In today’s fast-paced world, technology is becoming more than just a luxury — it’s a lifestyle. For homeowners across the UK, smart devices are no longer just “nice to have” — they’re genuinely practical tools that improve comfort, safety, and even help lower energy bills.
If you’re upgrading your property or simply curious about smart home tech, this guide covers seven must-have smart home devices that can transform how you live — and even boost your home’s appeal to potential buyers.
1. Smart Thermostat – Take Control of Your Heating
Let’s start with one of the smartest investments a UK homeowner can make: a smart thermostat. Devices like Google Nest or Hive Active Heating allow you to control your heating via a mobile app or voice assistant.
Why it’s worth it:
- It learns your routine and adjusts temperatures automatically.
- You can manage heating remotely — perfect if you’re coming home early or staying out late.
- Many users see a reduction in heating bills by up to 30%, according to the Energy Saving Trust.
Example: After installing Hive in her three-bedroom home in Bristol, Alison noticed her gas bill dropped by nearly £200 over the winter season — all without sacrificing comfort.
2. Video Doorbell – Know Who’s Knocking
Whether you’re at home, at work, or on holiday, a smart video doorbell like the Ring can show you who’s at your door in real time. You’ll get a live feed on your phone whenever someone rings or even approaches.
Key perks:
- Instant alerts with live video and audio
- Acts as a deterrent against doorstep theft or cold callers
- Records footage — helpful if you ever need it for security or disputes
UK Insight: With the rise in online shopping and home deliveries, having eyes on your doorstep is more useful than ever.
3. Smart Security Cameras – Peace of Mind, Inside and Out
Whether it’s your front garden or your living room, smart security cameras like Arlo, Eufy, or Blink give you the ability to monitor your property anytime, from anywhere.
Top benefits:
- HD video recording with night vision
- Motion and sound alerts straight to your phone
- Two-way talk lets you check in or warn off intruders
Tip: Outdoor models can be solar-powered and weatherproof, making them great for the UK’s unpredictable weather.
4. Smart Lighting – Set the Mood and Save Energy
Swap out your standard bulbs for smart ones like Philips Hue or LIFX and you’ll never have to get up to flick the switch again.
Why it’s popular:
- Adjust brightness and colour from your phone
- Schedule lights to come on at sunset or when you’re away
- Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit
Fun fact: LED smart bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than traditional incandescent bulbs — good for the environment and your wallet.
5. Smart Plugs – Smart Control for Not-So-Smart Devices
Just because your old fan or kettle isn’t “smart” doesn’t mean you can’t control it remotely. Plug it into a smart plug, and suddenly you can turn it on or off from anywhere.
Features:
- Schedule devices to run only when needed
- Monitor energy usage
- Create routines — for example, turn on your coffee machine when your alarm goes off
Real-world use: Mark in Kent used smart plugs to reduce standby power usage, saving around £90 annually.
6. Smart Home Hubs – Connect Everything Together
A smart home hub like Amazon Echo or Google Nest Hub brings all your devices together so you can control them with your voice or one central app.
Benefits:
- Hands-free control of lights, heating, and plugs
- Set routines, like “Good Morning” to open blinds and start the kettle
- Listen to the news, weather, or even control your smart TV
Why it matters: Hubs make using multiple devices simpler, especially if your home setup is growing.
7. Smart Smoke & CO Detectors – Safety That Alerts You Anywhere
Traditional alarms are helpful — but only when you’re home. Smart alarms like Nest Protect go a step further by sending alerts to your phone the moment smoke or carbon monoxide is detected.
What you get:
- Voice alerts and mobile notifications
- Battery status updates and self-checks
- Peace of mind even when you’re away
UK Safety Note: These devices are especially helpful in older homes where wiring might pose a greater risk of electrical fire.
My Take: A Smarter Home Is a Better Home
As someone who works closely with UK homeowners and the real estate market, I’ve seen how smart devices are shifting from “gadget territory” into “must-have” territory. Buyers ask about them. Sellers install them. And everyday families love the convenience.
In my opinion, even starting with just a couple of these devices — like a smart thermostat and video doorbell — can make your daily routine easier and your home more secure. It’s an upgrade worth considering, not just for tech fans, but for anyone who values practicality.
FAQs
Yes — most modern devices can be integrated into a central hub or app. Brands like Google, Amazon, and Apple offer ecosystems that work well together or via third-party platforms like IFTTT.
Absolutely. Devices like smart thermostats, plugs, and lighting are designed to reduce energy waste, which can lead to significant annual savings.
Generally yes, but like any tech, you should take precautions. Change default passwords, use strong Wi-Fi encryption, and regularly update your device firmware to stay secure.
Final Word
Smart home devices aren’t just about showing off. They’re practical, they improve daily life, and they can even increase the value of your property. Whether you’re starting small or going all in, these tools are helping UK homes become more efficient, safer, and future-ready.