Smart Homes in 2025: Why Renters Want Tech Over Pools

Smart Homes in 2025: Why Renters Want Tech Over Pools
In today’s market, smart homes are no longer a bonus — they're a must-have for a lot of people.

I was surprised to see a survey of 500 renters in the US done by Rently in 2025 reveal that 60% of respondents would choose smart home features over things like a pool or a gym if it meant they'd pay less rent and get better tech.

It’s clear that renters’ priorities are shifting, and it’s worth taking note of what they want in an home

The Top Smart Home Trends for 2025
When it comes to home in 2025, there are some trends you should know about. For starters, these trends are a big deal — not just for renters, but for landlords too.

If you're a property pro, you'll want to stay on top of them to keep your buildings in demand.

Out with Pools, In with Security
Take amenities, for instance. It turns out most renters don’t care much about pools or state-of-the-art gyms anymore. What they really want is safety and convenience.

A whopping 58% would rather have locks, thermostats, and cameras in their homes.

It makes sense. Who doesn’t want to feel safe and secure in their home?

Smart Tech Is No Longer Optional
That’s not all. A majority — 65% — think that smart tech makes a home way more appealing. In fact, nearly a third of them actively seek out homes with this kind of tech.

Most people these days — 54% — think smart locks, thermostats, and security cameras should come standard.

48% expect video intercoms or doorbells

45% want smart lighting

39% say smart appliances are a must

Why Renters Want Smart Tech
Interestingly, for a lot of renters, smart home tech is about more than just convenience. It’s about feeling secure.

41% want tech for safety

18% care about saving energy

11% are in it for convenience

A simple pie chart could illustrate how these motivations stack up:

🟦 Safety – 41%

🟨 Energy Savings – 18%

🟥 Convenience – 11%

Renters Are Willing to Pay for It
Smart home features aren’t extras — they genuinely boost rental value.

65% of renters would pay more in rent for a place with smart home tech

52% would pay ~$20/month more

7% would pay over $80 more

It’s not just about rent either. 77% would consider signing a 2-year or longer lease if the place had smart tech.

The Smart Home Market Is Booming
Investing in infrastructure can really pay off. The smart home market is growing fast:

$3.61 billion in 2024

Expected to reach $4.16 billion in 2025

That’s a 15.4% increase

Projected to hit $6.7 billion by 2029

Key drivers include:

A focus on health

The shift to remote work

Urbanization trends

And it doesn’t stop there — SmartRent alone is forecasted to hit $13 billion by 2030.

The Future of Living: Seamless, Healthy, Secure
What does the future of living actually look like?

By 2025, it’s not just about convenience. Wellness tech is taking over:

Lighting that regulates your sleep

Advanced air filtration systems

Telehealth integrations

Then there’s "invisible tech" — devices integrated into your decor:

Motorized shades

Art-frame TVs

Mood-based ambient lighting

Even security systems are evolving. They can:

Detect pets and objects

Predict crime

Feature shutters on cameras for privacy

Aging in Place with Smart Tech
Smart home tech is also helping people age in place:

Remote monitoring

Emergency systems

Voice controls

AI-driven energy optimization (reduces use by up to 13%)

This makes homes more efficient and sustainable.

Sustainable Living: A Renter’s Priority
Today’s tenants want to go green. That’s why features like:

Smart meters

Water tracking

Waste management

…are in demand. They lower utility bills and support sustainability goals.

But There Are Concerns…
Automation comes with responsibility.

35% of renters worry about being watched

32% fear smart locks could fail in emergencies

31% are concerned about system malfunctions

To ease these concerns, landlords need to be:

Transparent about data handling

Reliable with system upkeep

Open in communication

Trust is key.

Home Design for 2025 and Beyond
Smart features are now part of the living experience:

Mood-enhancing lighting

Natural textures and greenery

Multi-use spaces like “pocket offices”

Wellness-oriented bathrooms

Tech is hidden and sleek, blending form and function.

How Property Managers Can Stay Ahead
So, what should landlords and developers do?

Smart Features That Are Now Essentials:
Smart locks

Energy-efficient thermostats

Security cameras

Smart lighting

These aren’t just "nice-to-haves" — they can boost occupancy and rent, and encourage lease renewals.

Marketing Your Smart Home
For marketers and leasing agents, it’s crucial to highlight the tech.

Use listing phrases like:

“Move-in ready with smart security and energy-saving thermostats.”

Also, get creative:

Analyze renter feedback

Showcase the most desired features

Use video walkthroughs or digital tours to emphasize convenience

The Bottom Line
People are willing to compromise on amenities if they get the features they really want.

Smart homes are no longer optional — they’re the norm.

What matters most:

Safety

Sustainability

Comfort

Peace of mind

When landlords get it right — providing smart, secure, healthy spaces — renters stick around, and profits follow.