Coldwell Banker and CNET surveyed 4,000 adults to measure interest in smart home technology and its influence on buying decisions. An overwhelming 81 percent of respondents said they would be more likely to purchase a home if smart technology were already installed. That signal is strong and worth attention from real estate professionals and homeowners preparing a property for market.
- 81 percent of respondents reported they would be more likely to buy a home if smart technology were already installed.
- Smart home devices are most commonly used in the living room, then the bedroom, family/recreation room, and kitchen.
- Owners with smart home technology report average monthly savings of $98.30, which adds up to more than $1,100 annually.
As buyers look for homes, many now expect connected features—smart lighting, thermostats, remote-access security, and smart locks—already in place. Sellers are noticing this shift and increasingly add smart upgrades to make listings more attractive to modern buyers.
“Smart home technology is influencing the home selling process. In addition to de-cluttering a home, sellers are upgrading to smart home technology to attract modern buyers,” said Danny Hertzberg, a Miami-based sales associate affiliated with Coldwell Banker.
Who Owns Smart Home Technology?
More than one in four U.S. adults (28 percent) currently have smart home products in their home.
- Adoption is highest among Millennials (ages 18–34): nearly half (47 percent) report owning smart home products.
- Parents with children under 18 at home are much more likely to have smart devices: 42 percent of households with children under 18 have smart products, compared with 23 percent of households without young children.
- Geographically, the Midwest trails other regions: 22 percent of Midwestern adults report owning smart home products versus about 30 percent across other U.S. regions.
Do Smart Home Devices Save Time?
The survey indicates many owners find smart devices help them manage daily tasks more efficiently.
- Fifty-seven percent of Americans who own smart home devices say the products save them time, averaging nearly 30 minutes per day.
- However, 43 percent report no time savings and say they spend the same amount of time on household tasks.
- Age is a factor: among those 18–44, 65 percent say devices save time (about 31 minutes daily). Among those 45 and older, 38 percent report time savings (about 25 minutes daily).
Do Smart Home Devices Save Money?
Many owners also see a financial benefit from smart technology, though experiences vary.
- Forty-five percent of smart-device owners report monthly savings, averaging $98.30 per month—more than $1,100 per year.
- Fifty-five percent say their smart devices do not save them money.
- Age matters: 50 percent of owners aged 18–44 report monetary savings, compared with 33 percent of owners aged 45 and older.
Which Rooms Benefit Most from Smart Technology?
When asked where smart home devices are most useful, owners pointed first to the living room (52 percent), followed by the bedroom (45 percent), family or recreation room (35 percent), kitchen (30 percent), and dining room (21 percent).
The survey shows that smart home technology is not just a novelty: for many buyers and homeowners it represents convenience, potential utility savings, and a differentiator in the housing market. Sellers considering upgrades should weigh the preferences of likely buyers in their area and the rooms where smart devices deliver the most perceived value.
For more details, consult the full survey published by Coldwell Banker and CNET.