In today’s Canadian housing market, buyers are looking well beyond square footage and finishes.
They want homes that will stand the test of time and hold their value in an environment where costs and expectations are constantly shifting. Increasingly, that conversation turns to smart home features.
A decade ago, app-controlled thermostats or video doorbells were fun extras. Now, they are becoming part of the baseline. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC, 2023) homebuyers are giving “future-ready” amenities nearly as much weight as traditional factors like price or location. This shift is shaping how developers design new projects, and how buyers calculate long-term return on investment.
Where the Numbers Point
The financial upside of smart features is hard to ignore. Industry research consistently shows that homes with integrated systems can sell for three to five per cent more than comparable properties without them (CEDIA, 2023, The PropTech Connection, 2023).
That margin may sound modest, but in competitive Canadian markets it can mean tens of thousands of dollars at resale. For developers, the calculation is just as straightforward: a relatively small investment in the right technology often pays back in faster absorption rates and stronger buyer confidence.
Features That Buyers Actually Value
Not all “smart” add-ons deliver. Some age quickly, while others clearly enhance daily living and retain their worth. In conversations with buyers and industry reports, three categories keep coming up:
- Security: smart locks and monitoring systems offer peace of mind and are increasingly expected in urban developments.
- Energy management: thermostats, lighting, and sensors that cut consumption are especially relevant as Canadian households face rising utility bills. Deloitte (2023) found that nearly two-thirds of households show strong interest in technology that reduces monthly costs.
- Water and utility monitoring: simple tools that prevent waste or damage carry surprising weight with buyers who want predictability.
These are not gimmicks. They tie directly to financial savings, safety, and long-term durability—qualities that buyers connect with higher resale value.
Why Builders Should Think Ahead
Installing these systems after the fact can be complicated and expensive. When developers design for smart infrastructure from the start, the outcome is far more seamless. Proper wiring, centralised controls, and integrated layouts avoid the piecemeal feel of retrofitting.
AvranceCorp has taken this approach in several of its projects, weaving technology into the planning stage. A recent example is its partnership with Rogers and 1Valet to bring high-speed internet and smart suite features into new developments across Canada (Rogers, 2023). By embedding these capabilities at the outset, AvranceCorp ensures residents move into homes that feel ready for the future, not just the day of possession.
The Generational Pull
Different groups of buyers are finding different reasons to insist on smart features.
- Younger buyers tend to see them as table stakes. A home without them feels outdated before they even move in.
- Downsizers and older buyers lean toward convenience and safety, whether that’s lights that adjust automatically or security systems that can be checked from a phone.
By appealing to both segments, developers are widening their buyer pool and protecting the long-term resale story of the property.
Beyond Convenience: The Sustainability Layer
Another factor gaining importance is sustainability. Canada’s net-zero targets have sharpened public awareness around energy use. Homes that can demonstrate reduced consumption through technology are not only cheaper to run but are also perceived as more socially responsible. For many buyers, this adds an intangible but important layer of value.
Making Smart Choices
The temptation is to install every new gadget, but not all will hold value. The focus should be on the systems that reduce costs, improve comfort, and provide flexibility as technology evolves. Security, energy management, and climate control remain safe bets. Investing in these areas helps a development remain competitive well into the future.
Closing Thoughts
The ROI of smart home features is about more than technology. It speaks to trust between buyer and builder, and to the idea of a home as a future-proof investment. In a market where affordability remains a concern, buyers are drawn to properties that offer both comfort today and confidence tomorrow. Developers who recognize this are not simply adding features—they are adding resilience to the value of their communities.