UK homes gear up for gadget boom: from robot vacuums to smart devices

Household gadgets look set to soar in popularity, with millions planning purchases of robot vacuum cleaners, electric standing desks and portable projectors, according to a new study.

Aviva’s latest How We Live^[3] report reveals a love of tech across UK homes. Wireless charging stations were the most owned gadgets, with 21% of Brits already owning one and 14% planning to purchase one in the next year.

Robot vacuum cleaners are also gaining popularity, especially among 25-34-year-olds, with 17% already owning one and an additional 28% planning to buy one in 2025.

Other sought-after gadgets include connected exercise equipment and air purifiers, highlighting the growing trend of integrating technology into everyday home life.

Aviva’s latest How We Live report also reveals that nearly four fifths (79%) of Brits own at least one smart technology product in the home.

Gen Zs (aged 16-27, 86%) are the most likely generation to have a ‘smart home’^[4], followed by Millennials (28-43, 84%), and Gen X (44-59, 77%).

The most popular smart technology product is the smart speaker, with just under half (45%) of the population saying they own one. This is followed by smart doorbells and cameras (both at 29%), smart lighting systems or bulbs (25%), and smart thermostats (20%).

Hannah Davidson, Senior Underwriting Manager, Home and Lifestyle, Aviva commented: "Smart homes are changing the way we live, offering convenience and security like never before. Doorbells, for example, can provide peace of mind for occupants and can be useful when dealing with claims, offering visual evidence if footage has been captured of an incident occurring. And devices such as water leak detectors can help to identify issues before they become a bigger problem.

“The interest in smart devices may partly explain why the value of our possessions has jumped by 38% in the last five years, significantly outpacing the inflation rate of 25%.

“As we integrate more high-value smart devices into our households, it’s important to think about home insurance and whether you have the right level of cover for your needs. This could include considering accidental damage cover, for example, which can usually be added on at a fee and provides protection against damage that's caused by a sudden and unexpected accident."

Security driving purchases

When looking at what might be driving these smart home purchases, the research indicates that security could be a priority. According to a previous Aviva study, almost one in 10 UK residents said they were burgled in the year to September 2024, while a quarter said they have been burgled before^[5].

Almost a third (29%) of people in the UK have installed smart doorbells and home security cameras, while 19% plan to purchase a smart doorbell in the next 12 months and 17% plan to purchase a home security camera.

Energy efficiency

The research also suggests that people may be buying with energy efficiency in mind.

According to the data, three in ten (30%) own energy efficient appliances designed to help reduce energy consumption, with a further fifth (20%) planning to make a purchase in the next 12 months. This is further supported by a quarter (25%) opting for smart lighting systems/bulbs, a fifth (20%) choosing smart thermostats and 17% installing smart plugs.

When comparing this to future purchases, 15% plan to purchase smart bulbs, 16% plan to get a smart thermostat, and almost a fifth (18%) plan to buy a smart plug.

To find out more, download Aviva’s How We Live report.

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References:

^1. _{Figure based on respondents who indicated they plan to purchase these items within the next 12 months [↑]}

^2. _{Figure denotes respondents who answered ‘Already have’ or ‘Have AND plan to purchase in the next 12 months’. Smart technology products included: smart speakers; smart doorbells; security cameras; smart lighting system / bulbs; smart thermostat; smart plugs; smart fridge; robot vacuum cleaners; energy efficient appliances designed to reduce energy consumption. [↑]}

^3. _{The underlying research was conducted by Censuswide between 8 and 15 November 2024, via a survey of 4,000 nationally representative respondents across the UK (aged 16+). Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society, which is based on the ESOMAR principles, and are the members of The British Polling Council [↑]}

^4. _{‘Smart home’ represents homes with at least one smart technology product [↑]}

^5. _{Aviva urges customers to prioritise home security as nine percent of UK residents say they have been burgled in the past year news release [↑]}

Enquiries:

Emma Robinson

emma.robinson3@aviva.com

07353 101853