04/15/2022

Home Buyers Rank Their Top Home Technology Features

Insights from the HBA

The evolution of technology has opened a range of possibilities for a connected home. Now more than ever, remote-controlled, voice-controlled devices and wireless appliances are found in homes. The National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) recently surveyed prospective and recent home buyers, and found that the most desired technology features in the home are related to comfort and security.

As home owners spend more time in their living space, achieving an optimal level of comfort is at the forefront. When it comes to technology features to help enhance enjoyment while at home, a programmable thermostat was rated essential or desirable by 77% of home buyers. Also temperature-related, a majority (59%) of home buyers said they wanted a multizone-zone HVAC system, which allows home owners to adjust the temperature in different areas, or “zones,” of the home.

At home or away, home buyers want to make sure their family and their property are safe. Security features were also highly ranked among the essential or desirable technology features for home buyers. A majority of buyers said they would like security cameras (77%) and a video doorbell (70%). When it comes to a home security system, connectivity capabilities made the difference. Most buyers preferred a wireless system (70%) compared to a wired security system (59%).

It will probably come as little surprise, but households with children are also more likely to find different types of technology essential. Nearly a quarter (23%) of married couples with children rated voice-activated assistants (such as an Echo or HomePod) as desirable or essential, compared to only 10% of married couples with no children. There is also a

significant difference when it comes to operating major appliances. More households with a married couple with children say they want a remote-controlled smart washer and dryer compared to a married couple with no children. Smart refrigerators controlled remotely were also rated more essential or desirable for married couples with children, compared to married couples without children.

Not all home technology features were rated essential by home buyers. The biggest standout was electric car stations, with more than a third (35%) of buyers saying they do not want this technology feature in their house. A home theatre finished a fairly distant second (29%).