Homeowners spend hundreds on 'smart tech' - but say it's a 'waste'

Homeowners have splashed out an average of £360 on'smart tech' in the past year, but a quarter say it was money wasted. A survey of 2,000 homeownersrevealed that those who regret their flashy purchases value the now unwanted gadgets at £218.

One in five said their gadgets didn't perform as they expected or save time as promised. Smart lighting, speakers and video doorbells were among the top devices seen as the biggest waste of money. Consequently, nearly two-thirds said they are turning their backs on the tech and instead looking to invest in things that genuinely add value to their homes and lifestyle.

The poll was commissioned by EDF, with additional data from Purplebricks indicating that the smartest upgrades to future-proof a home and increase its value are those that improve the property's efficiency.

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Additions that enhance the EPC rating, such as solar panels, smart meters, EV chargers and heat pumps, could potentially boost the interest in and value of an average UK home by as much as 14 per cent – equivalent to around £40,000 of the average home.

The study also investigated which smart and sustainable additions homeowners do want to invest in. Topping the list were solar panels, with 38 per cent believing they're one of the best ways to add value.

A quarter of households already have, or plan to install, an EV charger, while others are prioritising better insulation (21 per cent) and heat pumps (15 per cent). And 34 per cent think home security systems boost the price.

When it comes to purchasing a new home, a whopping 62 per cent of those surveyed said that energy-efficient features such as solar panels and heat pumps are now a must-have.

Martin Aylward, head of zero carbon homes at EDF, which offers customers savings on bills through its through Empower Exclusive programme and Heat Pump & Save Tracker tariff, said: "Our research shows that it's no longer about gimmicky gadgets in the home, it's the tech that actually adds value that are the smartest upgrades for homeowners.

"Investments such as solar panels, heat pumps and EV chargers aren't just good for the planet, they save on bills from the outset too, but most importantly, they add a significant value to property in the long-haul."

Phillippa Jackson, mortgages operations director at Purplebricks, said: "There's certainly something to be said for a home that works smarter, not just with the latest gadgets, but with proper energy-saving investments.

"Insulation, smart heating, solar panels, even efficient white goods, these are the upgrades that genuinely add value and can future-proof your property, especially with upcoming regulation changes around EPCs.

"Energy performance isn't just a nice-to-have anymore, it's an essential. It's not just greener, it's smarter."