THE environment is high on the list of considerations for about 5 percent of home buyers in NSW but that doesn't mean a preference for large, green backyards and bush surrounds.

A 2010 property outlook released this month by First National says about 5 percent of home buyers look for energy-efficient features such as water tanks and solar panels when they buy a new home.

However, First National Baulkham Hills principal Phil Holloway said a low supply of established houses for sale meant aspiring residents have had to compromise on some of their preferences.

``Certainly people are looking for those features people do say the recycled water would make a difference but with the low supply of houses, and high demand, it's not a determining factor in their final purchase,'' he said.

Mr Holloway said many owners that are selling

have implemented environmentally sustainable principles and could profit when the market turns around.

``Around 10percent of properties we have listed would have water tanks, mulched, low maintenance gardens or solar hot water,'' he said.