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Built-in home automation increases perceived property value and helps homes sell faster. Integrated systems are viewed as a permanent feature of the property, much like underfloor heating or a high-specification kitchen. Research consistently shows that connected home technology is among the most sought-after features for buyers of premium new-build homes.
Built-in home automation is increasingly viewed by buyers as a permanent feature of a property, comparable to underfloor heating, high-specification kitchens, or premium bathroom fittings. When the technology is hardwired and integrated during construction rather than added as a collection of wireless gadgets, it becomes part of the fabric of the home and is valued accordingly.
Research from Knight Frank published in 2024 found that integrated home technology can add between 3% and 5% to the sale price of a premium residential property. On a home valued at £1 million, that represents an uplift of £30,000 to £50,000. For a £2 million property, the uplift could reach £100,000. These figures significantly exceed the typical cost of a pre-configured automation system, making it one of the higher-return investments a developer can make during construction.
The value uplift from home automation depends heavily on how the technology is implemented. A collection of wireless smart devices, such as standalone speakers, plug-in cameras, or app-controlled bulbs, adds very little to a property's perceived value because these items are portable and impermanent. Buyers know they could add them to any home at any time.
Integrated automation is different. When lighting scenes, heating zones, blind control, and security are all managed from a single platform and built into the structure of the property, buyers recognise this as a genuine improvement to the home. A 2023 Savills survey found that 78% of premium buyers expect integrated technology in new-build properties, and 62% said they would pay more for a home with built-in automation rather than add it themselves after purchase.
This shift in buyer expectations means that properties without integrated technology may actually be at a disadvantage. In the premium market, the absence of home automation can feel like a missing feature rather than a neutral omission.
Beyond the price uplift, integrated home automation helps properties sell faster. Homes that feel complete and future-ready generate more interest from buyers who want to move in without a long list of improvements to make. A 2024 Knight Frank survey found that connected homes spend an average of 12% less time on the market than comparable properties without integrated technology.
Estate agents working in the premium new-build market consistently report that automation is a talking point during viewings. Being able to demonstrate lighting scenes, automated blinds, or intelligent heating control gives the property a distinctive quality that helps it stand out in a competitive market. For developments with multiple units, this differentiation can be the factor that accelerates sales across the entire scheme.
For property developers, the commercial case for including home automation is straightforward. The cost of a pre-configured system like Baulogic is a fraction of the value it adds, and the installation does not require specialist trades or extended timelines. Because the system is pre-configured off-site and installed by a standard electrician, it fits within the existing build programme without adding complexity.
Developers who include connected home technology can also use it as a marketing asset. Brochures, show home demonstrations, and virtual tours that showcase the automation system give the sales team a tangible differentiator. In a market where buyers are increasingly discerning, this can make a meaningful difference to both the pace of sales and the prices achieved.
According to the Home Builders Federation, new-build completions in England reached approximately 212,000 units in 2024. As buyer expectations continue to evolve, developers who include integrated technology as standard are positioning their schemes to attract a larger share of the premium market.