Home Automation: The Feature That Elevates Luxury Real Estate

Buying a luxury home isn’t just about location and architecture. High–end buyers expect a property that matches its design and finishes with the same level of convenience, security, and technology. That’s why home automation is no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s become a key factor in both protecting and increasing a property’s value.

Market research backs this up. Coldwell Banker has reported that homes with integrated smart technology can sell for as much as 5% more than comparable properties without it.

The Value It Adds

A well-designed automation system enhances a luxury property on three levels:

• Experience and convenience – Seamless control of lighting, climate, audio, and security creates a lifestyle that is both simpler and more sophisticated.

• Invisible infrastructure – Thoughtful wiring, a robust network, and a central controller ensure the system can evolve without compatibility issues.

• Liquidity – Buyers spending millions aren’t interested in retrofits or months of upgrades. A move-in-ready smart home sells faster and leaves less room for negotiation.

The Contrast: When Automation Is Missing

If automation adds value, its absence does the opposite.

• In a $2M home, the lack of automation can reduce the sale price by $100K–$160K.

• Outdated systems — with old panels or legacy protocols — raise red flags, leading buyers to apply immediate discounts.

• Even fragmented solutions (multiple apps, weak networks) can undermine credibility and drag down perceived value.

In many cases, the discount demanded is higher than the actual cost of installing a proper system. That’s because buyers aren’t just paying for technology — they’re paying to avoid hassle and delays.

What Really Protects the Investment

For home automation to serve as a long-term asset, a few factors are critical:

• Robust infrastructure — quality cabling, conduits, and wired networks.

• A modular central controller (such as the Eleve Home Brain) — ensuring compatibility with new standards and smooth upgrades.

• Unified, intuitive interfaces — avoiding the perception of a “patchwork” system spread across multiple apps.

Conclusion

Home automation is no longer a decorative add-on. In luxury real estate, it represents price protection and faster sales. Well-integrated smart homes consistently command up to 5% higher prices, while properties without automation can lose as much as 8% of their expected value.

For architects, builders, and integrators, the message is clear: investing in automation means safeguarding the client’s asset and delivering a property that truly stands out in an increasingly competitive market.