Brits have splashed out an average of £360 each on ‘smart’ home tech in the past year – but a quarter admit it was money down the drain. A survey of 2,000 homeowners found many regret their flashy purchases, with unwanted gadgets like smart lighting, speakers and video doorbells now valued at just £218. Disappointed buyers say the tech didn’t work as promised or failed to save them time.
As a result, almost two thirds are ditching the gimmicks and turning to upgrades that actually add value to their homes and lifestyles.
The research, commissioned by EDF, comes as separate data from Purplebricks reveals the smartest way to future-proof your home – and boost its value – is to improve its energy efficiency. Upgrades that improve a property’s EPC rating, such as solar panels, smart meters, EV chargers and heat pumps, can increase the value of the average UK home by as much as 14 per cent – around £40,000.
When it comes to smart and sustainable investments, solar panels top the wish list, with 38 per cent believing they’re the best way to add value. A quarter of households already have, or plan to install, an EV charger, while others are prioritising better insulation (21 per cent) and heat pumps (15 per cent). Over a third (34 per cent) say home security systems can also boost a property’s price tag.
Energy efficiency is now a dealbreaker for buyers. Nearly two thirds (62 per cent) say features like solar panels and heat pumps are non-negotiable when looking for a new home.
Martin Aylward, head of zero carbon homes at EDF, which offers customers savings on bills through its through Empower Exclusive programme and Heat Pump & Save Tracker tariff, said: “Our research shows that it’s no longer about gimmicky gadgets in the home, it’s the tech that actually adds value that are the smartest upgrades for homeowners.
“Investments such as solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers aren’t just good for the planet, they save on bills from the outset too, but most importantly, they add a significant value to property in the long-haul.”
Phillippa Jackson, mortgages operations director at Purplebricks, said: “There’s certainly something to be said for a home that works smarter, not just with the latest gadgets, but with proper energy-saving investments.
“Insulation, smart heating, solar panels, even efficient white goods, these are the upgrades that genuinely add value and can future-proof your property, especially with upcoming regulation changes around EPCs.
“Energy performance isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore, it’s an essential. It’s not just greener, it’s smarter.”
