The ‘Connected Home’ report identifies and examines the benefits of smart technologies which are transforming the way we live, including those which are already available through to those on the near and distant horizon.

From current technology such as movie streaming to the possibilities offered by the ‘Internet of Things’, the NHBC Foundation report finds that smart homes will increasingly offer better comfort, improved energy efficiency and health benefits.

The report offers guidance to house builders, recommending that they ‘future proof’ new homes by including a small amount of additional hard wiring.

Research has found that the penetration of ‘smart home’ technology is set to rise from 11 per cent today to 27 per cent by 2020.

Smart technologies identified in the report include:

Neil Smith, head of research & innovation at NHBC, said: “Continual developments in technology over recent decades have transformed the way we work; they are also increasingly changing the way we live in our ‘connected’ homes.

“Connectivity to the Internet at faster speeds is becoming more important, and something that we now expect as a matter of course in just the same way as the supply of other utilities such as water and electricity.

“The connectivity of homes will become more and more important in relation to people’s health and wellbeing. As our population ages, people will increasingly benefit from technologies that are able to monitor health and activity levels.

“Regardless of how smart technology develops, house builders should aim to provide the basic infrastructure for a good home network. Even simple measures at construction stage such as the installation of a couple of wired network points can reap rewards for residents now and in the future.”