Homeowners have spent an average of £360 on ‘smart tech’ over the last year, but a quarter feel it was a wasted investment. A survey of 2,000 homeowners revealed that those who regret their purchases estimate the value of unwanted gadgets at £218.
One in five individuals stated that their gadgets did not meet expectations or save time as promised. Smart lighting, speakers, and video doorbells were listed as the top devices considered to be poor investments. Consequently, nearly two-thirds of respondents expressed a shift in focus towards investments that genuinely enhance their homes and lifestyles.
The survey, conducted by EDF in collaboration with additional data from Purplebricks, indicated that the most beneficial upgrades to future-proof a home and increase its value are those that enhance the property’s efficiency.
Improvements that boost the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, such as solar panels, smart meters, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and heat pumps, could potentially increase the interest and value of an average UK home by up to 14%, equivalent to around £40,000.
The study also explored the smart and sustainable additions that homeowners are interested in investing in. Solar panels topped the list, with 38% of respondents believing they are among the best ways to add value to a property.
A quarter of households either have or plan to install an EV charger, while others prioritize better insulation (21%) and heat pumps (15%). Additionally, 34% of participants think that home security systems contribute to increasing property value.
Regarding the purchase of a new home, a significant 62% of those surveyed indicated that energy-efficient features like solar panels and heat pumps are now considered essential.
Martin Aylward, head of zero carbon homes at EDF, emphasized the importance of investments that add tangible value to homeowners, stating that technologies like solar panels, heat pumps, and EV chargers not only benefit the environment and reduce bills but also significantly enhance property value in the long run.
Phillippa Jackson, mortgages operations director at Purplebricks, highlighted the significance of energy-saving investments in homes, emphasizing that upgrades such as insulation, smart heating, and solar panels add genuine value and help future-proof properties amid upcoming regulatory changes related to EPCs. Energy efficiency is no longer just a nice-to-have but an essential aspect that makes homes not only greener but also smarter.