The way we live in our homes is changing rapidly. Rising energy prices are not just a short-term challenge; they are also a catalyst for profound changes that are reshaping households’ priorities, behaviours, and expectations.
The home of the future is taking shape today, becoming more efficient, technologically advanced and environmentally conscious.
The Evolving Consumer: Freer and more Demanding
The signs of change are already evident. In the last six months, 17% of households have switched energy suppliers, confirming the growing mobility of a now mature market, where 70% have already moved to the open market. For this very reason, it is an increasingly dynamic and competitive market.
However, maturity does not necessarily mean stability. On the contrary, we are witnessing an increase in brand switching: consumers are increasingly ready to switch in order to find genuinely advantageous solutions in a context of high costs.
This behaviour foreshadows a clear trend: in the future of living, energy management will become increasingly active and strategic.
From Promise to Value: How Competition is Changing
Competitive dynamics are shifting in this scenario. Price remains important, but it is no longer enough.
Households increasingly value transparency, especially at critical moments such as contract renewals, as well as the quality of the service and the credibility of brands, built up over time.
The future energy market will not be dominated by the biggest promises, but by those who can consistently demonstrate value.
An increasingly intelligent customer journey
At the same time, the way people gather information and make decisions is changing. Today’s consumers, and even more so tomorrow’s, are using increasingly sophisticated tools to navigate the range of home services and products available.
Artificial intelligence-based tools are redefining the customer journey by providing support for complex, personalised enquiries that are almost like consultancy services.
The result is a longer, more complex and informed decision-making process in which every touchpoint counts and must be designed with precision.
Energy Efficiency: the real driving Force behind the Home of the Future
If there is one element that best encapsulates the ongoing changes, it is the growing importance of energy efficiency.
Data clearly shows that investing in efficient solutions becomes even more cost-effective precisely at times when energy costs are rising. The reason is simple: the return on investment accelerates.
Source: Green Home Smart Home | Eumetra
Technologies such as photovoltaic systems, heat pumps, thermal insulation systems and high-efficiency appliances are no longer just a sustainable choice; they are also a tangible economic lever.
Furthermore, technological innovation is breaking down barriers that limited adoption until a few years ago, making these solutions accessible to an ever-increasing number of households.
Smart Home: Untapped Potential
Alongside efficiency, the role of the smart home is also growing. Despite recent developments, there is still vast potential in Italy and across Europe.
Integration with artificial intelligence further amplifies the possibilities, turning the home into an ecosystem capable of optimising energy, comfort and costs through smart energy management and advanced automation.
This is where a fundamental part of the future of living is realised.
Understanding Today to Anticipate Tomorrow: Green Home Smart Home
In such a dynamic landscape, correctly interpreting the signs of change is essential.
The Eumetra Green Home Smart Home Observatory, now in its 10th edition, was established with precisely this objective in mind: to conduct an in-depth analysis of household behaviour and decision-making drivers, as well as the barriers and opportunities involved.
Through an integrated approach, the Observatory enables the following:
- forecasting the evolution of markets linked to home technologies.
- Analysing an increasingly complex and digitalised customer journey.
- Identifying the drivers that encourage the adoption of efficient solutions.
- Understanding the barriers that slow down change.
- Segmenting households to identify the most promising targets.
The aim is not merely to describe the present, but to map out the scenario for the near future.
Green Home Smart Home is aimed at all those involved in the home, including:
- the property and construction sectors, and thermal insulation works;
- manufacturers of home systems, appliances and Smart Home solutions;
- retail chains selling systems, household appliances and home furnishings;
- utilities, energy and solutions providers.
The Home of the Future is a Choice for Today
The direction is clear: the home of the future will be increasingly efficient, smart and integrated.
However, this will not happen automatically. It is the result of informed choices by households and credible proposals from industry players.
In a context of high energy costs and discerning consumers, energy efficiency is no longer optional: it is the key to creating value today and in the future.
→ Would you like to find out more about the Eumetra Green Home Smart Home Observatory, launching shortly?