5 tips for selling sustainable homes

If you plan to sell a home in 2025, consider its green features. Eco-friendly upgrades can raise sales prices and draw younger buyers. Those under 40 now make up about one-third of all homebuyers.¹

A Deloitte study found that 63% of millennials and 65% of Gen Z are willing to pay more for environmentally sustainable products. The National Association of Realtors also reports a rising demand for eco-friendly homes. In its 2024 sustainability report, nearly half of buyers said they look for green features when shopping for a home.²

Here’s how sellers can take advantage of this trend.

Green features buyers look for

Today’s homebuyers want comfort, convenience and cost savings. Eco-friendly features often deliver all three. Popular options include:

● Solar panels● LED lighting● Energy-efficient windows and doors● Energy-efficient heating and cooling systems● Smart thermostats and other smart home technology● Water-saving fixtures and appliances● Rainwater harvesting and reuse systems● Recycled or sustainable building materials● Xeriscaping or native plant landscaping● In-home or nearby access to electric vehicle charging

These features make homes more comfortable, lower energy use and reduce utility bills. For many buyers, the benefit to the environment is an added bonus.

What sellers can do to attract eco-conscious buyers

Sellers can raise their home’s value by 2% to 8% and attract more interest by highlighting its eco-friendly appeal. Here are a few key strategies:

1. Highlight green featuresShow off the home’s environmental strengths. Recent upgrades to appliances, HVAC systems, windows, roofing or other features? Note that they are energy efficient. Have rooftop solar panels or an EV charger in the garage? Call them out. Share hard numbers by comparing utility bills before and after upgrades, or against community averages. Buyers respond to clear cost savings.
2. Make smart pre-sale upgradesIf you replace a dated appliance, choose an Energy Star model. Refreshing curb appeal? Use sustainable materials such as fiber cement siding or locally sourced stone. Install a smart thermostat or switch to LED lighting. These small steps can improve both value and appeal.
3. Work with the right agentAn experienced real estate agent can help market to eco-conscious buyers. Many look specifically for homes with solar panels or other green features. The right agent knows how to spotlight those benefits in listings and show how they translate into savings.

   “Every seller needs honest council and professional marketing, but a lot of agents tell sellers what they want to hear instead of what they need to hear,” said Paul Huntsman, president of addressUSA. “Marketing that gets a seller a fair price is more than just getting on the internet. Marketing is about the complete presentation of the property in every place a buyer might come across it.”

   AddressUSA spotlights a variety of expert real estate agents to help you connect with a trusted local professional.

1. Use tax creditsTax credits for energy-efficient improvements are available through Dec. 31, 2025. Homeowners may qualify for a 30% credit on solar installations and up to $3,200 for efficient heat pumps, new insulation or electrical upgrades. Check with a tax professional and review the federal Energy Star website for eligibility and rules.
2. Get certifiedFreddie Mac found that homes with Energy Star certification sell for 2% to 8% more on average, with the most efficient homes bringing an even higher premium.⁴ Homeowners can use the Portfolio Manager tool on the Energy Star website to apply for certification.

Get more tips for selling your home

The experts at addressUSA have decades of experience, offer insights on market trends, pricing and timing, and connect sellers with trusted real estate professionals.

Visit addressUSA to streamline your home selling experience with expert insights, market trends and connections to trusted real estate professionals.

Footnotes

1 “Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends.” National Association of Realtors. www.nar.realtor/research-and-statistics/research-reports/home-buyer-and-seller-generational-trends

2 “Unveiling the Greener Future: Insights from the 2024 Sustainability Survey – Residential.” National Association of Realtors. www.nar.realtor/blogs/economists-outlook/unveiling-the-greener-future-insights-from-the-2024-sustainability-survey-residential

3 “Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency.” Energy Star. www.energystar.gov/about/federal-tax-credits

4 “Better Resale Value.” Energy Star. www.energystar.gov/newhomes/features-benefits/better-resale-value