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] Empowering New Yorkers with Energy Efficiency $50 million will be allocated to the EmPower + program to provide low- and moderate-income residents with no-cost home energy assessments and energy efficiency upgrades. Governor Kathy Hochul
• [New] On the policy front, bipartisan U.S. housing initiatives aim to tackle chronic supply shortages, while potential Federal Reserve and government-backed entity actions could reduce mortgage rates from current highs. Hennessy Funds
• [New] The average AFDC-FC caseload representing youth in out-of-home placements (including county resource family homes, FFAs and group care) continues to decline and is projected to equal 26,671 in FY 2025-26. County Welfare Directors Association of California
• [New] UK households are being alerted over free 25 hours worth of electricity you could snag in November. Birmingham Live
• [New] The National Housing Supply and Affordability Council paints a sobering picture, forecasting a shortfall of 262,000 dwellings by mid-2029. Aus Investment Properties
• [New] The federal government's ambitious National Housing Accord aims to deliver 1.2 million new homes between mid-2024 and mid-2029, yet experts project a substantial shortfall. Aus Investment Properties
• [New] Companies in home improvement retail like Home Depot, Inc. and Lowe's Companies, Inc. could experience a slowdown in sales of big-ticket items as consumers prioritize mortgage payments over discretionary home renovation projects. FinancialContent
• [New] Banks in the Euro area and Germany reported tightening credit standards for both enterprises and households in Q3 2025, citing increased credit risk and a reduced appetite for risk. FinancialContent
• [New] Cities are expected to see their populations grow by billions in the coming decades, and the need for new housing and infrastructure is becoming urgent. cachempo.org
• [New] Providing childcare to all NYC families could cost $6 billion annually. Business Insider
• [New] Electricity prices have surged 15% year-over-year, and households face a green levy on bills that could add £200 annually by 2026. Energy News Beat
• [New] HomeKit, which many expect to eventually become HomeOS, works like Amazon Alexa and Google Home as a central hub for controlling compatible HomeKit and Matter smart home devices. BGR
• [New] A home decor brand might use Pinterest Predicts to focus on upcoming minimalistic interior designs, creating Pins that link directly to their product pages, resulting in higher engagement and conversions. Prateeksha Web Design
• [New] By 2026, Airbus aims to produce 75 A320-family aircraft per month, setting a new record in narrowbody output. Simple Flying
• [New] On housing, Bank of Ireland forecasts that 34,500 homes will be built in 2025. RTE
• [New] Families bracing for additional premium shock in 2026 have already absorbed notable increases to the cost of their health plan. Healthcare Dive
• [New] Home heating will cost nearly 8% more than last year, averaging $976. WCPO 9 Cincinnati
• [New] Higher energy bills will be a stark reality for most American households. Yahoo News
• With 44% of UK workers now in hybrid arrangements, court precedents will establish employer responsibility for home office ergonomics by 2027. Astutis
• Housing needs far exceed supply France requires 518,000 homes annually (198,000 social), Germany 400,000 (140,000 social), the Netherlands nearly 1 million by 2031, and Sweden over 500,000 by 2033 - yet production consistently falls short, often by half. Housing Europe
• Last week, the White House announced that it was going to abruptly terminate $500 million in clean energy grant funding to factories and other businesses across New York. Governor Kathy Hochul

Last updated: 01 November 2025