High-tech ideas for outside your home

Whether you’re intending to sell or looking to refresh a rental, high-tech improvements that modernise your property, add value, and help a home to stand out can go a long way. Giving your home a competitive edge can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and the best tenants. 

With smart gadgets being a popular addition that can be eco-friendly, attractive, and brighten dull outdoor spaces, it’s important to invest in them to ensure you’re not overlooking the outside areas of a property you're marketing. This article explores how smart technology for your home's exteriors can not only enhance the presentation of a property but also boost your property's future appeal and value.

Concentrate on kerb appeal 

First impressions count, especially in property viewings. Great kerb appeal can attract interest in a competitive market and captivate potential buyers from the moment they approach your home. While traditional methods like repainting the front door or maintaining a tidy garden are still valuable, incorporating high-tech elements can give your property a modern edge that sets it apart, and massively contribute to your home's kerb appeal.

External lights are great for creating a welcoming halo to any home. These can be programmed to turn on automatically at specific times, ensuring your property always looks inviting or occupied even when you're away. Some systems boost kerb appeal, and allow you to change the colours or intensity of the lights to suit seasonal changes and mark special occasions like Christmas.

Automate gates, access points, and entrances

With security an important factor at any time of year,upgrading and automating your property's entry points. From a side gate to a smart garage door, bolstering security across every point of entry in a property will impress potential buyers and tenants. This is important whatever type, size, or age a residence is, and regardless of whether you live in the heart of a city or in a rural village.

Like your lighting solutions, electric and automated garage doors can be painted to suit the colour of your property’s exteriors and be integrated to boost your home’s overall security. Some doors have an automatic closing system if you forget to shut the door, and can alert you if the door is opened unexpectedly. Video doorbells also allow you to see and speak with visitors, whether you're at home or away. 

Similarly, modern garage doors, gates, and access points can be controlled via smartphone apps, allowing you to open and close them remotely. This is particularly useful for accepting deliveries when you're not at home or letting in guests without having to go outside, a convenience factor that can be a significant selling point. 

Light up paths and driveways

Lighting can often be a simple and low cost improvement that is overlooked when it shouldn’t be. Using the right outside lights correctly can instantly enhance a property’s pathways, driveway, garden zones, and highlight a striking tree if it’s a stand-out feature. 

Intelligent lighting offers can improve security in the darker months of the year and can look very impressive. For example, installing motion-sensor lights have the dual purpose, acting as an excellent deterrent for unlikely intruders while also illuminating your property’s entrance, driveway, or garden path for any visitors. 

Many modern smart-lighting systems can be integrated with your smartphone and will notify you, and even project live camera feeds, when any movement is detected. Be aware that motion sensors and burglar alarms can be unintentionally triggered, with a reported 30% activated by pets, deer, insects, and foxes roaming around your home. 

Embrace eco-friendly options

For the eco-conscious homeowner, lighting can double up as energy-efficient alternatives if you know what products to go for. Solar-powered lighting solutions are increasingly popular and, even the smallest of smart and solar pathway lights, are a worthwhile investment for style, sustainability, and added security. These lights charge during the day and automatically illuminate at night, reducing energy costs and your carbon footprint. 

Any eco-friendly features and upgrades to external areas of a property, whether that’s the roof or garage, gardens, or appliances are particularly attractive and in demand for today’s savvy buyers and renters. If you’re focused on exteriors, you can opt for LED lighting, sustainable heat pumps, and solar panels that are all designed and installed to be energy-efficient. These upgrades can result in reduced utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint that are on-trend and popular features for cost-conscious and environmentally-aware house hunters.

Invest in features for entertaining 

For a more traditional look with a modern twist, consider a smart fire pit. These can be gas-powered for instant on/off capability and often come with app control for flame height and intensity, adding a touch of luxury to your outdoor space.

Transform your garden into an all-season entertainment space, a feature that can significantly boost your property's appeal. Specially designed outdoor televisions can withstand the elements while providing a high-quality viewing experience. These can be connected to your home network for streaming services and controlled via your smartphone, showcasing the property's tech-savvy features.

Create an immersive audio experience in your garden with weather-resistant wireless speakers. Many systems allow for multi-zone audio, so you can have different music playing in various areas of your outdoor space, perfect for entertaining or for pointing during viewings. Having outdoor features that can ensure people are more able to use external spaces all year, regardless of the weather or time of day, are sought after.

Market your high-tech exteriors

Investing in high-tech exterior features offers numerous advantages when it comes to selling, renting out, and ultimately marketing your property. In addition to enhanced security, intelligent lighting, and a maximised appeal from the moment someone views your property, smart exterior solutions are a marketing asset.

Today’s house-hunters appreciate the added value in automated systems, smart lighting, and in motion sensors. These exterior upgrades make it easier for estate agents to achieve the best asking price for your home, whether it’s a sale you want this side of Christmas or new tenants. 

In a competitive property market, it’s important to market any high-tech solutions that offer improved security, energy efficiency, and convenience which are all key factors in today's property market. In an uncertain market, these high-tech features can make your property listing stand out and even increase your property's value. Smart solutions will be included in your property description and showcased in marketing photos online or in viewing videos to attract tech-savvy buyers. 

While technology can certainly add value, it's important not to neglect the basics. Ensure your property is well-maintained, decluttered, and presented in its best light. Combine these traditional preparation techniques with cutting-edge technology, and you'll have a property that not only meets but exceeds the expectations of today's discerning buyers and renters.

If you're looking to sell or let your property, or need advice on the current market in your area, get in touch with your local branch or book a free property valuation.