Why sustainability is the leading trend in today's real estate market

Sustainability is proving to be more than just a passing consideration in the real estate sector. 

It is no longer confined to eco-conscious buyers or niche developments, but is now a key driver in property investment decisions, particularly in high-end and estate living environments.

“Increasingly, we’re seeing a shift in how buyers assess long-term value. It’s not only about location or finishes anymore; energy efficiency, water security, and climate resilience are becoming non-negotiables,” according to the Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) team.

Sustainability in property goes beyond solar panels or rainwater harvesting. It encompasses design that reduces environmental impact, construction practices that minimise waste, and community infrastructure that supports sustainable living.

For buyers, these elements signal durability, reduced long-term costs, and future market appeal.

“Buyers are becoming far more discerning. They want homes that are smart in every sense of the word; environmentally, technologically and economically. This is especially true for investors looking to hold property over a 10 to 20-year horizon. They’re asking: Will this home still be relevant in a decade?”

In South Africa, where load-shedding and water scarcity remain persistent concerns, energy independence and resource management are said to have moved from nice-to-have to essential.

Properties equipped with solar energy, battery backup, greywater systems and passive cooling features are not only more desirable, they command premium prices.

“Developments that integrate sustainable infrastructure from the outset are attracting strong demand,” Fine & Country Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) said. 

“Our buyers are highly informed. They’re not simply investing in a home, but in a lifestyle that aligns with their values and mitigates future risks.”

This shift in priorities is not limited to individual buyers. Developers, estate managers and property investors were also said to be recalibrating their approach.

“There’s a growing realisation that sustainability is about risk management. If your estate or portfolio isn’t equipped to handle power and water disruptions, you’re going to struggle to attract or retain value.

"Buyers are future-proofing their decisions, and that makes sustainability a commercial imperative, not a luxury.”

The demand for green-certified buildings, the growth of ESG-driven investment funds, and an emerging class of climate-conscious consumers all point to one clear conclusion which is the future of real estate is sustainable.

The Fine & Country SSA said it believes that properties offering environmental performance, operational efficiency, and resilient infrastructure will continue to lead the market, not just in desirability, but in value retention.

“In a world where unpredictability is becoming the norm, buyers are looking for certainty. And increasingly, that certainty is being found in sustainable design.”

Success in commercial property hinges on understanding key factors like location trends, vacancy rates, zoning, and sustainability requirements, said Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, recently. 

South Africa’s commercial property sector is rebounding strongly, with investment volumes soaring by 34% in 2024 and the country emerging as the top global performer in property returns.

At the beginning of this month, Bradley Mason, the executive director at Sectional Title Solutions, said two Gauteng residential developments - 304 On Main in Ferndale and Kierland Skye in Benoni - have turned their backs on Eskom power, saving tens of thousands each month and ensuring uninterrupted power supply to the hundreds of residents in each complex.

The recent solar and battery installations at both properties not only protect residents from grid disruptions but also indicate a change in how shared living communities approach infrastructure, risk, and long-term sustainability.

Independent Media Property