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] Home wellness technology is seeing rapid adoption, with mental wellness apps expected to reach $17.5 billion by 2030 and sleep tech growing to $68.8 billion by 2032. Netguru
• [New] Home wellness tech accelerates adoption: Mental wellness apps will reach $17.5 B by 2030 while sleep tech grows to $68.8 B by 2032, as consumers prioritize preventive health solutions at home. Netguru
• [New] Long-term US yields could rise as inflation expectations climb, spilling over into higher European bond yields and raising borrowing costs for households and firms. ABN AMRO Bank
• [New] Looking at transactions, UK Finance has said that it expects around 1.20 million house sales to take place in 2026 and 2027, down from 1.21 million in 2025. The Gazette
• [New] Federal cutbacks to funding for Medicaid and New York's Essential Plan will directly reduce spending throughout the health industry - and especially in the home health subsector that particularly relies upon the Medicaid program. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] New York City begins FY 2026 facing unprecedented risks to Federal funding flowing through its budget and going to its public hospitals, public housing, subways and transit systems, nonprofits, and people. Office of the New York City Comptroller Mark Levine
• [New] Multifamily rents are expected to rise 0.3% in 2026, while single-family rentals are expected to rise 2.3%. AOL
• [New] Prospective buyers should be aware that new construction homes will drop significantly in 2026. AOL
• [New] Value boosters like electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient appliances, and zero-energy-ready dwellings will continue to surge in popularity throughout the in 2026 as buyers seek out ways to save time and money in their new homes. AOL
• [New] Home values will grow about 1.2% over 2026. / USA AOL
• [New] Steady Demand: Montreal attracts new residents due to its relatively affordable housing and good job opportunities. Mortgage Sandbox
• [New] Many regions across the globe are positioning themselves as talent hubs, while Europe risks losing appeal due to housing shortages and rising costs of living. Localyze
• [New] Japan Invests To Fire Up Geothermal Power As cutting-edge technologies unlock geothermal potential, Japan is channeling investments into powerhouse projects across the US, Indonesia, and New Zealand-priming its own reserves for a clean energy boom at home. JPT
• [New] By 2030, one in five Americans will be over 65, a demographic shift that will significantly increase the demand for hospice and home care. LWW
• [New] By 2026, the United States will be home to some of the most innovative transportation systems in the world, offering a glimpse of a cleaner, smarter, and more connected future. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Defence Housing Australia plans to double the size of its Rockingham property portfolio over the next five years to around 1,200. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Households are exposed to much more risk and sources of shock than businesses. Business Insider
• [New] Household income growth in NSW has been subdued for some time, and the state budget review warned that higher interest rates would weigh on consumer spending. The Sydney Morning Herald
• [New] Flattish long-term rates and home prices: The 10-year Treasury is expected to finish 2026 around 4-4.25%, with stable home prices and improving turnover. / USA Proactiveinvestors NA
• [New] Thanks to President Trump's leadership, rural Americans will now have affordable healthcare close to home, free from bureaucratic obstacles. The Washington Times
• [New] Up to 43,000 premature deaths a year in Europe could be prevented if they achieved the World Health Organization recommendation that all residents should have at least 1.2 acres of green space at least 1,000 feet from their home. Reasons to be Cheerful
• [New] Even with the sunsetting of Section 2 5D and the shortening of 48 E's full applicability, we believe solar panel systems will still be worth it in 2026 and beyond for the vast majority of U.S. owners of single family homes. Solar Reviews
• [New] Revolution Wind and Sunrise Wind are both in advanced stages of construction and will be ready to deliver power to American homes in 2026, with Revolution Wind expected to begin generating power in January. Offshore Wind

Last updated: 03 January 2026