Changing expectations of tenants and owners: towards ever more intelligent and comfortable homes

In recent years, we have observed a real transformation in the expectations of tenants and owners in terms of housing. What was once a bonus is now considered essential: the connected and smart home. This evolution is comparable to that of the automotive sector, which has gone from classic mechanical vehicles to cars packed with electronics and on-board computers. This comparison with the car is not so far-fetched: just as we could no longer imagine a modern car without driving assistance, GPS, and connectivity, it is becoming difficult to imagine a home without a minimum of connected technologies for comfort and energy management.

The growing role of technology in modern homes

If a decade ago the idea of a smart home evoked expensive installations reserved for a handful of enthusiasts, the reality today is quite different. The integration of home automation technologies – or to use a more contemporary term, smart and scalable solutions like the ones I highlight in casasmooth – has become a standard demand. Remote control systems for heating, lighting, and security are almost perceived as a “must” by tenants and owners looking for comfort and energy optimization.

Today’s renters expect a home that makes life easier, optimizes energy consumption, and provides enhanced security. Homeowners, for their part, see these technologies not only as a way to meet these expectations, but also as an opportunity to add value to their property.

The smart home: from an option to a standard

If we return to the comparison with the automobile, it is clear that what the digital dashboard represents for a car, intelligent energy or security management represents for a home. A few years ago, options such as parking assistance or integrated infotainment were reserved for high-end models. Today, even entry-level models are equipped with them. In the same way, lighting, temperature, or video surveillance automation solutions, once seen as gadgets reserved for niches, are becoming widespread. We no longer ask ourselves whether a home is "connected", but to what extent it is.

A gradual but inevitable adoption: focus on Switzerland, France and Germany

Expectations vary slightly from country to country, but the trend is similar in Switzerland, France and Germany. In Switzerland, for example, smart energy management is particularly sought after, in line with the ecological awareness that is deeply rooted in the population. Connected thermal regulation devices, such as smart thermostats, are among the most appreciated features.

In France, the smart home market is growing, with increased demand for technologies that promote security (connected cameras, smart locks), but also for assistance for the elderly. The aging of the population is pushing to develop solutions that allow this generation to stay at home longer, while ensuring their safety and comfort.

In Germany, where the construction industry is often at the forefront of innovation, expectations are high for energy-independent homes. Tenants and owners want solutions that enable energy independence through solar panels, storage batteries, and energy management systems optimized by connected technologies.

Similar challenges to those in the automobile industry

Smart home manufacturers and smart home app developers face similar challenges to the automotive industry: combining ease of use with technical sophistication. Just as a modern car offers a clear user interface to manage a plethora of features, a smart home must provide a seamless user experience, often via mobile apps or voice interfaces like Google Assistant, Alexa, or Siri.

However, just like in the car, security remains a major issue. Digital security, this time, with the question of protecting personal data and connected systems. A smart home without a solid firewall is as risky as a connected car whose system is hacked.

The future: comfort and innovation

Expectations will continue to evolve with technology. Just as drivers now demand self-driving cars and assisted driving systems, renters and homeowners will no longer be satisfied with just Wi-Fi for their homes. They will want systems that can self-regulate, learn their habits, and operate almost autonomously.

The evolution of homeowner and renter expectations is undoubtedly following a similar trajectory to that of the automobile. What was once a luxury has become a standard, and the home of the future, much like the car, will be a hub of sophisticated technology serving our comfort and well-being.

So, just as the car adopted on-board computing, the home will adopt increasingly sophisticated, yet discreet, solutions, allowing us to enjoy absolute comfort without effort.