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 National Association of Home Builders projected 4% to 5% growth in housing starts, and builders delivered. Walterboro Live
• [New] The changes to the CfD support the wider objective of moving towards energy independence and protecting households from volatile fossil fuel prices - the ultimate benefit from delivering clean power by 2030. GOV.UK
• [New] Home values are expected to continue rising into 2026, but the pace of gains is likely to slow as affordability and serviceability constraints impose a natural ceiling on housing prices. Property Update
• [New] Rents are expected to rise by 2% -4% in 2026, while most economists see house prices rising by 3% or more. Morningstar, Inc.
• [New] 2026 could be the slowest year for single-family starts since 2019, so we are not expecting a large uptick in supply. Wolfnest
• [New] Zillow expects existing U.S. home sales to tick up to 4.26 million units, a 4.3% increase over 2025 as affordability slightly improves. Wolfnest
• [New] Home values nationwide are forecast to rise only modestly by 1.2% in 2026. Wolfnest
• [New] Though work, economic opportunity, and family reunification are the chief reasons that people cross borders, many of the notable trends of 2025 related to humanitarian protection. migrationpolicy.org
• [New] 2025 saw weaker-than-expected demand and rising inventories, but a rebound is forecast for 2026 as US housing starts and repair / remodeling (R & R) activity improve. FastMarkets
• [New] Many economists forecast only modest home price gains of 1% to 3% in 2026. Yahoo Finance
• [New] Whether the Tariff Dividend becomes a reality in 2026 remains to be seen, but its growing popularity suggests that direct financial relief for households continues to be a major topic in national economic policy. Pieces Online
• [New] Improved access to affordable housing, revitalization of urban areas and job creation by the tens of thousands are among the expected benefits of California's high-speed programme. Railway Age
• [New] Elimination of Energy Efficiency Credits Credits for energy-efficient homes, commercial buildings (17 9D), and commercial clean energy are set to sunset after 2026 or 2027. Trout CPA
• [New] The inflation risk has fizzled, and due to falling home prices, excess rental properties, and falling crude oil prices, so if anything, there is a potential deflation risk that the Fed must consider. / USA investing.com
• [New] While some of 2025's biggest home trends, such as eco-friendly homes and spa-style wellness amenities, will carry into 2026, new ones are emerging. Business Insider
• [New] Advances in photovoltaic tech will boost efficiency, making solar panels more affordable and accessible - whether it's for homes or businesses. 2025 Top Solar Energy Trends You Need to Know for a Sus
• [New] The adoption of smart home technology is expected to grow by 20% annually, with devices like smart thermostats, security cameras, and leak detectors becoming commonplace. Kollman Group
• [New] From predictive thermostats to cameras that answer questions about what they saw, 2026 homes will feel more personalized. Race Blog
• [New] Unitree Robotics, led by Wang Xingxing, aims to have humanoid robots in homes by 2030, currently developing its first model. Ticker
• [New] Looking to 2026, student-loan payments are likely to remain a meaningful drag on household budgets, even as expanded income-driven repayment options help some borrowers manage rising delinquencies. Forbes
• [New] The EU set targets for energy savings and on protecting vulnerable households from energy poverty and has obligations on reducing primary energy use in residential buildings and increasing the share of renewables in heating and electricity (Directive 2023/2413). Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] Revenues from the EU Social Climate Fund and the emissions trading system for buildings and transport could be directed towards building-decarbonisation schemes to make homes greener and more affordable in the long term. Bruegel | The Brussels-based economic think tank
• [New] Beginning in plan year 2026, the Colorado General Assembly and the Health Insurance Affordability Enterprise will introduce Colorado Premium Assistance to help reduce monthly costs for households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level. Connect for Health Colorado

Last updated: 20 December 2025