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] For persons arriving and becoming resident in the UK, the LTR rules propose that they will remain outside the scope of UK IHT on their overseas assets until the tax year following their 10 consecutive year of residence. Hillier Hopkins
• [New] Initial temporary visas granted under one of the three Ukraine schemes - Ukraine Family Scheme, Homes for Ukraine scheme, or Ukraine Extension Scheme will begin to expire in 2025. GOV.UK
• [New] Israel and Hamas are once again struggling to reach a ceasefire that could wind down the 15-month war in Gaza and bring home dozens of Israelis held hostage. News Talk WBAP-AM
• [New] MediaTek and Intelligo announced that they will collaborate to deliver innovative AI voice solutions for the automotive, smart home, and smart retail markets, which will debut at CES 2025. Technuter
• [New] Savills has forecast robust average UK house price growth of 4% in 2025 fuelled by falling mortgage costs, while Knight Frank says prices will come under pressure in 2025 and has cut its growth prediction to 2.5%. Mortgage Strategy
• [New] The Department for Net Zero wants to phase out inefficient heating systems in our homes - and it's part of wider government plans to cut energy demand by 15% by 2030. Delib
• [New] Lead on climate will lower energy costs for their consumers and create more good jobs for their residents, as evidenced by the states that led on climate during the first Trump administration. Center for American Progress
• [New] Spain is an excellent destination for education, offering a wide range of opportunities for students and families relocating from New Zealand. My Spain Visa
• [New] President Trump's return to the White House means that Chinese incursions into the Arctic will be thwarted, and the complex challenges of the Arctic will be better managed. Edwin's Newsletter #1
• [New] The revenue generated by the increased tolls will help to repair and improve the New York subway system, which will benefit NYC residents, but commercial carriers argue that they do not benefit from the subway system, while their higher incurred costs are funding it. PrePass Safety Alliance
• [New] Citing the need for reducing fees to provide more affordable housing, Atlanta council members said in the legislative request that allowing municipalities to provide impact fee reductions for housing could help address the housing crisis currently facing the metro area. WSB-TV Channel 2 - Atlanta
• [New] China is expected to focus on a rematch of a tariff war with the United States in 2025 after President-elect Donald Trump returns to the White House in January, while seeking to improve ties with Japan, which could also face higher import duties. Kyodo News+
• [New] With Donald Trump soon to occupy the White House, amid concerns he could halt US weapons gifts to Ukraine, homegrown technology is likely to become even more important to Kiev. The Guardian
• [New] Another area that will need careful thought is the position of UK residents who are also subject to US tax as US citizens. Travers Smith
• [New] Diverse Luxury Offerings: From branded residences to eco-friendly smart homes, Dubai offers a wide array of investment opportunities tailored to evolving buyer preferences. DAMAC Properties
• The prospect of weakened government support for carbon-cutting technologies has spurred some companies to hold off on US expansion plans, explore opportunities abroad and even begin the search for a new home. Energy Connects
• With Donald Trump's return to the White House amplifying external risks and an already fragile domestic economy, a debt-deflation trap leading to a generational downturn could be perilously close if upcoming stimulus measures are delayed or misdirected. The Jakarta Post
• Concern has been raised that the £100m Turing Scheme could be cut back or closed to fund EU students accessing UK universities at the home student fee rate rather than the overseas student rate (ranging between £ 16,000-£ 59,000) - a key demand of the EU. The Critic Magazine
• One example of an attempt at a solution lies within two Massachusetts utilities that will begin offering lower electric rates during the winter heating season for homes with heat pumps. Yahoo News

Last updated: 11 January 2025