A quiet revolution has been sweeping the luxury real estate sector over the past decade. Smart homes have moved from the realms of futuristic science fiction to become a reality of modern luxury living, redefining how we interact with our properties in the process.
The seamless integration of technology has been a hallmark of this revolution. By incorporating the latest smart home innovations, premium developers are succeeding in providing buyers with intelligent, effortless control over their living environments. This trend is especially prevalent in the UAE, where smart home-related revenues are expected to increase by $37.4 million over the next four years, achieving a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.49% during the period 2024-28.
Entities such as Dubai Municipality and the Digital Dubai Office have introduced a series of forward-thinking programmes designed to facilitate and accelerate innovation, with the latter having launched more than 130 initiatives – including the Dubai Blockchain Strategy, the Happiness Agenda, the Dubai AI Roadmap and the Dubai Paperless Strategy – since its inception. It is therefore essential for luxury real estate developers operating in our emirate to place smart tech at the heart of their strategies in order to keep pace with the wider landscape of innovation.
As Founder and CEO of AHS Properties, I also understand the central role that seamlessly integrated technologies play in delivering maximum value to our clients. Since launching in 2021, our willingness to lead the charge on smart home innovations has enabled AHS Properties to distinguish itself in an immensely competitive market while setting new standards for excellence, convenience and sophistication in the ultra-luxury real estate space.
In fact, I would now go so far as to say that no luxury property is complete without integrated technology. This is why…
Convenience and beyond
One of the most important considerations when it comes to luxury home automation is that the technologies selected should enhance the living experience without intruding on it. From smart lighting and intelligent thermostats to multi-room entertainment systems and connected kitchen appliances, innovations should be interwoven into the fabric of a property, merging seamlessly with its architecture and interior design to minimise the stresses of everyday life.
Of course, the benefits of smart home tech extend far beyond convenience. These innovations can positively impact the health of occupants, supporting the holistic wellness requirements of discerning ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and their families. Examples include smart air and water purifiers designed to maintain optimal quality, touchless lighting and access systems that promote hygiene, and advanced heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems that use ultraviolet (UV) sterilisers to eliminate pathogens. With COVID-19 still fresh in our collective memory, such elements are becoming the norm in future-proofed luxury homes.
Unobtrusive technology can also be implemented to enhance fitness, relaxation and wellbeing. The latest wearable health devices are able to connect with home systems to monitor vital metrics, such as heart rates and sleep quality, adjusting lighting, temperature and other variables accordingly. Modern luxury bathrooms are also becoming wellbeing hubs. Smart mirrors, for instance, have the ability to offer skincare advice, display health-related data, and even send workout recommendations to your home gym, making it easier than ever to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
So, whether you wish to maximise convenience, physical health, general wellness or a combination of the three, seamlessly integrated smart innovations are quickly becoming non-negotiables within the realm of modern luxury living.
Complete peace of mind
When it comes to homebuyers’ priorities, the safety of their loved ones is typically paramount. Indeed, this is one of the main reasons UHNWIs are drawn to luxury real estate in the UAE, which is home to four of the world’s top ten cities with the lowest crime rates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al-Khaimah and Ajman), according to research conducted by Numbeo.
Yet even in globally recognised safe havens like Dubai, any property being sold under the ‘luxury’ banner should feature robust surveillance and security systems that provide comprehensive protection without detracting from liveability or aesthetics.
From biometric locks and facial-recognition access control to high-definition cameras and motion sensors, the latest smart security systems are designed to identify potential threats instantaneously and deliver real-time alerts to homeowners. Moreover, these automated technologies can be seamlessly integrated with other smart home features, such as smart lighting, to simulate occupancy when the house is empty, thus deterring would-be intruders.
Discreet yet constantly vigilant, smart security innovations have become invaluable to UHNWI homeowners thanks to the peace of mind they offer, making them an essential component of the modern luxury home.
The right choice for the future
Integrated technology can also offer various long-term benefits, not least in terms of sustainability. In my experience, the modern luxury homebuyer understands that it is perfectly possible to make intelligent choices which benefit our environment without compromising sophistication or return on investment (RoI).
Unsurprisingly, more and more high-end real estate investors are embracing the concept of ‘responsible luxury’, opting for sustainable solutions that ensure today’s comforts do not cost our planet’s future. State-of-the-art automated systems can adjust heating, cooling and lighting based on occupancy and ambient conditions, resulting in significant energy and carbon savings over time. By integrating additional features such as solar panels, passive cooling systems and energy-recovery ventilators, today’s most advanced premium homes are as eco-conscious as they are opulent.
Future-proofed innovations can also help maximise a luxury home’s resale value. Premium properties tend to command premium price tags, which is why many prospective buyers favour homes that will require minimal investment once the sale is complete. Integrated systems can add value for years to come, so it is always worth considering whether the inclusion of a particular technology is likely to prove beneficial when it is time to sell. Remember, it is far easier to update integrated solutions than to retrofit them, and as these systems become mainstream, future buyers may expect them as standard.
From a luxury developer’s perspective, smart technologies play an essential role in staying ahead of the competition. Smart homes are evolving beyond automation to anticipate the needs and preferences of occupants, adjusting settings proactively to enhance comfort, security and efficiency.
I, for one, firmly believe that these systems will remain a mainstay of the modern luxury home for many years to come. Consequently, any property that does not feature integrated technology cannot truly be described as ‘luxury’.
