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] The $5 million funding from Rio Tinto to the Pilbara Aboriginal Health Alliance will enhance vital Indigenous-led health care for families across the Pilbara and treat patients closer to Country. NACCHO Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health New
• [New] The Australian dollar advanced as hopes rose for peace in the Middle East and stable inflation at home. AutoRebateForeX
• [New] The proposed Rhode Island law would target owners of luxury second homes valued at $1 million, imposing annual fees that could soar into the six-figures. New York Post
• [New] Restoring affordability could increase the number of households in Canada by 2% by 2035, particularly among younger adults forming new households. blogTO
• [New] Under new Labour rules, due to come into force in 2026, all UK residents will be taxed on global income after four years. Business Matters
• [New] As well as households there is decline in demand from institutional investors - a reflection perhaps that US house prices are at record valuations and with high interest rates making it less attractive as an investment opportunity. Economics Help
• [New] Perplexity has quickly become one of the most recognizable brands in AI, and bringing it in house could give Apple more credibility and recruiting power in the AI community - a space where it has historically struggled to attract top-tier talent. Communications Today
• [New] The average household in the US is expected to lose about $3,000 in income from tariffs, with lower-income households getting hit even harder. CNet
• [New] Catholic hospices and care homes in England and Wales will likely be forced to close if a new bill permitting euthanasia becomes law. Aleteia - Catholic Spirituality, Lifestyle, World News,
• [New] Only 938,000 dwellings will be built nationwide by mid-2029, which is 262,000 (22%) dwellings short of Labour's target of 1.2 million new homes over five years. MacroBusiness
• [New] With better information, Australians can make informed decisions about where to build or buy a new home, whether to rebuild after a climate-related disaster or relocate, and what steps to take to reduce their home's physical climate risks. Insurance News
• [New] As 42% of the US population resides in shoreline counties, whether housing markets incorporate information on the risk of sea level rise (SLR) is of critical importance. NBER
• [New] If passed in the House, the GENIUS Act could cement the U.S. as the global hub for regulated digital assets - unlocking opportunities for the digital economy, but also introducing new regulatory and monetary challenges. Klever Wallet
• [New] Anxious about energy security and scrambling to get more mines dug at home, the European Commission set a target last year of meeting 10% of demand for critical raw materials from domestic sources by 2030. The Guardian
• [New] Moving forward, balcony solar systems will be rolled out in other housing types, such as townhouses and villas across Ho Chi Minh City. https://vir.com.vn/
• [New] Each balcony solar system is expected to generate an average of 52 kWh per month, equivalent to roughly 17% of the electricity needs of an average household in Ho Chi Minh City. https://vir.com.vn/
• [New] Cyprus is preparing a sweeping tax overhaul that will broaden the tax base, toughen enforcement and ease the burden on households and businesses. IFC Review
• [New] Labour has vowed to deliver at least 1.5m new homes in England by 2029, and has targeted 88,000 new homes a year for London - even though the 2021 London Plan promises the never-before-achieved 52,000. City AM
• The City of Portland is seeking public input on the Affordable Housing Opportunities Project, a new initiative to expand opportunities for affordable housing development on sites owned by non-profit housing providers and public agencies. Portland.gov
• Under the new Future Homes Standard, the UK government will require nearly all new homes in England to have rooftop solar panels by 2027, aiming to cut emissions and save homeowners up to £530 annually on energy bills. Rayzon Solar

Last updated: 28 June 2025