6 Must-Have Technologies for Modern Living Spaces

Home-based smart technology, once considered a luxury or a “nice-to-have” feature, is becoming increasingly commonplace.

Advances in technology, especially the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, have transformed how individuals interact with their homes, whether they are on-premises or not.

With more than 45% of all households in the U.S. using smart home devices, today’s innovative technologies could soon become standard fixtures in new home construction.

What exactly does it mean to have smart homes?

Smart houses are currently associated with home automation, which allows the equipment in the home to be linked together and managed by a phone/iPad from anywhere as long as you have an internet connection.

Initially, surveillance cameras and smart locks that provided a sense of security were referred to as smart technology. However, the concept evolved into making life easier by providing convenience, security, energy efficiency, and other benefits regardless of whether the owner is at home or not.

But it’s important to realize that not all apartment amenities are created equal, and some are more valuable to renters than others, let alone students. When deciding which to include in your multifamily building, you should consider the behaviors, preferences, and demographics of the renters in your target market.

That said, let’s touch on 6-must-have technologies for modern living spaces.

1. Revolutionary Security Solutions

Smart home technology has significantly contributed to luxury apartments, particularly in terms of security. Today's high-end homes feature security systems beyond the typical alarm or video camera. Advanced technologies like facial recognition door locks, motion sensors that distinguish between residents and attackers, and real-time notifications to homeowners' smartphones are becoming the norm.

These systems provide increased security and peace of mind by ensuring that the property and its occupants are safe, whether at home or halfway around the world. Take, for instance, luxury apartments in Los Angeles. Most of the equipped units, be it in the city center or on the outskirts, have security systems installed with video surveillance, which the residents can access through their smartphones.

When all is said and done, the capacity to remotely monitor one's home, combined with the integration of AI to foresee and respond to any security breaches, ensures that luxury residences are not just beautiful living places but also safe and private.

2. Advanced Home Automation Systems

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The concept of automation is central to the smart home revolution, in which every element of the home environment can be handled with minimal effort, frequently anticipating the occupants' requirements.

Explore cutting-edge technology in luxury homes, and you'll find spaces where lighting, temperature, entertainment, and even window treatments are all controlled via a single, straightforward interface. Homeowners can wake up to the delicate opening of draperies, the temperature set just right, and their favorite music playing quietly in the background. Voice-activated technologies such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit provide hands-free operation, making these luxuries feel even more straightforward.

This level of automation not only improves convenience but also raises the living experience, transforming the home into a fully customized area.

3. Smart locks

Physical keys may soon be obsolete. Smart locks are all the rage because they create a keyless entry experience.

No one likes to get locked out. Every apartment resident has experienced the frustration of forgetting or losing their key, leaving them stranded outside the building or their unit.

By installing smart locks on all unit doors, you’ll empower residents to lock and unlock their doors with their smartphones. You can also install smart locks on doors to shared amenity spaces.

4. Smart thermostats

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The smart thermostat is one example of an ingenious solution to a common problem: controlling the temperature in your apartment when you’re not home.

Smart thermostats are a win-win for both residents and property staff.

Residents love smart thermostats because they:

• Help them save money by reducing energy consumption.
• Empower residents to maintain a comfortable temperature for pets while out of the house.
• Let residents turn on the AC or heating before they get home, ensuring the home is at the perfect temperature when they arrive.
• Can be controlled remotely, right from a smartphone.

Property managers benefit from smart thermostats, too.

With a smart thermostat in every unit, you can reduce energy consumption in vacancies to save money. Plus, you’ll attract more prospective residents and sign leases faster by delivering an in-unit amenity your prospects want.

5. Video Surveillance Systems

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Video surveillance is so common that future homes will be built with whole-home systems designed into the plan. Doorbells and outdoor and indoor cameras will become more powerful with advanced features such as zooming, panning horizontally or tilting vertically.

This raises questions about privacy, which will likely become headlines until a standard is adopted or legislated.

6. Package Delivery System

Today, people shop online more than ever before. And residents want 24/7 access to pick up their packages. Invest in a tech-powered package delivery system to spare your staff the hassle of accepting package deliveries, organizing parcels, and distributing them to residents.

Package lockers are one option, but a package room is the best solution to manage deliveries.

With a package room, you’ll:

• Ensure that couriers can always access the property to complete deliveries successfully.
• Prevent package theft and missed deliveries.
• Empower residents to pick up their packages at any time.
• Automate notifications to alert residents when they’ve received a package.