Smart Homes Become Standard in New Projects
    Regulatory UpdateSeptember 17, 20253 min read

    Smart Homes Become Standard in New Projects

    Home automation, smart security and app-based services are now common in new developments. What smart features add and what buyers should check.

    Senior Investment Advisor

    CFA charterholder with expertise in alternative investments. Fatima has structured over AED 5 billion in real estate investment vehicles for institutional clients.

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    Smart home technology is becoming standard in many new Dubai developments. From app-controlled lighting and air conditioning to smart locks and building management systems, technology is changing how residents live in and manage their homes.

    Common smart features

    • Climate control: app-based air conditioning and thermostats.
    • Lighting: automated and scene-based lighting.
    • Security: smart locks, video intercoms and cameras.
    • Building services: apps for maintenance requests and amenities.

    Benefits

    Convenience, energy savings, improved security and easier management, especially for owners who live abroad.

    What buyers should check

    Which systems are installed, whether they use open standards, who maintains them and how they will be updated over time.

    Privacy and security

    Connected devices should be secure. Buyers should ask about data protection and system updates.

    Effects on value

    Smart features add appeal, but they are becoming expected rather than exceptional. Quality and reliability matter more than gadgets.

    Smart homes for absentee owners

    For owners who live abroad or let their properties, smart technology offers practical benefits. Smart locks allow remote access for tenants, guests and maintenance staff without handing over keys. Remote climate control can prevent humidity problems in empty homes during summer. Water leak sensors can alert owners to problems early, avoiding costly damage. Cameras at entrances can improve security, though privacy rules must be respected, particularly when tenants occupy the property. These features can reduce management costs and give owners peace of mind. Buyers who plan to let their properties should consider which smart features would make management easier and whether systems can be updated as technology changes.

    Our view

    Smart homes add convenience and efficiency. We help clients assess technology alongside the fundamentals of location, design and quality.

    Smart homesTechnologyNew developments