Global Scans · Homes · Weekly Summary

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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] Starting in 2026 and mobilising €86 billion, the Social Climate Fund has been created to ensure the transition to a greener economy is fair and leaves no one behind and to support vulnerable households and small businesses in their efforts to switch to cleaner energy and transport. Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion
• [New] Planning approval has been granted for an East Yorkshire solar farm that could power more than 18,000 homes and support the creation of 245 jobs. Electricity Info
• [New] The technologies involved are expected to reduce carbon emissions for participating households by over 90%, making energy affordable and accessible to vulnerable customers as well as supporting decarbonization in the UK. Electricity Info
• [New] City officials have confirmed that the underground fallout shelter will be built beneath a new public housing complex in southeastern Seoul's Songpa district by 2028. South China Morning Post
• [New] Optimism is returning: 36% of US CEOs plan to bring some production home within three years, up 15 points from 2024. trans.INFO
• [New] Chinese startup UBTech plans to release a home companion robot priced at $20,000. LFDE - La Financiere de l'Echiquier
• [New] The LIHTCs will help developers construct or preserve more than 4,410 apartments for households earning up to 80% of the AMI. Novogradac
• [New] As many as 300,000 elderly Australians will be on the waitlist for assistance at home by 2030. The Guardian
• [New] In Europe around 200 million people live near coastlines - and higher baseline sea levels increase the threat to their homes and infrastructure from extreme weather. Climate Home News
• [New] Modelling by the Grattan Institute finds that cutting greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in line with the goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 will cut average household energy costs from about $5,800 today to about $3,000. The Guardian
• [New] Australian household energy bills will halve by 2050 as solar panels, batteries and electric cars and appliances become the norm, reducing pressure on the federal government over living costs and creating room for more climate action. The Guardian
• [New] Compatibility limitations with non-Samsung appliances could restrict functionality for mixed-brand smart home setups. Yanko Design
• [New] Only 19,700 new villas are expected to be delivered by the end of 2025, despite a clear uptick in demand for family-oriented housing. Gulf News: Latest UAE news, Dubai news, Business, trave
• [New] By 2025, most households are expected to rely on LED technology, reflecting its rapid adoption over the years. Lumary
• [New] 32.6 million Americans will work from home by 2025 (~22% of the total workforce). / USA SQ Magazine
• [New] Google previewed a $99 Gemini-powered Home speaker set for spring 2026 and announced continued support for older Nest devices. WireUnwired Research
• [New] The $99 Gemini-powered Home speaker planned for spring 2026 could be the breakthrough product that makes smart homes truly smart - and accessible. Medium
• [New] Smart meters are set to be installed in all 1.58 million homes by 2026, with nearly 1.28 million already installed as of March in 2025. CNA
• [New] As more families and professionals migrate north from Sydney and Melbourne seeking space, affordability, and lifestyle, houses in Brisbane's inner and middle-ring suburbs will continue to attract intense demand - both from owner-occupiers and investors. Property Update
• AGA Releases Winter Fuels Outlook - Natural gas remains a small slice of the family budget as the United States heads into the 2025-2026 heating season. PRG

Last updated: 18 October 2025