The age of the smart home

We live in an exciting decade; there was a time when the technology now commonplace in the average British home was reserved for sci-fi movies and TV shows alone. However, YouGov have revealed that almost a quarter of Britons now own one or smart home devices. This technology is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK.

What is a smart home?

Put simply, a smart home is a property that is fitted with heating, lighting and electronic devices that can be controlled remotely via a smartphone, laptop or desktop computer.

For example, with just a few taps on the screen of their phone, a smart home occupant can warm the house and preheat the oven ready for when they get home from work.

Increasing demand

Demand for this way of living is clearly on the increase. A recent survey undertaken by smart home experts Loxone indicated that 705 of prospective buyers in the UK saying they would sacrifice features including bathrooms and bedrooms, summer houses, conservatories and even gardens to live in a smart home. The survey of 2,000 UK adults also revealed that 665 of homeowners think that turning their house into a smart home would increase it’s over all value.

The appeal of smart homes appears to be greatest in South West of England, with 77% of residents putting smart living above other property features, compared to only 67% in the North East.

Why live smart?

The appeal of smart technology is obvious – it has the potential to make our lives easier. It can grant us effortless control over almost every aspect of our homes, from lights and heating, to music, ambience and security. As a society we have never been so busy and by streamlining everyday routines we can actively improve our personal efficiency and reduce stress and anxiety as a result of this. It can also make financial sense too, allowing us to efficiently manage energy and appliance usage throughout the household. David Mackie, President of the national Association of Estate Agents 9NAEa) says “We are seeing prospective buyers beginning to find themselves attracted to homes that include built-in smart technology, as it creates a more personal feel before their belongings are even through the door. sooner or later, every property could be smart as a standard and for homeowners considering integrated automation, it’s worth considering to avoid getting left in the past.

In Summary

Contrary to typical opinion, full smart automation right across the home is affordable and can be retrofitted into any property, from cottages to apartments to semi-detached houses, making it more accessible than ever for any homeowner. All signs suggest we are moving towards an automated age. The main benefits to owning smart devices include:

• Increase the overall value of your home
• Save money by managing your energy more efficiently
• Increased security via wi-fi connected CCTV