Curtains that open on command, automated lights that dim, and voice controlled sound systems…this is all luxurious technology found only in the homes of the rich and famous, right?
Well not anymore. Smart home technology is no longer the domain of the elite, with more and more Australians employing automation, remote monitoring and connected smart appliances to simplify their lives.
Here’s an insight into how smart homes are on the rise and are probably already in a neighbourhood near you…
One in four Australians getting smart
According to a recent survey by Service Seeking smart homes are more common than many people realise, with as many as one in four Australian homes already employing smart technology.
This can extend from interconnected appliances all communicating via the internet of things (IoT), to devices that are programmed to act on demand.
Much of the uptake is the result of increased internet bandwidth, affordable installation and an increase in the products available to connect to the IoT. But the upshot means that with the tap of a smartphone, home owners can now control their home’s temperature, schedule garden irrigation, enable a lighting sequence and more.
And, according to further research, smart home technology is emerging as a trend that many home owners actively seek.
A required feature
While Australians are embracing the smart home, in the US this technology is becoming a standard feature that many home buyers seek. This trend is only set to increase as the tech-savvy millennial generation enters the fore as the largest demographic of home purchasers.
Real Estate Tech News notes:
45 per cent of Americans were expected to either own smart home technology or invest in it by the end of 2016.
54 per cent of homeowners in the market to sell their house would purchase smart home technology to make it sell faster.
91 per cent of those with smart home devices would recommend it to others.
Meanwhile 72 per cent of American millennials are willing to pay $1500 or more to implement smart technology, and 44 percent are willing to pay $3000 or more to make their home smart.
“In fact, smart home technology has arguably been the most desired feature and most disruptive trend in real estate in the past five years, and it’s affecting far more than just millennials,” Real Estate Tech News explains.
What’s driving the trend?
With almost every feature of your home available at the touch of a button, convenience is probably the main driver of the emerging smart home trend. But it’s not the only reason people are rapidly embracing the smart home push.
Smart homes can offer greater security and increased energy efficiency at a time when many Australians are feeling the electricity price pinch.
Meanwhile, the environmental credentials of having your home respond on demand also prove alluring, and the increased affordability and easy implementation of smart home technology is no doubt facilitating increased adoption.
Smart home technology is no longer a luxury enjoyed by the rich and famous, and employed by the elite. It’s increasingly affordable, readily available and can be designed to utilise existing wiring in the home.
As more and more Australians appreciate the convenience, environmental credentials and energy efficiency smart homes provide, the adoption is only set to increase, with a smart home on every corner, and smart capability on every property buyer’s list.
More info: lerasmarthomes.com.au
