solar house with solar HW will achive a premium!
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290 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 8 Jan 07 7:40 PM
Where is your house located Jeff? If you're in Christchurch let me know as I'm looking to rent a place here soon.
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35 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 9 Jan 07 8:42 AM
My house is in Queenstown, we will be looking to rent in Chch as well. We just created our own market demand for sustainable rental properties!
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20 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 6 Mar 07 6:46 PM
jaykay - one reason to go for solar over heat pump could be the lifetime. I don't have any evidence for you, but I understand people easily get 20 years out of a solar system, while heat pumps are relatively new and unproven - I would think 10 years is a more likely lifetime. The cylinder itself will make a difference too - solar is typically low pressure (copper) cylinder, which lasts well - are heat pump HWCs usually mains or low? Mains (steel) cylinders only last 5-10 years.
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2 posts
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Re: Sustainable rental properties
Posted 10 Jul 08 10:39 AM
Hi Jackie
Don't know if you are still looking for feedback & activity with your business as it's been a while since you posted this note.
I am a Green Building consultant and have to say that many buildings can be made sustainable and there are even subsidies available for Landlords now to insulate.
You can have the house accessed for a Star Rating like appliances have but a lot more is involved as you might appreciate. This service will define what level of efficency the house has and what to do to increase the rating if it can be done. Homes with a good rating will gain cudos in the future as the schem launched this year by EECA & Government gains traction. The added value this rating will be seen by renters & purchasers as something to Trust In and will build confidence for landlords, renter, owners & purchasers as this gains exposure in the market.
So you don't have to be restricted to getting sustainably built homes. Better still for the environment - why not upgrade an existing house which you can get a subsidy to upgrade it's insulation & there by it's health. There are 600,000 NZ homes needing this work done & there are very few Green homes around yet that one can buy let alone rent so far.
Tony Winter - dwell@clear.net.nz
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