Home buyers demand smart technology and energy efficiency

Whether it is doorbells with built-in TV cameras or smart plug sockets which allow you to remotely check that you turned the iron off, smart technology is here to stay. Research suggests that most people’s first smart technology purchase is a smart TV, and it is predicted that around 40% of us will upgrade to a smart product within the next two years.

This wave of smart technology is driving change in all consumer behaviour, including buying property. A recent survey found that while factors such as parking and outdoor space are still key concerns, a fast internet connection is a must-have for modern property buyers.

This shows that the rise in flexible hours and home working is having a real influence on the priorities of buyers. Families also demand beefed up broadband to cope with the data demands of children who rely on smartphones and tablets.

As well as demand from buyers, property developers are now under pressure from the Government which has proposed that fossil fuel heating systems, such as gas boilers, will be banned from new homes by 2025. The aim is to promote energy efficiency using the latest clean technology, such as air source heat pumps and solar panels.

The plan is part of the Future Homes Standard, which hopes to bring an “environmental revolution” to home building, tackling climate change and cutting emissions in new homes by almost a third while lowering energy bills.

Here at ista, we firmly believe in using the latest technology to increase energy efficiency for the benefit of both consumers and the environment. That’s why we have developed a range of smart technology which allow accurate energy and utility metering, helping consumers to manage and lower their bills.

For example, SmartPay is a wall-mounted in-home display, wirelessly connected to the control box to allow tenants to see their energy account balance at any time. The main benefit for low-income tenants is that they are able to get an accurate and ‘live’ energy reading, which allows them to manage their energy usage and budget accordingly.

In years to come, a new home built to the Future Homes Standard could boast features such as SmartPay, a heat pump, solar panels, triple glazing and higher standards for walls, floors and roofs that significantly limit any heat loss.

Under the plans, new homes must achieve between 75% to 80% lower carbon emissions than those built to current requirements, supporting the Government’s wider target for the UK to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. The consultation on the Future Homes Standard will run until January 2020.

If you need assistance in meeting your energy commitment requirements or require more information on our smart metering solutions please contact one of our team by emailing info@ista-uk.com or contacting us here.