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] Federal dollars invested in Build Canada Homes will be leveraged to attract private capital, investors and builders to expand housing supply. SenCanada
• [New] Major centers such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth attract new residents seeking employment opportunities, amenities, and education, leading to sustained pressure on housing inventory and upward price momentum. Trader
• [New] As higher interest rates take hold, housing construction picks up, population slows, and affordability constraints become more binding, price growth in Brisbane and Perth is expected to slow. realestate.com.au
• [New] National house prices are expected to rise 7.7% in 2026, with unit values projected to increase 7.1%. / Australia LinkedIn
• [New] Economists nonetheless expect home prices to keep a steady pace of growth, while households' expectations for real estate prices are at record highs. The Guardian
• [New] Melbourne's recovery is forecast to gather momentum at 6.8% for houses and 7.3% for units, while Sydney is likely to record steadier growth of around 5-6%. LinkedIn
• [New] The U.S. will not become a nation of renters and called for Congress to ban large investors from buying up single-family homes and turning them into rentals. NPR
• [New] Hybrid wearables that integrate with home biohacking protocols are expected to launch in early 2026, further blurring the line between clinic and home care. Luxury Lifestyle Magazine
• [New] There will be greater oversight of home schooling, sometimes exploited by extremists, and a dedicated Home Office horizon-scanning function to identify and disrupt individuals and events of extremist concern in hireable venues and outdoor spaces. / UK The Spectator
• [New] Designing with future years in mind, including the incorporation of aging-in-place elements and prioritization of durable, long-lasting pieces, will also be cornerstones of 2026 home decor trends. The Orlando Advocate
• [New] Many older Australians are carefully managing every dollar, and additional income will help ease pressure on household budgets. Aged Care Guide
• [New] By 2035 more than US$1 tn of global healthcare spending is expected to pivot towards prevention, personalised care, home-based services and digital ecosystems. Bizclik Media Ltd
• [New] The new Home Office rule means airlines will prevent passengers from boarding flights to the UK if they do not have an ETA, eVisa, or other valid documentation. UKAuthority
• [New] Integration with platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Alexa will become increasingly seamless. DOWNBEACH
• [New] The home care settings segment is expected to expand significantly during the forecast period 2026-2035, owing to rising patient comfort preferences and the adoption of remote healthcare. Research Nester
• [New] 54% of people with home and/or contents insurance are worried that extreme weather will make their home insurance unaffordable or unavailable where they live. Insurance Business
• [New] From a risk perspective, UK data continue to show that escape of water is one of the most frequent home and landlord claim types, accounting for around one-third of home insurance claims and costing hundreds of millions of pounds each year. Insurance Business
• [New] By 2028, the oldest members of Gen Z will be in their early 30s, entering peak consumer spending years, buying homes, starting families, and making major purchasing decisions. ChatMaxima Blog - Navigating Conversations: Insights fr
• [New] Low carbon home heating is a critical part of Scotland's transition, and the next decade will be decisive for supply chains. BBC News
• [New] More than a quarter of English councils will miss an official deadline to introduce weekly food waste collections to all homes. BBC News
• [New] Consumers expect to see plant-based foods in stores since about half of consumers are more likely to eat plant-based meals at home. CNS Media
• [New] Projections show primary care shortages are expected to be especially acute in rural areas, with family medicine inadequacy projected around 71% by 2038, while rural nursing projections continue to show large annual openings nationally. Becker's Hospital Review | Healthcare News & A

Last updated: 14 March 2026