The Importance of Sustainability As A Second Homeowner

This post was contributed by Abigail Murphy

A second home is what is best described as ‘the home away from home’. You have your primary home (the one where you live most of the time) and then there is an additional one. Most Americans view homeownership as a sign of prosperity.

Homeownership is a quintessential part of the American dream. Some might even say that it represents the American dream. It is important to focus on sustainability so that the tone of the conversation does not change when the subject of second homes comes up.

Second homes are beneficial for the development of rural areas and for supporting small communities. Financing a property is no easy thing, however  for the owners, second homes might be a source of passive income as vacation rentals.

The trend of second homes is growing. More and more people are acquiring second homes. From the time people attain the security of their primary home (a roof over the head), a second home becomes a greater possibility and interest. In 2020, second homes accounted for 5.11 percent of the housing stock.

Why is sustainability important for second homeowners?

If you have been wondering about this topic, here is a list of the top five reasons sustainability is important to you as a second homeowner.

– Sustainability in terms of development ensures that the natural resources and environment in the area are conserved for future generations and that the chances of further development of the area are enhanced.

– Sustainable properties attract environmentally conscious tourists. A sustainable second home as a vacation rental can be a great addition to your investment portfolio.

– The sustainability of a property has a direct correlation with its value. The more sustainable a second home is, the higher will be its value. It is in your interest to aim for higher sustainability and through it, a highly valued property.

– With proper maintenance of the second home, you can avoid deterioration of the property. Longevity means lesser impact on the environment and lesser costs for you in the long run.

– Gearing your second home for sustainability might reap additional tax benefits. The government is always looking for ways to make sustainability attractive and beneficial to the citizens. At present, you may qualify for benefits under the Energy Star

You may already have a second home or you may be interested in procuring one. Practicing sustainability is a win-win situation for both the environment and second homeowners. Here are some of the ways in which you can practice sustainability as a second homeowner:

– Check out and follow the government guidelines for the area in which you seek to build a second home. Get a second home in a place where it will be beneficial for the socio-economic development of the local community. Remember there is equal emphasis on the sustainability factor and the development factor in the case of sustainable development

– Second home tourism is beneficial for the development of rural areas. A second home utilized in this way justifies its existence with its contribution to sustainable development. Listing your second home on Airbnb can help in aligning it with the greater purpose.

– If you are constructing or remodeling your second home, follow sustainable strategies. Try to make it as energy-efficient as possible. Ensure that the structure is well-insulated. You could get smart meters installed. Consider installing solar panels to generate clean energy. Get your second home LEED With low-flow showerheads and faucets, you can reduce water usage. Install a system for harvesting rainwater for irrigation and landscaping purposes. You could also choose to invest in wind turbines and geothermal systems. Do set up proper and convenient recycling and composting facilities.

– Utilize a greener construction method like modular construction. The production process of modules of these houses aims for minimal waste and minimal impact on the environment. Modular homes can also be modified easily to suit sustainable development purposes.

– Whenever you are traveling to and from your second home, try to utilize environmentally friendly transportation methods. You could opt for public transportation, carpool, or even a bike. With this small decision, you can reduce your carbon footprint. You can even make arrangements to encourage the guests at your vacation rental to utilize sustainable transportation options.

– Support local and sustainable businesses wherever you can. Whether it is for the construction and maintenance of the second home or for the operation of a vacation rental, try to secure your material requirements and required services from the local stores and businesses as much as possible.

– Undertake regular maintenance of the house to ensure that all systems and appliances are energy efficient and in top order.

Since there is such a buzz around second homes, you know that this concept is leading somewhere substantial. You can make your second home a sustainable investment with ease.