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 confirmation that virtually all new homes in England will have solar panels and low-carbon heating systems such as heat pumps is very good news - for energy security, for the UK's progress toward a carbon-free future, and for the countless households that will benefit as a result. The Guardian
• [New] The delay in bringing in the FHS, which was expected to come into force in 2027, is likely to mean hundreds of thousands of new homes will be built with gas heating, despite soaring costs caused by the Iran war. The Guardian
• [New] In Lancashire, the Preston and South Ribble Flood Risk Management Scheme will receive £15.2 million to safeguard around 5,000 homes when complete. GOV.UK
• [New] A £100 million coastal defence scheme on the south coast between Pevensey Bay and Eastbourne, with more than £8 million invested in 2026 alone, is protecting more than 3,100 homes ahead of the next phase of investment from 2027. GOV.UK
• [New] In partnership with local authorities, homes and businesses will benefit from stronger defences with more than 600 schemes being delivered across England. GOV.UK
• [New] Pending home sales rose 1.8% in February, offering some affordability relief, yet single-family construction starts are projected down 6.2% year-over-year for early 2026. Mortgage Rates, Home Loan Guides & Expert Insights | Th
• [New] ANZ says it now expects house prices to fall in 2026 as conflict in the Middle East means lower household confidence and upwards pressure on interest rates. RNZ
• [New] 30,000 workers and thousands of UK businesses are currently delivering critical elements of Phase One, with the programme expected to bring £20 billion in economic uplift and unlock 63,000 new homes in West London and the West Midlands over the next decade. Rail Technology Magazine
• [New] 1 in 8 US homes will have solar by 2030, most paired with storage. CyberNative.AI - Social Network with Interactive AI Age
• [New] Driven by the macroeconomic pressures of the current decade, where global supply chain disruptions and inflationary environments have squeezed household budgets, an unexpected five-thousand-dollar emergency veterinary bill is no longer just an inconvenience; it is a catastrophic financial event. openpr
• [New] Saying that, US Re's role is to hold severe catastrophe risk at a lower cost than any other entity ever could, which creates two benefits in the premium calculation that will lower and stabilize the cost of home insurance. Artemis.bm - The Catastrophe Bond, Insurance Linked Sec
• [New] US Re could help households maintain more consistent and affordable coverage, contribute to resilience and disaster recovery, and help stabilize mortgage and housing markets. Artemis.bm - The Catastrophe Bond, Insurance Linked Sec
• [New] Home insurance in Texas is changing because the risks are changing. Richey Insurance Agency
• Federal dollars invested in Build Canada Homes will be leveraged to attract private capital, investors and builders to expand housing supply. SenCanada
• 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
• 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
• National house prices are expected to rise 7.7% in 2026, with unit values projected to increase 7.1%. / Australia LinkedIn
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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

Last updated: 28 March 2026