It’s 2019, and technology is bigger and better than ever before. Every industry utilises technology in some form, but in the homeware and interiors sectors, technology has impacted trends in a huge way. From mood lighting to eco-friendly devices, smart home trends are taking the world by storm and they are expected to be big news in 2019. But just why has this trend become so popular?
One reason for the expected rise in smart homes in 2019 is the changing attitudes that people now have towards the environment. The world has become a lot more eco-friendly in the past decade. People are now more conscious of reducing water and plastic waste and lowering energy use. One group of people are driving this trend for more sustainable and environmentally friendly properties and those are millennials.
Those born roughly between 1981 and 1996 are a generation that’s a lot more eco-savvy than generations before them. Research shows that this generation is less likely to buy their own homes, with up to a third of millennials at risk of renting for their whole life. For buy to let investors looking to appeal to this huge new market of tenants, it might be time to start embracing all things smart.
There are different features that define a smart home. One of the most common smart features is lighting settings such as motion detection, which involves lights being activated by a person stepping into a room, or voice activation. Not only does this feature provide ease of use for those in the property, but also eliminates energy waste when lights are switched on but nobody is home. Other common smart features include solar panels on homes, and ground source heat pumps that provide properties with a renewable energy source.
In 2019, people are constantly looking for ways to make life easier. Google Maps has replaced physical maps, allowing users to quickly and easily find their way around, and app’s like Uber let people book a taxi with the click of a button.
It’s no surprise then, that people are seeking out these types of solutions for their home life. Some smart homes are equipped with features that act as a personal assistant, including fridges that order food, and devices such as Alexa which answer queries, play music and recite recipes at your command.
The UK property industry is recognising the appeal of smart homes for buy to let investors, with companies like RW Invest having offered apartments with energy efficient, low carbon technology.
Those looking to attract young tenants for their buy to let property should definitely consider utilising smart features in their property, or at the very least, invest in new build or off-plan properties with modern facilities.
These types of properties are more energy efficient which is good for eco-conscious tenants, and are often equipped with eco electric heating and sophisticated mood lighting. With the world constantly evolving and adapting to new technological changes, smart homes are expected to receive more and more interest throughout the new year and for many years to come.
