Smart Homes of Today: Top 7 Smart Home Features Buyers Want in 2025

Smart homes are no longer the future — they’re the present. In 2025, homebuyers aren’t just looking for great locations and spacious layouts; they’re actively searching for homes equipped with the latest smart technology that makes daily living easier, safer, and more efficient.

Whether you’re planning to sell your property or thinking about upgrades, understanding which smart features are most in demand can give your home a valuable edge in today’s market.

Why smart homes matter to buyers today

The appeal of smart homes comes down to three key drivers:

• Convenience – Smart devices simplify everyday routines, from turning on lights to adjusting the thermostat.

• Security – Buyers feel reassured with systems that protect their home, vehicles, and loved ones.

• Efficiency – Energy-saving and cost-cutting features are increasingly non-negotiable for modern households.

With more buyers expecting this tech, homes that integrate these solutions are standing out — and often selling faster.

Top smart home features buyers want in 2025

Here are the features topping buyers’ wish lists this year:

1. Smart security systems

From video doorbells to full-property surveillance, buyers want homes where security is built in. Remote monitoring and smartphone alerts make families feel safer and more in control.

2. Energy-efficient smart thermostats

With energy costs rising, programmable and app-controlled thermostats are a must-have. Buyers love that these systems cut down bills while keeping homes comfortable.

3. Smart lighting

Voice-activated or app-controlled lighting systems that can be customized for different moods and schedules are becoming an expectation in modern homes.

4. Integrated appliances

Smart fridges, ovens, and washing machines are shifting from “nice-to-have” to “expected.” Buyers see these as time-saving essentials that fit their busy lifestyles.

5. Electric vehicle (EV) readiness

With EV adoption soaring, buyers are looking for properties with charging points or at least the infrastructure to add them. Homes without EV-ready options may feel dated in just a few years.

6. Automatic remote control parking bollard 

One feature buyers may not immediately think of — but quickly appreciate — is smart parking. Automatic remote control parking bollards, for example, are becoming popular in apartment complexes and private homes. They ensure your space is secure and accessible only to you, preventing the daily frustration of unauthorized cars in your spot. For many urban buyers, this is as valuable as a smart lock on the front door.

7. Whole-home automation

The ultimate smart home feature? A centralized hub or app that ties all devices together — lights, security, appliances, and even parking — to create a seamless, easy-to-manage lifestyle.

What this means for sellers

If you’re preparing to list your home, investing in the right smart features can increase buyer interest and potentially raise your home’s value. Buyers aren’t just comparing square footage anymore — they’re comparing how connected and future-ready a home feels.

Smart homes are in demand, and in 2025, the list of must-have features is growing. From security systems and smart thermostats to EV readiness and smart parking solutions like smartphone bollards, buyers want homes that make life simpler, safer, and more efficient.

If you’re a homeowner or developer, now’s the time to explore which of these features can set your property apart.

👉Ready to search for a truly smart home in San Francisco Bay Area? Contact Illuminate Properties today to find out more.