WASHINGTON — National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveys indicate that energy efficiency and sustainability are among the most-wanted features of home buyers and that builders are responding to this demand.

“Our builder members are telling us that more and more buyers are looking at new homes for their efficiency in design and functionality,” said NAHB chairman Tom Woods. “Whether it’s improved insulation or sustainable building materials, today’s new homes can reach higher energy performance and greater durability than was possible even 20 years ago. And programs like the National Green Building Standard help consumers achieve their efficiency needs.”

As more millennials enter the housing market, they are sharing what features are most likely to affect their home buying decisions. An NAHB survey revealed that Energy Star certifications are a priority for these home buyers. In fact, 84 percent of millennials are willing to pay 2-3 percent more for an energy-efficient home as long as they can see a return on their power bills.

NAHB also surveyed home builders about the features they are most likely to include in new homes they build this year. Top features include Energy Star-rated appliances and programmable thermostats.

Some home buyers are looking for even more sustainable features, prompting an increasing number of single-family and multifamily builders to deliver green homes. Green builders incorporate energy, water, and resource efficiency; improved IAQ; and sustainable and locally sourced products into their projects.

An NAHB survey of single-family home builders revealed that nearly 25 percent of builders installed alternative energy-producing equipment in new construction. This includes geothermal heat pumps and photovoltaic solar panels. The current 30-percent tax credit available for homeowners who install this equipment is set to expire at the end of 2016, which makes this a good time for interested buyers to consider purchases.

For more information, visit www.nahb.org.

Publication date: 4/13/2015

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