Posted by
Remax
on 02 Sep 25
Categories:
Building & Renovation
REMAX Southern Africa explores how much value you can add to your home by installing solar upgrades.
With the risk of load-shedding looming every day and electricity tariffs climbing steadily higher, South African homeowners are increasingly turning to solar power as a long-term solution. Beyond cutting monthly costs and providing energy security, solar has also become a highly attractive feature in the property market. In fact, many buyers across the country now see solar installations as a standard expectation rather than a luxury.
Unlike the Western Cape, where supply is somewhat more stable, Eastern Cape residents have had to adapt, and buyers have taken note. “In Gqeberha, buyers are not only prioritising homes with solar, inverters, and water-saving systems, but they’re also willing to pay a premium for them. These features have become strong selling points, often giving sellers a competitive edge and achieving faster sales at better prices. Homes that lack energy resilience are increasingly seen as needing additional investment, which can affect both offer strength and time on market,” says Carla Visagie, Sales Manager at REMAX Independent Properties.
According to REMAX Independent Properties, today’s buyers are actively seeking out homes with:
• Solar and inverter systems
• Gas appliances and geysers
• Backup water solutions
• And overall energy-smart design
On the KZN North Coast, solar and energy efficiency have also become a need-to-have among buyers. “At REMAX Dolphin Realtors, we’ve seen firsthand that homes equipped with solar power, inverters, gas solutions, and energy-efficient appliances not only sell faster but consistently achieve higher offers – especially in premium estates and freestanding homes in the Ballito, Salt Rock and Sheffield suburbs,” says Kim Peacock, Broker/Owner REMAX Dolphin Realtors.
Importantly, Peacock notes that developers on the North Coast are responding to this demand. “Many new homes and sectional title units are being built with energy-efficient systems either integrated upfront or offered as standard upgrade options. Buyers want sustainable living without the admin, and developers are delivering,” she says.
She adds that all new large-scale estates on the North Coast are required to provide sufficient energy infrastructure to support their size and population. “This includes provisions for solar integration, smart metering, and backup energy systems, ensuring residents experience reliable, future-proof living. Energy-efficient design is no longer a luxury. It’s a market expectation, especially among semigrants, remote-working professionals, and retirees seeking stable and predictable costs,” she explains.
In Gauteng, it’s much the same, but with the added demand for self-sufficient water solutions. Nadia Aucamp, Broker/Owner of REMAX All Stars explains that for sellers, investing in energy-efficient and off-grid upgrades is increasingly seen as a smart and necessary move. “Features like full solar systems, inverters, gas appliances, and boreholes are not only highly desirable but also significantly increase a home's value and marketability. Buyers are looking for value for money, and homes equipped with sustainable solutions offer peace of mind amid frequent load-shedding and water shortages. In many cases, properties with these features sell faster and at higher prices, as the demand continues to grow for self-sufficient, future-ready homes,” she states.
In the Western Cape, where electricity supply is somewhat more reliable, the focus has shifted towards compliance. Barbara Larney, Broker/Owner of REMAX Wine and Whales, explains that it’s no longer just about having solar – compliance is critical. “Eskom now requires all grid-tied systems to be registered, with proper certification and installation by licensed professionals. Non-compliant systems risk fines, disconnection and insurance issues. Buyers should always request proof of compliance to ensure the energy-saving investment is protected and adds true value,” she notes.
Wherever you are in the country, it is vital to ensure that all electrical upgrades are installed by licenced professionals to safeguard the resale value of the home. Carla Visagie, Sales Manager at REMAX Independent Properties explains that “Homeowners must ensure that all energy upgrades come with the correct Certificate of Compliance (COC) — a legal requirement when selling a home. A missing or invalid COC can delay or jeopardize a sale, especially as banks and insurers increasingly require these documents as part of their risk assessments,” she concludes.
As the property landscape evolves alongside South Africa’s energy challenges, solar is fast shifting from a “nice-to-have” to a “must-have” feature for many buyers. While a lack of solar won’t necessarily prevent a sale, installing a system can add significant appeal and value to your property. Partnering with a trusted real estate brand like REMAX ensures that sellers receive expert guidance on how best to position their homes in this changing market – whether or not they’ve invested in solar.
