Many of us are drawn, like magpies, to shiny new gadgets. They delight and appeal to us. We love showing them off to our friends. But is smart home technology just another of those exciting new gadgets loved by the tech savvy, or will it actually increase your home’s value?
Whether it’s automated lighting systems, multi-room AV or security systems, homeowners are increasingly embracing the convenience, security, and efficiency provided by smart home technology. But is it a smart investment?
According to a recent survey by Samsung, the answer’s a definite yes! 79% of people looking to move to a new home in the next five years want a smart home. And the even better news is that they’re willing to pay a premium house price for it.
Here’s why smart home automation can boost the value of your home.
What is smart home technology?
First things first, what do we mean by smart home technology? It’s those home automation systems that make your life easier, safer and/ or more energy efficient. On a simple level, it’s using a voice command to ask a smart speaker like Amazon Alexa, Apple’s Homekit or Google Home to do something – play music or give a weather forecast for example. Or it’s having a video doorbell so that you can see who’s calling.
In a smart home, devices are connected to a secure wifi network to control and automate a range of home functions. In effect, you can manage your home security, lighting, temperature and more from your mobile device.
Smart Home Features
Picture this scenario. You wake up in the morning as your automated blinds open and your favourite radio station starts playing. As you leave the house, your smart thermostat automatically lowers the temperature while you’re away.
While you’re out, a delivery driver presses your smart doorbell. From your mobile phone, you can tell them where to leave your parcel (and check that they do). When you return, your home’s at the perfect temperature, with your preferred ambient lighting, and the oven’s warming your dinner. It’s the stuff of dreams, and all made possible by smart home technology.
Do smart home features make a property more attractive to prospective buyers?
You can expect properties equipped with smart home technology to sell at a higher price than those without. Smart home systems can help your property to stand out in the competitive real estate market. It shows buyers that you’ve invested in your property in a tech savvy way.
Not all home buyers are the same, and different aspects will appeal to each prospective buyer. But the particular smart features that can appeal to prospective buyers include home security and safety, smart lighting and home environment control, plus the eco-friendly benefits of energy efficiency.
Enhanced home security and safety
The peace of mind of a safe and secure home can be priceless for homeowners. And that’s an attractive offering to prospective buyers too.
Smart security systems span many features like security cameras, video doorbells (smart doorbells), remote-controlled door locks and motion sensors. What’s more, you don’t have to be at home to control them. You can do it all from your mobile phone. Being able to monitor your home security via remote control from wherever you are, is a game-changer and provides huge peace of mind.
Beyond home security, there are smart home devices focussed on safety too. Installing smart smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors provide an extra layer of protection to your home and the people within it.
Smart home environment
Tailor your home environment to your specific preferences. Smart home tech allows you to specify the temperature, lighting levels, and time the blinds should open or close – all at the touch of a button. You could set a playlist to come on at a certain time, perhaps to get you moving in the morning.
Smart homes offer unparalleled convenience – such an attractive option for people with busy lives. Add smart appliances to the mix and you can even control your oven, fridge, TV or washing machine remotely.
Energy efficiency
If you’re looking for ways to be more eco-friendly and energy efficient, then smart homes make sense. Eco-conscious potential buyers will be attracted by sustainable features like solar panels for energy saving and reduced energy costs, as well as EV charging stations and smart lighting systems.
Smart home systems can play a key role in reducing your energy usage and, subsequently, those soaring energy bills. Simple measures like smart meters, smart bulbs and switches are are pretty standard features in most British homes now. But beyond that, you can integrate smart lighting systems that ensure lights aren’t left on unnecessarily. Smart thermostats can adjust the heating schedule to optimise performance and lower when nobody’s home. These are all appealing to sustainability- minded prospective buyers (an ever growing demographic).
Let’s talk home automation
As life gets busier, anything that can make life simpler and more convenient holds great appeal. Smart home devices and systems do just that. Investing in technology that makes your home more safe and secure, easy to control, and more energy efficient is beneficial for you as a homeowner and also for the right potential buyer. They’ll be drawn to the advantages of a smart home, and will be more likely to pay a higher house price.
Want to find out more about smart home automation systems? Let’s chat. We listen carefully and collaborate closely with you to make sure that our smart home solutions are tailored to your needs and fit with your busy lifestyle.
Each installation is as individual as you are.
