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 European Commission will present the European Affordable Housing Plan, including an update of state aid rules for Member States to support affordable housing. EPR
• [New] As homeowners look to 2026 and beyond, lighting will continue to shape how homes feel and function. KSLTV.com
• [New] The electrification of New England's home heating and transportation sectors by 2050 is projected to nearly double the Independent System Operator - New England system's peak electricity demand. Energy Musings
• [New] New York plans on loosening environmental rules to speed up home production. Reason.com
• [New] Atlanta's housing landscape in 2026 reflects a city balancing growth, diversity, and opportunity. JustinLandisGroup.homes
• [New] In 2026, homes will probably have modular design plans that include movable walls and furniture that can be used for more than one purpose. The Times Of India
• [New] There is a thought that homes across the U.S. could be modestly more affordable in 2026. Floor Covering News
• [New] Pending home sales in the U.S. surged to the highest level in nearly three years in late 2025, signaling returning buyer interest that could carry into 2026. Tractandframerealty.com
• [New] Unless we can resolve the housing crisis, wealth will become much more unequally distributed in Australia. Pearls and Irritations
• [New] In cities like Toronto, the average monthly mortgage payment (for a benchmark home) is projected to fall in 2026 for the first time since 2020, easing the burden on young buyers. The Real Estate Institute of Canada
• [New] The number of homes for sale will continue to expand in 2026, with active listings rising 8.9% year over year, marking the third consecutive year of inventory gains. Florida Realtors
• [New] Existing-home sales are projected to rise 1.7% in 2026 to 4.13 million, a small but notable gain after a nearly flat 2025 and one of the slowest sales periods in nearly 30 years. Florida Realtors
• [New] Bipartisan momentum in Congress (the Housing for the 21st Century Act) could push reforms aimed at speeding approvals and increasing housing supply. Stessa
• [New] Nationally, projections are that home prices will be roughly similar to 2025, rising about 2% in 2026. Stessa
• [New] Tactile, textured, and material-inspired wallpapers will play a larger role in homes in the coming year. StyleBlueprint: For a Life of Style + Substance
• [New] Housing economists expect home sales activity to gradually increase in 2026. The RoylinSells Group
• [New] 80% of homeowners expect home prices in their area to rise in 2026. housingwire
• [New] Rising home insurance costs are intensifying housing affordability pressures, with premiums up 24% since 2021 and most homeowners expecting further increases in 2026. housingwire
• [New] Nearly all homeowners surveyed - 93% - expect climate-driven extreme weather to damage their homes within the next three years. housingwire

Last updated: 17 January 2026