CANADA – Connected smart home devices are well on their way to becoming as prevalent as smartphones and tablets according to a new study conducted by MARU/VCR&C*. The study, commissioned by TELUS, found a significant gap between those that believe that smart home technology will benefit their lives (61 per cent) and those who currently own a smart home device (34 per cent).
That’s about to change quickly however, with 63 per cent of people predicting that they will own at least one smart home device – such as a smart TV, thermostat, lighting, appliance, entry and security system; and other home automation solutions – by 2018, and with half of those predicting they will own three or more.
“Smart home technology is shifting from early adopters into the mainstream as Canadians begin to realize the tremendous benefits that these devices can bring to them and their families,” said Rob Currie, vice-president of Mobile Devices at TELUS. “Today, we’re seeing basic functionality like controlling lighting or thermostats from our smartphones, but soon, innovations like biometric security systems, intelligent kitchens and home health solutions will make our lives so much safer, healthier and easier that smart home technology will become integral to our digital lifestyles.”
Other key findings in the study include:
- The greatest perceived benefits of living in a smarter home include saving money and being greener (57 per cent) and increased security or safety (44 per cent).
- Of those who currently own smart home technology, the most popular devices are smart TVs (65 per cent) and smart thermostats (36 per cent).
- For those who travel frequently, 56 per cent said they are likely to purchase smart home devices to manage household tasks and provide peace of mind while they are away.
To feed the growing demand for smart home devices and other digital lifestyle solutions, TELUS opened two “Connected Experience” concept stores last year in Toronto’s Eaton Centre and Edmonton’s Southgate Centre. The new stores feature a full section devoted to smart home devices, where the company sells products like Phillips Hue lighting and August smart locks, and TELUS the only Canadian carrier authorized by Google to sell Nest products. The company is currently planning to open additional Connected Experience stores, while introducing its smart home portfolio into an additional 50 TELUS retail locations this year across Canada. TELUS’ selection of smart home products is also available online at telus.com.
Real Estate Impact of Smart Home Technology:
Along with the increasing popularity and prevalence of smart home devices, the study also revealed that 43 per cent of Canadians would be willing to pay more for a home outfitted in the latest smart home technology. Of those, 51 per cent were willing to pay up to $5,000 more, 23 per cent were willing to pay up to $10,000 more and 5 per cent were willing to pay more than $10,000 more.
As the desire for advanced smart home technology increases, so does the perceived need for greater Internet speeds and capacity, with 39 per cent of Canadians saying they would be willing to pay more to live in a neighbourhood connected by a high-speed, high-capacity fibre optic network. Of those, 41 per cent were willing to pay up to $5,000 more, 13 per cent were willing to pay up to $10,000 more and 6 per cent were willing to pay more than $10,000 more. This supports previous research by the Fibre to the Home Council Americas, which found that a fibre connection can add 3.1 per cent to the value of a home.
Additionally, when it comes to purchasing a new home, 35 per cent of Canadians said they would choose living in a fibre-connected community over a shorter commute to work.
* Formerly the Research & Consulting Division of Vision Critical.
