New 'green' development in Spearwood includes excess energy pushed to car alternatives

But rising prices in this former bohemian enclave have driven many one-time residents to relocate to more affordable suburbs in its outer ring such as Spearwood, Hamilton Hill, White Gum Valley and Beaconsfield.

Despite residents begrudgingly being forced to move further south, their continued commitment to sustainable lifestyles and living practices has remained, which has not gone unnoticed by developers keen to be seen to be offering environmentally sustainable practices in this increasingly gentrified band of suburbs to Fremantle’s south.

For many buyers, the inclusion of environmentally friendly features has become just as important as price and location, according to Acton Projects head of sales and business development David Briffa.

Local property developer Paul Hamilton is one such developer who is choosing to focusing heavily on environmental sustainability as a key selling point for his new Olive Grove development in nearby Spearwood.

Mr Hamilton has teamed up with Perth-based clean technology company Geniux to offer future residents environmentally sustainable alternative transport options, as well as a full solar energy system that includes battery storage upon full completion of the 24 unit development.

The ASX-listed Geniux, bills itself as an organization working with real estate developers to embed clean technology infrastructure

The concept trialled at Olive Grove, known as Soladrive, focuses on using excess solar powered generated from the development to power two communal electric scooters that will provide residents with a more affordable option than a standard car.

The developer said the scooters would be stored in a communal transport hub accessible to residents and could be booked via a smartphone app.

Mr Briffa said he believed the development was unique for WA and one which would set a benchmark for sustainability practices in boutique Perth developments.

He said there has been a gradual realisation across the development industry that increasingly, this is what buyers were demanding.

“From a smaller developers point of view, they really need to consider this to remain relevant and competitive in the market place,” he added.

He said although buyers were keen to contribute to creating a more sustainable planet, many were also driven by the potential cost savings associated with using clean technology – in this case reduced electricity bills and access to cheap, pay-as-you-go transport.

“The cities of Fremantle and Cockburn are strong sustainability advocates,” Mr Briffa said.

“So to remain relevant to the overall changes in the industry, it has to be a key consideration going forward.”

Mr Briffa said they development was attracting interest from a range of buyers including first home buyers and downsizers looking to reduce their living costs.

“I think the uniqueness of the whole zero carbon emissions energy to transport system is undoubtedly one of the key attractions.

“Offering solar powered systems is important however in this case it is how we store the excess energy for transport that is the draw card.”

Mr Briffa said plans were also in the pipeline to develop and market a 24 unit apartment development in the City of Vincent – also known for its progressive approach in terms of planning and sustainability – that would feature three communal electric scooters and two electric cars.

Construction of the first six apartments at Olive Grove, which are priced from $379,000, is now complete with the next 14 scheduled to commence once the initial sales have been completed.

Olive Grove is for sale through Acton Coogee.