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We are all looking for comfort and security in our homes, seeking an easy and luxurious life. In order to achieve this, humans have developed technology that are known as "smart homes." These homes are more than just a modern addition to the traditional real estate landscape; they are an integrated system that relies on the latest technologies to achieve the highest levels of comfort, security, stability, and efficiency in the consumption of available resources.
Today, most people tend to incorporate these technologies in their homes, even if only partially. This has had a significant impact on the real estate industry. Properties that offer smart homes have become more popular and are in greater demand from both tenants and investors.
What Are Smart Homes?
Basically, smart homes are based on integrating a wide range of electronic devices and systems that communicate and interact with each other and with the home's residents, via a central network. This network enables remote or automatic control of various aspects of the home, from lighting, heating, and air conditioning systems to smart home appliances such as refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens, as well as security systems, surveillance cameras, and alarms.
To make this easier, imagine waking up to have the lightning system gradually increase its brightness, while your coffee maker automatically prepares your favorite coffee. Or even better, imagine controlling your home temperature on your way from work, or turning on the air conditioner before you arrive. All of these scenarios were just a dream once, yet today, they are the reality.
Smart Homes Advantages
When talking about the advantages of smart homes, the list is long. But here are the best:
1. Ease of Control
This one is at the top of the list. In smart homes, you can control all devices, the big and the small ones, literally anywhere at any time, as long as you are connected to the internet. For example, you can turn your oven on to prepare your food while you’re lying on your sofa, or even on your way from work.
2. More Security
Smart homes are known for providing a high level of security, which is an extra advantage, especially for parents who stay away from home most of the time. By connecting notification systems and cameras to your phone, you can monitor your home at all times and receive notifications of suspicious activity, such as a break-in attempt.
3. Luxurious Lifestyle
Imagine a life where every aspect of your home works for your comfort, without much effort. Curtains open in the morning by themselves, coffee is made with one click, and your kitchen appliances work through voice orders. No need to say more, right?
4. Resources Saving
Smart homes help in ensuring sustainability by conserving resources. For example, water systems automatically reduce consumption in case of increased usage through integrated sensors to monitor water flow.
Smart Homes Disadvantages
It’s right that smart homes have many advantages that make them attractive to live in; on the other hand, they also have some disadvantages. Here are some of them:
1. High Cost
This may be one of the biggest challenges people face when considering a smart home. These homes are among the most expensive in the real estate market, making them an unaffordable option for many potential buyers. This high cost includes multiple aspects, from the cost of smart devices and systems included in the design and construction of the home, to the initial installation and programming costs of these technologies.
2. Technical Issues
Technical failures can disrupt smart home devices, affecting the luxurious lifestyle. These failures range widely, as they can be a result of a disconnection between devices due to a failure in the internet connection. They can also result from unsuccessful or incompatible updates, which can cause various software or hardware components to become incompatible with each other.
4. Laziness
Despite the comfort and luxury people experience in smart homes, over-reliance on technology can be negative. Over time, extreme convenience can lead to laziness, leading to a reduction in individuals' physical and mental activity, as daily tasks become completely automated.
Smart Homes and Real Estate Market: How the Market Changed?
With smart homes getting into the picture, the real estate market has changed enormously, and here is how:
1. Increased Property Value
Smart homes are often more sustainable, making them more expensive compared to traditional properties. Additionally, technological additions play a key role in increasing property prices, as they add value in terms of efficiency, comfort, safety and sustainability.
2. High Demand
Investors are looking for properties that last longer than others. Thanks to modern technologies that offer numerous benefits such as security, comfort, and sustainability, smart homes are becoming increasingly in demand in the real estate market.