Smart homes: Which hi-tech gadgets will add value to your property

The right gadgets and gizmos could give your home a hi-tech edge with modern homebuyers. See which ones can add the most value.

As Aussie homeowners become more switched on to the value of smart home devices, buyers are increasingly seeking out, and paying more for, properties with hi-tech super powers.

The Telsyte internet of Things @ Home Market Study 2021 found sales of smart connected products reached $1.7bn across the nation last year, up 15 per cent over just 12 months.

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The research revealed that in 2021 alone, two-thirds of Australian households had at least one smart home product, with more than one million additional households joining the automation craze since Covid.

Buyers are looking for homes the can control remotely.

Spending on gadgetry at home is expected to balloon to $4.4bn by 2025, when Telsyte predicts the average household will have more than 10 connected devices under their roof. The researchers have tipped a surge in smart speakers, power outlets, light bulbs, video doorbells, remote-activated locks and surveillance cameras.

James Kirkland, director of sales at Upside Realty, said he had already seen a shift in house hunters looking for additional technology in their homes.

“Buyers are increasingly expecting smart, environmentally friendly appliances in a home often due to the fact it saves potential buyers on energy and power bills,” Mr Kirkland said.

The realestate.com.au April 2021 Residential Consumer Omnibus Survey found 74 per cent of respondents specified a home’s energy rating as important, with 84 per cent of them wanting to slash household costs.

Spending on gadgetry at home is expected to balloon to $4.4bn by 2025

“People have been cocooning throughout the pandemic and as a result they expect better quality appliances which make their lives easier,” Mr Kirkland said.

“That includes video intercoms to see who’s at the front door remotely, or smart technology in the kitchen with things like integrated fridges, or high tech ovens.

But then there are the quirky things like self-cleaning toilets; inclusions which sound almost futuristic, but there is a demand for them.”

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He added that in addition to smart home security, buyers were expecting ducted heating and airconditioning, as well as integrated sound systems which can all be controlled remotely through an app or via a fixed control system.

While technology is high on many buyers’ wish lists, Mr Kirkland said sellers should also know when enough is enough.

“Depending on the property’s location, in some areas where these inclusions are not as common, you could be overcapitalising because buyers may not see much value in it,” he said. “Right now it seems endless, what you can spend on tech in the home so if you’re going to resell in the near future there is a level you don’t want to overstep. Think it through, consult with local professionals and even check out what the competition is doing.”

Digital security is also high on buyers’ wish list.

Cate Bakos, buyer’s advocate and president of Australia’s Real Estate Buyer’s Agent Association, said hi-tech kitchens were in demand, as were self-cleaning pools and garages equipped for electric cars. But above all these, she noted one outstanding purchaser request.

“Solar is a big one,” Ms Bakos said. “People either want it, or want the home to be easy to convert to solar. Orientation is a conversation I’m often having with younger buyers these days. Having a northerly aspect is a big deal for anyone who is energy-conscious.”

Realestate.com.au’s omnibus survey also showed 81 per cent of consumers were seeking solar in their next homes with the term “solar power” making up 92 per cent energy efficient search words on the portal.

Research found more than one million new households joined the automation craze since the Covid pandemic began.

And although the internet could be considered a basic amenity in 2022, Ms Bakos said sellers should not overlook the importance of a superior connection — and the right space to put it to use.

“So many buyers are specific about a good phone signal, line speed and NBN connection,” she said. “But today it’s 1000 per cent all about the quality of the study.”