A Higher IQ Will Boost Your Home's Value

Upgrading to a smart home won’t just make life simpler and lower your energy bills, it’s an investment for the future. Home automation will increase the value of your property, bringing you benefits whether you want to sell your home, increase your total assets, or leverage your home equity.

How Home Automation Adds Value

Smart home technology is a forward-looking investment because, far from a passing fad, home automation will be the norm in the not-too-distant future. It's estimated that by 2020 more than 30 billion home devices will be connected to the ‘internet of things' and that number will only continue to rise. By upgrading your home now, you will be ahead of the game.

Unlike other cutting edge technologies, smart homes also seem to appeal to all generations. Everyone from young adults to middle-aged professionals to retirees have an interest in home automation – though for different reasons. That means demand for automated homes is very high.

Why Is Smart Home Technology So Popular?

Both the young and old desire smart home technology, but their interests in these gadgets arise from different concerns. Older demographics tend to care more about safety and security while younger ones emphasise convenience and customisation.

A 2015 survey conducted by Icontrol Networks revealed that 90 percent of respondents put home and family security as the top reason they would purchase a smart-enabled home. Home security systems deter burglars, and with break-ins occurring every 20 seconds, it is essential to safeguard homes.

Below are a few more statistics that show why smart home technology is important to different home buyers:

• Many homeowners want smart homes to increase their energy efficiency. Energy efficiency always adds value to a home however it is achieved, so a smart homes’ greater efficiency is a big bonus on the market.
   
• Gen Y wants smart technology to make their lives more convenient and fun.
   
• Generation X tends to want smart technology to increase their levels of comfort.
   
• Baby Boomers want smart technology for many reasons, but often it is to consciously increase the value of a property they own.
   
• Interestingly, people over the age of 60 own more smart home technology than the millennial demographic 

Invest in Quality

If your goal is not only to improve your lifestyle but also to grow your property value, you need to go for premium products. A cheaper product may get the job done in the short term, but a higher quality one will offer greater rewards in the long term. Because of that, you need to carefully balance the costs and benefits when examining smart home options.

Start Small or Go All Out

Think about whether you want to invest in a full home automation system or begin with individual smart features. There is no right or wrong answer here. If you’re not sure how much you want to invest in home automation, the latter method is a smart, affordable way to build an ecosystem of connected devices. 

Starting Small

If you want to start small, these six smart home features are must-haves this year. They are some of the easiest home automation devices to install and deliver immediate and long-term gains.

1. Smart thermostats
2. Smart lighting
3. Automated security systems
4. Keyless entry
5. Motorised blinds, curtains, and outdoor window coverings like awnings or roller shutters
6. Built-in speakers

Going All Out

If you’re ready to invest more in smart home technology, here are four technologies that will help you save on utility bills and homeowners’ insurance while significantly boosting property value.

1. Smart appliances
2. Smart HVAC systems
3. Smart building materials
4. Smart irrigation

Smarten Up Your Home

Talk to Somfy about ways to raise your home’s IQ or visit your local retailer to see our products in action.