Homeowners, on average, have spent around £360 on ‘smart tech’ over the last year, but a quarter of them feel that it was money not well spent. A survey of 2,000 homeowners revealed that those regretting their purchases estimated the value of the unwanted gadgets at £218.
One in five homeowners mentioned that their gadgets did not meet their expectations or deliver the promised time-saving benefits. Among the devices considered the biggest waste of money were smart lighting, speakers, and video doorbells. Consequently, nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed a shift away from such technology towards investments that truly enhance the value of their homes and lifestyles.
The survey, commissioned by EDF, with additional insights from Purplebricks, highlighted that the most intelligent upgrades to future-proof a home and boost its value are those enhancing the property’s efficiency.
Improvements that elevate the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, such as solar panels, smart meters, EV chargers, and heat pumps, could potentially increase the interest and value of an average UK home by up to 14%, equivalent to approximately £40,000.
The study also looked into the smart and sustainable upgrades that homeowners are interested in. Solar panels emerged as a top choice, with 38% of respondents believing they are among the best ways to enhance property value.
A significant portion of households either already have or plan to install an EV charger, while others prioritize better insulation (21%) and heat pumps (15%). Additionally, 34% of respondents believe that home security systems contribute to a higher property price.
Regarding new home purchases, 62% of those surveyed emphasized the importance of energy-efficient features like solar panels and heat pumps as essential must-haves.
Martin Aylward, head of zero carbon homes at EDF, emphasized the shift towards value-adding technology, stating that investments in solar panels, heat pumps, and EV chargers not only benefit the environment but also lead to immediate bill savings and long-term property value appreciation.
Phillippa Jackson, mortgages operations director at Purplebricks, echoed the sentiment, highlighting the significance of energy-saving investments like insulation, smart heating, and solar panels in adding genuine value and preparing properties for upcoming EPC regulation changes.
The focus has shifted from gimmicky gadgets to practical energy-efficient solutions, with energy performance now being viewed as a necessity rather than a luxury.