The demand for sustainable housing and outbuildings, potentially including garden offices, has experienced a slump as a result of the recession, it has been claimed.
Commenting on the impact the downturn has had in the US in particular, Melina Duggal from real estate research and consulting company RCLCO said that financial concerns put people off investing in such constructions, EcoHome Magazine reports.
Speaking at a meeting of industry practitioners, she said that prior to the downturn, individuals were gaining interest in sustainable housing ideas.
In addition, they were willing to pay extra to have green features included in their residences.
However, the recession caused people to rethink and reign in their spending.
Therefore, many consumers became more interested in saving their cash and in smaller finishes. In addition, they may have been put off getting garden offices.
However, as economies around the world begin to pick up, this trend will be reversed, Ms Duggal added.
According to the expert, this frugal mindset was only temporary and will not characterise the market for a long time.
She added: “All the information we have right now suggests that green is going to be a long-term trend once the economy recovers. And we see nothing that says builders are going to start offering larger lots again.”
Over recent years, consumers have become much more aware of the impact their behaviour and lifestyles have on the state of the planet and as such, many are taking action to reduce their carbon footprints.
One way in which this can be achieved is by adding green features to a home, such as solar panels. Also, ensuring that any new extensions and outbuildings are constructed in a green way is important. Not only can such measures help save the earth, but they can also save individuals money in terms of their energy bills.