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] Apple is working on a home hub that will serve as a centralized control point for smart home products, potentially branded as HomePod Touch or HomePad with a 7-inch touchscreen running Apple's new homeOS. Gadget Hacks
• [New] Following approximately 20% year-on-year revenue growth and a 2-2.5 percentage point gross margin expansion in 2025, Xiaomi management expects 2026 growth to be driven by both government subsidies for consumer electronics and home appliances, and overseas expansion. Tiger Brokers
• [New] By the end of 2025, fiber broadband will pass over 60% of U.S. households, with projections showing fiber on track to become the dominant delivery platform by 2028. Wray Castle
• [New] Home sales are expected to rebound: Economists at the National Association of Realtors project up to a 14% increase in home sales nationally in 2026, driven by more inventory, easing rate pressure, and homeowners finally listing after years of staying put. Churchill Mortgage Blog
• [New] Most new young homebuyers in America will purchase a single-family home. RealClearMarkets
• [New] Single family housing continues to attract strong interest from global lenders seeking long-term, stable investment opportunities. Mishcon de Reya LLP
• [New] Hidden housing costs are driving stress in 2026: Nationwide, escrow payments are up roughly 45% over the past five years, contributing to higher delinquency risk in high-tax and high-insurance states. Churchill Mortgage Blog
• [New] The American electric grid - sometimes referred to as the most complicated machine on the planet - is facing a perfect storm of aging infrastructure, increasing physical and digital threats, and new demand from sources such as data centers and the electrification of transportation and housing. Electrification Coalition
• [New] Home Remodeling Bergen County New Jersey projects offer homeowners the opportunity to transform outdated houses into functional, modern homes. TechBullion
• [New] By 2035, owning a small, powerful 3D printer at home might be as common as owning a smartphone, empowering a global culture of rapid self-production. Futurist Keynote Speaker on AI Leadership, Future of Wo
• [New] Household names such as Amazon Kuiper, AST SpaceMobile, and SpaceX's Starlink will drive down costs, presenting a real challenge to traditional GEO models. RCR Wireless News
• [New] The confluence of the 18-year real estate cycle peak, unprecedented commercial mortgage maturities, elevated consumer debt stress, widespread retail contraction, and depleted household savings creates meaningful recession risk for 2026-2028. Medium
• [New] In the Yucatan Peninsula, investments related to tourism - between Tren Maya, airports, roads, hotels, residences - are expected to exceed $35 billion by 2026. Jarnias Cyril
• [New] As technology advances and additional resources become accessible, homeschooling is expected to grow more appealing and available to families globally. Education 2.0 Conference
• [New] The European Commission will present the European Affordable Housing Plan, including an update of state aid rules for Member States to support affordable housing. EPR
• [New] As homeowners look to 2026 and beyond, lighting will continue to shape how homes feel and function. KSLTV.com
• [New] The electrification of New England's home heating and transportation sectors by 2050 is projected to nearly double the Independent System Operator - New England system's peak electricity demand. Energy Musings
• [New] New York plans on loosening environmental rules to speed up home production. Reason.com
• [New] Atlanta's housing landscape in 2026 reflects a city balancing growth, diversity, and opportunity. JustinLandisGroup.homes

Last updated: 24 January 2026