HOMEOWNERS have spent an average of £360 on ‘smart’ tech in the last year – but a quarter reckon it was money down the drain.
A poll of 2,000 homeowners found those who regret their flashy buys value the now unwanted gadgets at £218.
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With smart lighting (15 per cent), speakers (14 per cent) and video doorbells (12 per cent) among the gizmos that are seen as the biggest waste of time.
Almost one in five (19 per cent) admitted the devices didn’t work as they’d hoped, while 16 per cent didn’t really save them the time promised.
Now, 57 per cent claim they’re turning their backs on the tech with a lack of benefits – and instead looking to invest in things that genuinely adds value to their homes and lifestyle.
The survey was commissioned by EDF, with further data from Purplebricks that found the smartest upgrades to future-proof a home and increase its value are those that improve the property’s efficiency.
With additions that improve the EPC rating, such as solar panels, smart meters, EV chargers and heat pumps likely to increase the interest in and value of an average UK home by as much as 14 per cent – the equivalent of around £40,000 of the average home.
The study also explored which smart and sustainable additions homeowners do want to splash out on.
Top of the list were solar panels, with 38 per cent believing they’re one of the best ways 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).
And 34 per cent think home security systems boost the price tag too.
When it comes to buying, 62 per cent of those polled, said energy-efficient features such as solar panels and heat pumps are now non-negotiable.
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.”
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