Global Scans · Homes · Weekly Summary

WHAT'S NEXT?: The number of smart homes is expected to grow further and by 2020 it is expected 46.2 million homes in the US and 44.9 million in Europe will be classed as smart homes. By 2022 there could be nearly 500 smart devices that can be connected to a smart home.

• [New] BUILD NOW sets out a bold new model of affordable homeownership that could reshape how communities across Canada approach housing. Mirage News
• [New] Across West Virginia, regional banks (via the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh) awarded $23.9 million in grants to support 13 affordable housing projects - including tiny homes and new construction-expected to deliver 250+ affordable homes statewide. Mid-Atlantic Council for Affordable Housing
• [New] National house prices will rise 7.7% in 2026, with growth expected across every capital city despite borrowing constraints and affordability pressures. realestate.com.au
• [New] In Queensland, 89% of respondents expect prices to rise, with half anticipating house price growth of more than 5%. Money magazine
• [New] Brisbane and Darwin are gearing up for much stronger than expected growth of more than 10%, while house prices in Adelaide will jump by more than 8% and Melbourne, Sydney and Hobart are expecting more moderate growth. KPMG
• [New] Price growth for houses is expected to grow by 8.2% and 6.6% for units, indicating strong growth in Adelaide this year, but at a softer pace in 2027. KPMG
• [New] Hobart: The Tasmania capital is expected to see modest but consistent gains of 5.4% for houses and 5.1% for units next year. KPMG
• [New] A 3% appreciation in single-family homes is projected for 2026. NegocioMiami
• [New] Texas DPS warns to never operate a generator or other fuel-powered device inside a home, garage or other enclosed space, to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. FOX 26 Houston
• [New] Australia has announced a new federal energy initiative called the Solar Sharer scheme that will give households at least three hours of free solar-generated electricity each day during peak sunshine hours. Extinction Rebellion
• [New] Importantly, the free power will only be available to households with smart meters, so households that do not have their own rooftop solar panels are encouraged to request a smart meter, broadening access to the benefits of Australia's solar boom. Extinction Rebellion
• [New] Real-Time Energy Dashboards: Whole-home energy monitors (like Sense or Emporia) will become standard, showing appliance-level usage in real-time on your phone, alerting you to malfunctions. The Daily Explainer
• [New] The number of European households to adopt smart home systems is forecasted to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.2% during the next five years, resulting in 102.8 million smart homes by 2029. IoT Now News - How to run an IoT enabled business
• [New] In the upcoming year, AI's main role in housing will be to facilitate quicker action in the public and private housing sectors. Smart Cities Dive
• [New] Under current U.S. House of Representatives spending proposals, key Medicare telehealth coverage and associated flexibilities would be extended through the end of 2027. The Real Economy Blog
• [New] The federal government will invest $1 billion through the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund. Last Week in ConTech
• [New] Alaska plans to spend funds on housing and child care for its health care workers. Virginia's home for Public Media
• Apple is working on a home hub that will serve as a centralized control point for smart home products, potentially branded as HomePod Touch or HomePad with a 7-inch touchscreen running Apple's new homeOS. Gadget Hacks
• Following approximately 20% year-on-year revenue growth and a 2-2.5 percentage point gross margin expansion in 2025, Xiaomi management expects 2026 growth to be driven by both government subsidies for consumer electronics and home appliances, and overseas expansion. Tiger Brokers
• By the end of 2025, fiber broadband will pass over 60% of U.S. households, with projections showing fiber on track to become the dominant delivery platform by 2028. Wray Castle
• Home sales are expected to rebound: Economists at the National Association of Realtors project up to a 14% increase in home sales nationally in 2026, driven by more inventory, easing rate pressure, and homeowners finally listing after years of staying put. Churchill Mortgage Blog

Last updated: 31 January 2026