Top Trends for Sustainable Luxury Homes

by Marsha Charles 06/27/2021

Photo by Lukas Hartmann from Pexels

Luxury real estate is often defined by elaborate interior design elements and state-of-the-art technology blended seamlessly into the home. These properties are designed to wow and amaze the average home buyer while enticing luxury buyers to invest in the ever-growing real estate market.

In addition to lavish extras, the luxury homes of today often include eco-friendly amenities and sustainable features. These features are in high-demand among luxury home buyers and real estate investors. Some of the sustainable features that are trending in luxury homes include:

Solar Panels

Solar panels are often considered a luxury upgrade to the average home, but they are almost standard on the grand homes that are desired by affluent home buyers. Solar panels are becoming increasingly popular due to the fact that they provide homeowners with a cost-effective way to power their home. Solar power is endless, and therefore is one of the most sustainable ways to generate electricity. In addition, solar panels can add an elegant touch to the exterior design of any luxury property.

Expertly-Designed Gardens

Rather than investing in sculpted landscaping services that can be costly to maintain, luxury homeowners are more interested in having beautiful yet productive gardens in their yards. These gardens often mimic the designs of grand estates in Europe, but are not just for decoration. Many luxury homeowners rely on their gardens to produce fresh fruits and vegetables for their home, or to grow flowers that will be cut and displayed inside their personal rooms.

Smart Technology

Most luxury properties that have been built in the last two decades will have energy-efficient appliances and other state-of-the-art technology inside them. In order to maximize the efficiency of these features, luxury homeowners will want to invest in smart technology that allows them to automate their homes. Smart technology can be used to learn the habits and patterns within the home, and to only run appliances and other electronics when necessary. This type of technology is particularly beneficial in large homes, as it helps lower the operating costs of the property.

Living Roofs and Walls

Sometimes referred to as green roofs, living roofs and walls are innovative design features that allow grass, trees and other shrubbery to grow along the walls or on the roof of the property. They capture sunlight, reduce water waste and offer an excellent way to naturally manage the temperature of a home. While it is possible to install your own green roof, most luxury homeowners who want them ask that these living walls be incorporated into the original design of their property.

Sustainable Water Features

Water features have long been a hallmark of luxury home design, but traditional fountains and ponds are not always the most sustainable option. Fortunately, luxury builders have found ways to create efficient water features that help capture natural rainwater and reduce the amount of energy needed to operate.

In today's luxury home market, success is not defined by the sheer size and scope of the home. More often than not, luxury home buyers are looking for a property that will accommodate their tastes and preferences all while reducing their ecological footprint. They want to purchase a home that they will feel good about living in.

About the Author
Author

Marsha Charles

Consistent top listing and selling agent receiving Chairman's Club award for superior sales achievement almost every year while associated with Preferred Properties, Inc. Consistently receive the International Presidents Premier award for sales volume since joining Coldwell Banker Realty and ranked in the top 1% of agents in Connecticut and Westchester County. In 2021 I received the International Society of Excellence award for sales volume in excess of $100,000,000. I have been named a Top Five Sales Agent for customer satisfaction since 2010 (longer than any other agent in Connecticut) and listed in Connecticut Magazine. Named one of the Top Agents in Connecticut by Real Trends since 2018. 

I work with sellers and buyers and also have a strong understanding to needs of those who are relocating . Background and experience in advertising, public relations and photography offer creative and innovative marketing plans for sellers.  

Realtor designations include: Graduate Real Estate Institute, Certified Residential Specialist, Certified Residential Marketing Specialist, and Pricing Strategy Advisor. Served as President of New Canaan Board of Realtors (two terms), Director (three terms) and currently serve on Professional Standards Committee. Named Realtor of the year by the New Canaan Board of Realtors in 1994and again in 2022. 

Married and mother of other of four children who attended and graduated from the New Canaan School System, Member of New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich and Statewide MLS systems. Areas covered include New Canaan, Darien, Greenwich, Rowayton, Norwalk, Wilton and all of lower Fairfield County.