It's no secret that homebuyers put a value on smart home technology. A 2022 Security.Org survey about smart home trends found that 70% of homebuyers are looking for a smart home, while 78% of homebuyers would be willing to pay more for a home with pre-existing smart devices. At the same time, the actual penetration of smart devices is lagging behind consumer demand. A 2021 study from Parks Research showed only 36% of U.S. households had at least one smart device.
This gap between aspiration and ownership provides an opportunity for home builders seeking a competitive advantage. But to do so, builders need to understand what buyers are looking for in their smart devices.
Many home builders take a practical-minded approach to smart devices, often thinking of safety and security first. However, homebuyers are more interested in convenience. We'll look at four smart home trends and see how home builders can embrace them to make their homes stand out from the crowd.
Child and pet-friendly tech
What it is: Child rearing and pet care is hard work, and tech that makes it easier is prized by homebuyers with children, grandchildren, or pets. Screens that play entertainment, act as a baby monitor and provide alerts if a child or pet leaves their play space make life safer and less stressful.
What to do: While most pet and child-oriented products will be supplied by the homeowner, builder-provided security systems can monitor children and pets through centralized controls. For a simpler solution, consider a pet package that features remote-locking pet doors and automatic feeders or treat dispensers.
Easy energy efficiency
What it is: Whether motivated by concern about the environment or controlling their monthly budget, homeowners love easy ways to boost energy efficiency. And no one wants to see higher energy bills when they're already concerned about rising interest rates and inflation.
What to do: Provide smart energy meters when possible, and select smart devices compatible with energy monitoring and control apps, such as SmartThings Energy. This holistic approach makes it very easy for potential buyers to understand how they can use these systems to save energy and reduce their bills.
Ambient computing
What it is: Ambient computing refers to technology that removes the need for homeowners to take an active role in managing their home tech. More and more homeowners expect them to simply work, the same way they expect the plumbing or electrical system to work, without having to make adjustments. The less time spent scrolling through an app or tweaking settings, the happier the homeowner will be.
What to do: Provide smart devices that use voice controls rather than a clunky physical remote. This doesn't need to be a budget breaker! Any device that can be controlled by a virtual assistant such as Amazon's Alexa or Apple's Siri is essentially voice-controlled. Also, smart devices from light fixtures to HVAC systems can be activated by sensors or a phone's GPS. A home that adjusts its operations based on the occupancy and location of users is a great example of ambient computing.
The heart and brain of a smart home
What it is: It's all about interoperability! Even the best devices in the world can quickly become a tedious tangle of ever-so-slightly different commands and controls. Televisions are often plagued with this problem, with many homeowners forced to shuffle through a stack of remotes to control the television, Apple TV, Blu-ray, soundbar, and other peripherals. The desire for simplicity and convenience is why multi-function hubs are the most sought-after smart device among home buyers, with Security.Org finding that almost half of all respondents hoped to have one in their home.
What to do: When selecting smart devices, don't opt for a random grab-bag of devices. Select devices that are compatible with a multi-function hub. The hub is a smart home's control tower, shuttling commands from users to specific systems. It's a centralized tool that can integrate builder-provided smart devices as well as those provided by the homeowner. Multi-function hubs can also direct apps, controlling everything from music selection to what's on TV or showing who's knocking at the front door.
The home's central hub needs to be reliable and as universal as possible. A brand with immediate name recognition communicates to buyers that their new smart home will be a bastion of peace and convenience in a hectic world.
Capitalizing on smart home trends
Smart home devices are quickly becoming standard in new homes. But builders can get the most out of their investment by carefully selecting what smart options they provide. Quality smart devices that function through a multi-function hub provide a seamless, integrated experience that minimizes friction and makes a home far more attractive to potential buyers.