Sustainable Home Choices for Millennials

The practice of sustainability is getting a lot of attention lately. But, it’s more than just marketing buzz. While Gen Z often gets praised for its dedication to sustainability, Millennials are just as invested.

According to Forbes, 79% of Millennials are loyal to companies that care about their impact on society. Buying choices go well beyond what coffee to get in the morning or where to buy a new wardrobe. For Millennials interested in purchasing a home, social consciousness and sustainability are just as important.

While many Millennials are waiting later in their lives to purchase a home, they’re doing so responsibly and carefully – looking for sustainable practices in the process. Millennials are turning the tide in the housing market, fighting back against wasteful buildings that were constructed for show.

So, what are Millennials looking for in sustainable home choices, and why are these options so important?

What Makes a Sustainable Home?

It’s hard to accurately define what makes a truly sustainable home. Some newer houses are built specifically with sustainability in mind. Other homes have undergone major upgrades to be more eco-friendly. This movement is important for the housing market and the planet. Sustainable homes help to reduce carbon emissions that impact climate change, and they conserve energy, rather than waste it.

Newly-constructed homes use materials that have a low impact on the environment, and efficient building processes that get things done quickly and safely. Areas where sustainable changes make the biggest difference include:

• Plumbing
• Lighting
• Windows
• Heating and air
• Energy
• Appliances

Of course, sustainability doesn’t mean you have to give up luxury. Millennials are focused on budget-friendly energy-efficient homes. Homes built with that kind of sustainability in mind can have features like a cool roof, a high-tech HVAC system, and the latest and greatest in energy-efficient appliances. Today’s median new home price is over $400,000 – a record that might not sit well with the bank accounts of Millennials. So, what are they looking for in a home beyond energy efficiency? What can they do if they can’t build their own?

What Are Millennials Looking For?

For Millennials wanting to become homeowners, a balance of budget and sustainability need to be in place. But, it’s also crucial to understand the home-buying process and what to expect, especially if it’s your first time.

If a sustainable home is important to you, understand that you can make it happen. Buying a house that already has features like solar panels and hi-tech appliances is undoubtedly going to be more expensive. If you’re on a budget, consider a model without those features, and make those upgrades yourself.

No matter what type of home you’re looking to purchase as a Millennial, there are questions to ask yourself:

• How long will you live there?
• Can you truly afford it?
• What is the neighborhood like?
• Is public transportation available?
• Will you be able to expand if necessary?

Whether you’re a Millennial looking to buy a home for the first time or you want to make sure your next real estate purchase is one focused on sustainability, consider thinking about what that really means to you. With real estate costs at an all-time high, you might think your dream of a sustainable home is out of reach. But, because sustainability is becoming more of a draw for homebuyers, more sellers are making more green additions and upgrades before putting their homes on the market.

Sustainable home choices will continue to become more widely available. But, even if you can’t find your ideal home on the market right now, know that sustainable upgrades are also becoming more widely available, and you always have the option of making sustainable switches after moving.

Author Bio

Ainsley Lawrence is a freelance writer with an interest in topics related to how education, business, and technology intersect with the personal. She enjoys travelling to beautiful places and learning more about her cultural and environmental surroundings. You can connect with Ainsley on Twitter and Contently.