As Australia's drought imposes level four water restrictions on major cities, water tanks connected to drip watering systems and grey water systems for gardens have become the new `must have' item for home buyers.
According to government statements, both Adelaide and Melbourne will face level four restrictions - at which all outside watering is banned - within weeks. Brisbane is already operating on level four water restrictions along with many rural and regional areas of Australia.
Archicentre, the nation's largest provider of pre-purchase housing and design reports, suggests that putting a water tank in the garden connected to a drip watering system is far more likely to attract a home buyer than a spa in the ensuite or marble top benches in the kitchen.
Managing Director of Archicentre, Robert Caulfield said that the drought is shaking up buyer priorities.
An online poll on the Archicentre web site shows that eighty per cent of respondents would be more likely to buy a house with a water tank, in preference to one with a spa or plasma screen (all other things being equal).
"We also expect to see real estate agents advertising homes with tanks and drip watering systems as major features".
Mr Caulfield said that the availability of tank water to protect the garden could be a considerable asset.
It costs around $2000 - $3000 to put in a 4500 litre tank, and with the average garden costing $10,000 to $20,000 to replace, water tanks will pay for themselves many times over and can be highly sought after by home buyers.
"Apart from protecting the garden, water from a water tank could play a major role in keeping the soils moist around the home to limit the increasing trend of cracking, which can cost from $5,000 to $50,000 to repair", he added.
