Renters Want Energy-Efficient Homes

More than a third of tenants are willing to pay a higher rent to secure a property that already has energy-efficient features installed.

The PropTrack Origin Renter Reality Report asked 4800 respondents if they are prepared to pay a higher rent for a home with smart energy features, and  35% say they are.

The report says surging costs have created real challenges for Australian renters, and many are now being forced to make compromises around the size, location, and quality of the homes they can afford.

About a third of renters say they have no energy-efficient features in their rental properties, while a further 22% are unsure.

The most common energy-efficient features currently found in rental homes are efficient lighting (21%), solar power (15%), and energy-efficient appliances (13%).

The majority of renters (59%) believe property landlords are responsible for improving energy efficiency but almost half of respondents say they are planning to invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next five years, with 14% willing to spend up to $5000.