Shift in home living priorities. A new study reveals that almost three quarters (74%) of UK consumers look at their homes differently now than they did 18 months ago, with technology and sustainability two of the areas that matter most to them. The research, commissioned by Samsung Electronics UK, explores the changing attitudes of Brits – from homeowners, renters and students – towards their homes and what they most want from their living spaces.
The Samsung-led research surveyed 2,000 UK respondents on their opinions towards their properties, to
understand how the shift in home living priorities occurred during the pandemic, and their attitudes to the importance of key topics such as technology, sustainability, and wellbeing in their living spaces.
Smart technology
Very apparent from the research was an increasing desire for homes to be digitally connected – with
smart technology becoming more and more prevalent to people’s needs. More than seven in every ten
Brits (71%) consider having a digitally connected property important to them because it saves them both
time and effort. This matches up to the two thirds of Brits (66%) who already have smart technology in
their homes, for use primarily in entertainment systems (51%) and smart amenities such as energy
meters, doorbells and security cameras.
This number is likely to increase, with a whopping three quarters (75%) of people agreeing that smart
home technology is the future of property development.
Sustainability
Greener homes and environmental impact are now sitting near the very top of Brits’ property priorities –
more than three quarters of those surveyed (77%) think that having a sustainable home should be a
priority for everyone.
Property developers and construction groups also need to be considerate of ‘green reputation’ too, with
73% of respondents now analysing a development’s sustainability credentials (company credentials, and
the credentials of the property itself) to be important when considering where to live.
Meanwhile, almost four in every five Brits (79%) now consider how green and environmentally friendly
their property is – as well as impact on the local environment – as a priority.
But technology can play a big role in helping residents be greener, with three quarters of the UK (75%)
thinking smart tech is important when it comes to home sustainability through measuring usage, saving
money and helping people change habits to live more sustainability.
Home priorities
A clear finding from the survey indicates that the pandemic has impacted how the majority of people view
our current living space – with a significant 74% of Brits suggesting that how they see their property now
has changed as a result of the last 18 months.
The big drivers behind this change for most people focused on three key areas: a desire for somewhere
with outdoor space such as a garden, balcony or rooftop; the need for somewhere bigger; or wanting
more natural light, a separate office space, or somewhere more flexible to their needs.
At the same time, the last 18 months have had a big impact on long-term property visions for many. 64%
of renters say their plans have changed as a result of the pandemic – they now are considering buying
(23%), planning to buy a property sooner than planned (19%), and some are even considering renting for
longer (22%). Meanwhile, 52% of homeowners suggested their longer-term property plans have also
changed as a result – with wanting to sell their property and buy a new one (22%), buying another
property to rent out (12%), or buying a second home for themselves (11%) the main changes. Students in
accommodation have been similarly impacted, with over a fifth (22%) now realising their accommodation
isn’t suitable for long-term living at all.
“With the rise in remote and hybrid working, and a blending of the spaces where we work, live and play,
it’s no surprise that how we look at our homes has changed significantly over the last 18 months. More
time at home has shone a spotlight on how crucial technology is to our lives and gave us a chance to
focus on how we can all be a bit greener too.” said Murtaza Bukhari, GM – Strategic Enterprise
Partnerships Samsung Electronics UK and Europe. “Property developers, construction firms and
designers all need to listen closely to demand and create spaces that are smarter, more energy efficient,
powered by tech and influenced by residents’ priorities.”
Samsung collaborates with partner organisations across the construction and private residential sectors
to help shape the properties of the future. Together, with brands such as Etopia, Future Generation,
Moda and Quintain, Samsung is creating smarter, more connected spaces that are powered by
technology. Spaces that are inspired by those who live, work, play and invest in them.
For more information on Samsung’s construction and property offerings, services and partnerships,
please visit https://www.samsung.com/uk/business/appliance-solutions/construction
