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 dominant risk factors are 54% tariffs on Chinese fireworks (99% of U.S. supply), persistent food price inflation, depressed consumer confidence among lower-income households, and a projected $12.5 billion shortfall in international tourist spending. Edhat
• [New] The median single-family home price could reach $1 million by 2050, though modest gains of 3% to 4% per year are expected for now. Chicago Tribune
• [New] In Chicago, home prices in July are expected to be nearly 6% higher than last year. Chicago Tribune
• [New] The median U.S. household income will grow 3.9% in 2026, surpassing the initial prediction of 3.6%. Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com
• [New] Existing-home sales prices will rise just 1.2% through the end of the year, down from an initial projection of 2.2%. Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com
• [New] 1.319 million Australian households, representing 26.6% of all mortgage holders, are at risk of mortgage stress, a figure nearing a 14-year high. WizWealth Finance
• [New] 1.319 million Australian households (26.6% of all mortgage holders) are now classified as at risk of mortgage stress - nearing a 14-year high that could climb to 1.6 million if the RBA delivers even one more rate hike. WizWealth Finance
• [New] Los Angeles has a generational opportunity to legalize starter homes: converting aging single-family homes into townhomes, quadplexes or developments of up to eight homes per lot. CALmatters
• [New] Households in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia with a smart meter will be able to access at least three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day. The Guardian
• [New] There is enough solar installed in the United States to power roughly 50 million households, and by 2034, there will be enough solar capacity to power 100 million homes. ReGlobal
• [New] UK social homes are at growing risk from rising temperatures and that housing policy has not yet kept pace with the need for climate-resilient homes. Niyaa People
• [New] Many existing UK homes are exposed to summertime overheating risk, and that significant retrofit work would be required to reduce risk under future warming scenarios. Niyaa People
• [New] From today the most significant reform to Australia's veteran support system in generations will come into play, following unprecedented levels of investment in veterans and families of veterans from the Albanese Government. Mirage News
• [New] With this as a backdrop, sales of new homes in 2026 will probably post a gain of 2% to 3% over 2025, managing perhaps a 693,000 to 700,000 level for the year as a whole. HSH.com
• [New] By 2026, lower rates and moderating home prices should support activity, though affordability challenges will persist - especially for first-time buyers. iEmergent
• [New] 90% of UK homes will overheat by 2050. BBC News
• [New] While some households can invest in cooling, older people, lower-income families, lone parent families and renters often face the greatest barriers to accessing protection from extreme heat, so the people most at risk from extreme heat are often the least able to afford protection from it. Al Jazeera
• [New] Buyers now expect air conditioners to integrate fully with mobile apps, voice assistants, smart home ecosystems, and Building Management Systems (BMS). Kanion Co
• [New] Apple's all-new smart home hub could still arrive in 2026. MacRumors
• [New] Over the last decade, 1 in 13 new homes were still built in Environment Agency Flood Zone 3 (comparable to the US Special Flood Hazard Area), which has at least 1% annual probability of river flooding. Nature
• [New] In changes that come into effect from July, households on standing electricity plans in New South Wales and south-east Queensland can expect to see prices fall between 3.4% and 10.7% compared with last year. The Guardian

Last updated: 11 July 2026