Having a genuine Green home just got a whole lot easier thanks to Ichijo homes the builders of 7  Star homes and special loans available through Green Home Loan providers. **

According to Phil Stewart, Ichijo's general manager, research has shown that home buyers would like to build a green home but until now could not find home designs that would meet the right criteria for big savings on power bills. They have also traditionally found it difficult to finance a green home on normal lending criteria.

"We are the only builder in Sydney with an extensive range of 7 Star homes with a certificate on every home ready to build now. This compares to standard project homes which are normally rated 4.5 to 5.0. With additional passive design features a rating of 8 or 9 Stars is achievable with the Ichijo home designs.

"An investment in a genuine 7 Star rated green home should provide ongoing savings as well a comfortable lifestyle in a stylish, well designed home. This is particularly important in these days of rising power bills. You can reduce power bills by 50% with the Ichijo homes***

"Finding lenders who will understand the many benefits of green home building and encourage this type of construction has not been easy. But Green Home Loans are now available, for genuine green homes, with home buyers able to obtain finance of up to 90% of valuation. Bankmecu normal lending criteria will apply and there will be fees & charges.

"The combination of Ichijo's 7 Star homes and affordable finance means home buyers can now realistically go green and reap the many benefits for their lifestyle and ongoing maintenance costs. It's a wonderful investment in your future, saving thousands of dollars," said Phil Stewart.

The Bankmecu Green Home Loans, requiring only 10% deposit (based on 90% of valuation). This will help home buyers who do not have enough savings for a traditional home loan. There is also a mortgage offset account available which enables home buyers to take advantage of any savings they make, reducing the amount of interest charged on the mortgage over the life of the loan.

Borrowers can also take a three or six months break from payments to assist with the purchase of energy or water saving devices or when one income earner is on maternity leave. First home buyers have the advantage of the First Home Buyers Grant of $15,000 during 2013 increasing the affordability of a new Ichijo Green home.

"Our 7 Star designs incorporate ICHIJO's highly energy efficient, Argon gas-filled, double glazed i-Smart windows with Low-E coating. The fully rendered external masonry walls deliver a high level of insulation qualities. The render is included in the price.

"An Ichijo home is a good investment as it is likely to have a higher resale value because of its energy saving features. In the ACT they have already introduced a valuation criteria to recognise additional value for energy efficient homes," Phil Stewart added.

Ichijo have display homes at HomeWorld Display Village Kellyville phone 8814 5671 and at HomeWorld Gledswood Hills phone 9606 4339.

Visitors to the display homes can go into a specially designed, "experience booth" to be able to see and feel the difference of the Ichijo 1-Smart technologies. It is a popular attraction for home buyers

For more information about Green Home Loans and the Ichijo range of designs and special offers visit www.ichijo.com.au  or phone 1300 ICHIJO (1300 424 456)

*           The 10% deposit is based on 90% of valuation by the Bankmecu Green Home Lenders

**         Ichijo Technological Homes will facilitate introductions to Green Home Loan Lenders but has no financial connection to the home lenders. The information   provided in this media release is intended to assist green home buyers to source competitive finance as a general service.

            Borrowers should make their own enquiries as to the appropriateness of any loan for their individual circumstances. Conditions apply.

***        The 50% energy bill savings may be increased with the addition of other energy    saving options, lifestyle choices and energy efficient appliances.

ENDS

Enquiries

Phil Stewart  General Manager - Ichijo Technological Homes

Phone             (02) 8822 3140

Mobile             0435 027 137

Email               philip.stewart@ichijo.com.au

John Guthrie - Sasha Public Relations

Phone             (02) 9971 2073

Mobile             0408 247 986

Email               sashapr@sashapr.com.au

ICHIJO Background

ICHIJO was founded in 1978 by an artisan builder with an eye to the future. The company takes its name from a street in Kyoto, Japan. Ichijo Street is in the neighbourhood of the Imperial Palace. It is renowned for its premium architectural design and the magnificent buildings that delighted the Emperor.

At ICHIJO Technological Homes we carry on the tradition of building only the best quality homes for all our valued customers.

Global reputation

In its 30-year history, ICHIJO has earned a reputation for creating superior homes that are affordably priced. Every year the company builds around 8000 highly efficient and technologically advanced dwellings.

ICHIJO Technological Homes has been awarded for their environmental credentials and continues to strive for sustainability. This year, ICHIJO committed to becoming one of Japan's "Eco-First" enterprises. Together with companies like Nissan, Sanyo, NEC, Bridgestone and Sekisui House, we pledged to maintain awareness of the effect that our business has on the environment, and to make every effort to support a sustainable world for future generations.

In the US, ICHIJO Technological Homes is involved in the zHome project. The project is a revolutionary townhouse development that uses smart design and advanced technologies to reduce its environmental impacts. The aim is to demonstrate that homes that use zero net energy and less water, and have zero net carbon emissions are possible in mainstream home production. The zHome project will set the standard for the next generation of eco-living.

The company launched its range of 7 & 8 Star homes in Australia and has two display homes at HomeWorld Gledswood Hills and one at HomeWorld Kellyville. A further three, new display homes are under construction at HomeWorld Kellyville.