Let me run something by you.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about smart homes. 

I think I’m just a technology nerd.  I’m all about efficiency.

Homes can function and do stuff for you… Maybe in the future, Elon can put a chip in your head, and you walk in your home, you can just think things, and it cooks meals for you. 

That’s where I want to go. Maybe it’s not the Jetsons, but better? Have I lost you already?

Homebuyers want convenience and someone to guide them.

I reckon there’s a massive missed opportunity in how we’re selling what we’re already building.

I did a bit of digging and found that around 50% of new homes in Australia already include some kind of smart technology. It’s in there whether it’s security, lighting, energy monitoring, or Wi-Fi air con. But here’s the kicker, almost no one is actually talking about it, and it’s certainly not part of their UVP.

Not in their marketing. Not on their websites. Not in the handover conversation with clients.

If you’re already wiring for this stuff, installing it, and already building homes that can do more, why not make it a feature? Why not use it to stand out in a crowded market where everyone’s saying the same things?

The truth is, smart home tech isn’t just for high-end custom jobs anymore. It’s hitting the mainstream because people love convenience. They like things that “just work.”

Some of the technology is amazing out there… you can control your whole home by your voice.

Now, I get it. Some clients still want things simple. They want switches, not sensors. Fair enough. But plenty of others, especially younger buyers expect some level of tech.

The real issue? They don’t always know what’s possible. That’s where you come in. If you can walk them through what’s available and frame it as a lifestyle benefit, not a tech add-on, you’re going to build trust and probably upsell without trying too hard.

Want a point of difference? You’ve probably already built it.

If you’re including smart features in your standard spec or even just roughing in the wiring, talk about it. Put it on your sales sheet. Run a quick demo in your display home. Post a video showing how the app works.

This isn’t about being flashy or futuristic. It’s about giving your clients something they’ll actually use and helping them feel like their home is ahead of the curve.

Why don’t you market it as a standard inclusion in a range or something like that?

Even just offering it as a clear option can open up new conversations and position you as the builder who gets it.

Not everyone wants a robot in the roof.

Now, Pete had a fair point when we were talking about all this on the podcast.

“I actually probably go the other way on this one… we’re a bit different. We turn the Wi-Fi off and on. We don’t want too much bloody technology in the air.”

He’s not alone. There’s always going to be clients who want to disconnect, keep things simple, and avoid the constant ping of notifications. That’s real, too.

Smart homes shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all thing. But if you’re already putting the work in behind the scenes, don’t keep it hidden. The clients who do want it? They’ll thank you for saying something.

If you’re building homes with tech in the walls, systems in the ceiling, or apps on the phone, own it.

Show it.

Talk about it.

Show it off on TikTok if you want.

It’s not about selling the future. It’s about helping people understand what’s already here.

If you’re using some great new tech products in your homes let us know, we’d love to help share the story.

Let us know what you think?

Author: Aaron Ng

Aaron has worked for some of the nation’s largest developers and home builders in the marketing arena, before founding one of QLD’s largest construction focused marketing agencies. He is passionate about all elements of marketing and customer experience across the industry.