{"id":4657,"date":"2025-06-06T15:33:21","date_gmt":"2025-06-06T22:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/?p=4657"},"modified":"2025-07-01T14:10:29","modified_gmt":"2025-07-01T21:10:29","slug":"hybrid-homes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/hybrid-homes\/","title":{"rendered":"Casas h\u00edbridas"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Why luxury property buyers are balancing sustainability with convenience<\/h3>\n

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While electric vehicles (EVs) have long been lauded as a consummate symbol of sustainability, in practice many eco-conscious buyers are taking a \u2028more tempered approach. By and large, they are choosing hybrid models\u2014vehicles that have both a gas-powered engine \u2028and an electric motor\u2014over fully electric options. In fact, S&P Global Mobility \u2028data released in April 2024 reveals that U.S. registrations for hybrid vehicles \u2028rose by 48% in the first quarter of 2024, but by just 5.2% for EVs. <\/span><\/p>\n

Some luxury-home buyers are taking \u2028a similar approach when investing in real estate. Hybrid homes\u2014which include sustainable design features<\/a> such as solar panels, rainfall-harvesting systems or green roofs\u2014are becoming increasingly common. According to the 2025 Sotheby\u2019s International Realty agent survey, eco-\u2028amenities, sustainable materials and \u2028solar panels are the top environmentally friendly extras buyers are seeking. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ryan MacLaughlin, owner and principal broker, Island Sotheby\u2019s International Realty in Maui, Hawaii, says, \u201c100% of \u2028the homes we\u2019re selling at the high end have some sort of sustainable feature.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s become a selling point in a way \u2028it hasn\u2019t been before,\u201d says Anders Elbe, global real estate advisor, Skeppsholmen Sotheby\u2019s International Realty in Stockholm, Sweden. <\/span><\/p>\n

Saving Money While Adding Value <\/span><\/h4>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

When asked why luxury clients invest \u2028in hybrid homes so reliably, Sotheby\u2019s International Realty agents say the answer is two-fold: eco-friendly design features help lower utility costs over time and add value to the property. For financially savvy homeowners, being environmentally conscious is typically a win-win.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe high-end homeowner is still the most price-conscious on the market,\u201d says MacLaughlin. \u201cEven though they have money to spend, they have been successful for a reason. They don\u2019t want to waste money and sustainable features help them feel confident they can run their homes \u2028as efficiently as possible at a lower cost.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Darlene Streit, global real estate advisor, Sotheby\u2019s International Realty – Santa Fe Brokerage in New Mexico, finds that her buyers are often willing to pay \u2028a premium if sustainability features are already in place. \u201cThere was a craze with people renovating their homes to be more sustainable during the pandemic and now \u2028I find that more people want that done for them,\u201d she says. \u201cRenovating is not as easy as it appears, nor does it cost exactly what the contractor tells them. They will pay more to have it done, rather than have \u2028to worry about doing it themselves.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

While there\u2019s debate about exactly how much value sustainable features add to a home, an October 2024 article published by Freddie Mac, one of the largest buyers of mortgages in the U.S., found that energy- efficient homes typically sold for 3% to 5% more than less-sustainable properties. <\/span><\/p>\n

What to Invest In <\/span><\/h4>\n

When building or converting an existing property into a hybrid home, increasing its overall value requires the careful selection of sustainability features tailored to the building\u2019s size and the local climate. In sunny Hawaii, for example, solar panels \u2028are hugely popular, says MacLaughlin.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"This

This chic, light-filled villa on a large beachfront lot enjoys water and sunset views as well as a desirable location just minutes from \u2028Vaxholm, Sweden.<\/p><\/div>\n

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), in 2023 solar panels<\/a> accounted for just 3.9% of the electricity generated in the U.S. However, as attitudes toward climate continue to change, that number is expected to grow rapidly. The EIA estimated in January 2024 that solar panel energy generation will grow 75% by the end of 2025, accounting for 286 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) that year. Solar panels are typically installed with a \u2028storage system, such as a battery, which can save excess electricity for later use. <\/span><\/p>\n

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EnergySage, a solar-power marketplace funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, estimates that \u2028the average solar panel installation costs around US$33,763. Because Hawaii receives an average of 25 to 30 inches of rain each year\u2014more than any other U.S. state\u2014MacLaughlin says that water-catchment systems are also a common hybrid home feature. But Streit has seen plenty of them in Santa Fe\u2019s drier climate, too. Rainwater harvesting involves collecting and storing water from a home\u2019s gutters for later use around the house. Unlike tap water, it has not been filtered \u2028or chemically treated, so it should not be consumed or used for cooking, bathing \u2028or watering edible plants unless a proper filtration and disinfecting system is also installed. However, stored rainwater is safe to use for purposes such as irrigating ornamental plants or washing cars. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"Valued at just over US$1 billion in 2024, the market for rainwater harvesting systems is projected to reach US$1.5 billion by 2031, according to a July 2024 report by Verified Market Research. <\/span><\/p>\n

In Sweden, green roofs\u2014which feature vegetation planted over a waterproof membrane\u2014aren\u2019t just a popular way \u2028to be more sustainable. According to \u2028Elbe, legislation exists to help make them increasingly more prominent. \u201cIn some cases, government regulations mandate them as part of the process of acquiring \u2028a building permit,\u201d he says. <\/span><\/p>\n

At their most basic level, these \u2028living roofs act as additional insulation. However, green roofs also help to manage stormwater runoff, particularly in cities where concrete and paved surfaces prevent it from being easily absorbed into the ground. According to a September 2024 report in The Guardian, homes \u2028with features like green roofs typically \u2028use 80% to 90% less energy and have ambient indoor temperatures up to 7\u00b0F lower than other homes. With the optional inclusion of a rainwater-harvesting system, green roofs can contribute significantly \u2028to household water needs. <\/span><\/p>\n

The cost of a green roof can vary greatly, depending on the roof slope, size and type of vegetation used. However, according to a July 2024 report in the journal Science of The Total Environment, the cost of installing a green roof can \u2028often be fully justified in terms of its \u2028long-term sustainability. <\/span><\/p>\n

While a green roof\u2019s insulating properties can help to naturally maintain \u2028a hybrid home\u2019s interior temperature, \u2028a smart thermostat gives a homeowner precise control. These Wi-Fi-connected, AI-driven devices automatically switch the heating system on or off according to a set schedule and can be remotely adjusted using an app. They save energy and money by avoiding unnecessary heating or cooling.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"With

With panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean, this modernist residence is a holistic santuary on the coastline of Sea Island, Georgia.<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cSmart thermostats are a great choice for those who have multiple properties \u2028and want the security of knowing they \u2028can monitor their homes from afar,\u201d says Streit, who has seen many installed in luxury homes in Santa Fe, New Mexico. \u2028That number is slowly growing nationally \u2028as well. Market research firm Statista \u2028found in October 2024 that 14.1% of American households had a smart thermostat, and this is expected to hit 16.3% by 2029. <\/span><\/p>\n

Peace of Mind <\/span><\/h4>\n

Innovative technologies harnessing renewable resources are becoming increasingly prevalent. Yet luxury homeowners, who are often early adopters of new innovations, have been gradually embracing these advancements. \u2028Sotheby\u2019s International Realty agents say their clients\u2019 preferences for hybrid homes, rather than full self-sufficiency, come \u2028down to reliability and peace of mind. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSome homeowners don\u2019t fully trust the technology yet,\u201d Streit says, adding that some of her clients feel these advances are simply too new. \u201cI think people are still a little nervous about abandoning what they\u2019re used to,\u201d she says. \u201cThey like having the ability to \u2028switch back and forth\u2014say, between \u2028solar power and the grid\u2014as needed. \u2028It gives them the best of both worlds.\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Irrigation

Irrigation systems keep \u2028the 10.89 acres of pastures lush on this gated estate \u2028in the Tumalo community \u2028near Bend, Oregon, where sustainable farm living \u2028meets luxury.<\/p><\/div>\n

In other cases, hybrid living offers \u2028an added layer of security, given that sustainable features are often weather dependent. MacLaughlin agrees that homeowners, particularly those in the luxury market, want to know that their assets will be protected, no matter \u2028what nature throws their way. <\/span><\/p>\n

Looking to the Future <\/span><\/h4>\n

That said, the limitations\u2014real or perceived\u2014of sustainable homes \u2028may eventually fade. All of the agents interviewed feel that sustainability will continue to have a growing impact on \u2028the real estate market, largely due to \u2028a shift in cultural attitudes. \u201cAt the end \u2028of the day, it\u2019s not about the money you can save or what your home can do,\u201d \u2028says Streit. \u201cIt\u2019s about caring for our \u2028planet and our ecosystem. People are becoming more conscious of that and \u2028I think the sentiment is only going to \u2028get stronger.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

Elbe concurs. He believes that this \u2028is happening on a global scale. \u201cThere \u2028are deeper cultural changes happening now,\u201d he says. \u201cAs sustainability becomes a standard expectation in high-end \u2028homes, it will stop being a trend and start becoming a long-term shift in how wealth and responsibility are perceived.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Article originally shared by Sotheby’s International Realty in the 2025 Informe Perspectivas del Lujo<\/a>. Featured Image: Alkira Resort House in \u2028Port Douglas, Australia\u2014 designed by architect Charles Wright\u2014is celebrated for its sustainable off-grid luxury.<\/h6>\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\n\t\t\t<\/div> \n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div> \n<\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Why luxury property buyers are balancing sustainability with convenience, and why hybrid homes\u2014which include sustainable design features such as solar panels, rainfall-harvesting systems or green roofs\u2014are becoming increasingly common.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":237480080,"featured_media":4664,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_crdt_document":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2},"_wpas_customize_per_network":false},"categories":[765166268,135,765166251],"tags":[765166254,765166252,765166255,765166253,2155747],"class_list":{"0":"post-4657","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-765166268","8":"category-articles-of-interest","9":"category-luxury-outlook-report","10":"tag-energy-efficiency","11":"tag-hybrid-homes","12":"tag-luxury-outlook-report","13":"tag-smart-homes","14":"tag-sothebys-international-realty"},"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/2025_Luxury-Outlook-Report_Hybrid-Homes_1.jpeg?fit=5479%2C3650&ssl=1","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/peJ6Dp-1d7","jetpack-related-posts":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4657","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/237480080"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4657"}],"version-history":[{"count":21,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4657\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4933,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4657\/revisions\/4933"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4664"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4657"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4657"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/livsothebysrealtyca.blog\/spu\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4657"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}