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] The Retail Sales segment is expected to register the fastest growth at a CAGR of 8.7% during 2026-2033, due to rising availability of external VNS devices for home use. Data Bridge Market Research
• [New] As Singapore pushes towards becoming a sustainable smart nation, Internet of Things technology will be crucial in enabling smart farms, households, transportation, and more. sptel
• [New] From 2024 to 2033 the share of Chinese households with purchasing power to embark on international travel will roughly double. The Diplomat
• [New] The measures, part of the Warm Homes Plan, include £15.6 million to upgrade old and inefficient heat networks, and 4 projects in England to be given a share of £25 million for new, cleaner heating systems. Walker Morris
• [New] Uplifters Foundation plans to build new $3 million houses in the disaster area by issuing as much as $250 million in municipal bonds through the California Public Finance Authority. Insurance Journal
• [New] Small-business optimism is at its highest levels in a year, crediting AI investment in chips and the structures that house them with spillover business opportunities. Time
• [New] As of July, NSW was tracking about 40% behind the rate required to meet the Minns government's commitment to build 377,000 homes by mid-2029 under the National Housing Accord. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] By 2030, Singapore will hire 1,800 more infant care educators to meet the expected rising demand for infant care as services become more affordable for families. The Straits Times
• [New] UK investment in home-grown AI firms risks being undermined when they depend excessively on infrastructure controlled by overseas technology giants. theregister
• [New] UK households still discard around 4.2 million tonnes of avoidable food each year, including approximately 630,000 tonnes of items that could be frozen, such as bread and meat, representing a significant missed opportunity to reduce waste. The Clean Cooling Network
• [New] Demand for steel from the manufacturing sector - including mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, household appliance production, the energy sector and shipbuilding - is forecast to reach 344 million tonnes in 2026. GMK.CENTER
• [New] The European Union's Digital Decade 2030 targets mandate that all EU households have access to gigabit connectivity by the end of the decade. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Total homeowner remodeling spending is anticipated to reach a record US$ 524 billion in early 2026, with year-over-year spending on home renovation projected to rise 2.4% in early 2026. Persistence Market Research
• [New] North America is predicted to dominate with a global share of approximately 36.3% in 2026, as it has the world's most well-established home healthcare network, supported by favorable reimbursement policies, advanced healthcare infrastructure, and a large network of certified home health agencies. Persistence Market Research
• [New] The U.S. is home to the most significant planned data center expansion, with total power demand projected to climb from 61.8 GW in 2025 to as high as 134.4 GW by 2030. EnkiAI - Find the right insight
• [New] House prices in Hobart are forecast to rise 4.8% for the remainder of 2026, while unit prices are expected to increase 4.2%. KPMG
• [New] Darwin is forecast to be Australia's strongest-performing capital city, with house prices rising 8.2% and unit prices increasing 8.1% for the remainder of 2026. KPMG
• [New] Perth house prices are expected to rise by 6.4% for the remainder of 2026 and unit prices by 4.4%. KPMG
• [New] KPMG forecasts national house prices will fall by 1.1% in 2026 before rebounding by 3.4% in 2027, while unit prices are expected to prove more resilient, increasing by 2.2% in 2026 and 3.7% in 2027. KPMG
• [New] The European Union has made all homes 90% energy efficient by 2030. Straits Research
• Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan outlines a national housing budget of AED 65 billion, along with metro extensions and deep tunnel drainage, which will anchor multi-year demand for concrete aggregates, masonry sand, and specialty glass. Mordor Intelligence
• Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms have birthed upscale shopping venues like VIA Riyadh, now home to esteemed brands like Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana. Mordor Intelligence
• A regional share of nearly 26.8% is predicted to be held by the U.K. in 2026, as the National Health Service continues expanding virtual wards, hospital-at-home services, and integrated community care. Persistence Market Research

Last updated: 05 September 2026