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] Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan outlines a national housing budget of AED 65 billion, along with metro extensions and deep tunnel drainage, which will anchor multi-year demand for concrete aggregates, masonry sand, and specialty glass. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 reforms have birthed upscale shopping venues like VIA Riyadh, now home to esteemed brands like Balenciaga and Dolce & Gabbana. Mordor Intelligence
• [New] A regional share of nearly 26.8% is predicted to be held by the U.K. in 2026, as the National Health Service continues expanding virtual wards, hospital-at-home services, and integrated community care. Persistence Market Research
• [New] China will likely lead in Asia Pacific in 2026 with a share of about 39.9%, as its elderly population continues to expand rapidly, creating significant demand for long-term home-based medical care. Persistence Market Research
• [New] A share of nearly 64.1% is expected to be held by the U.S. in 2026 in North America, as healthcare providers are shifting post-acute and chronic disease management from hospitals to patients' homes. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Home health care services are predicted to lead with a share of about 37.2% in 2026, as they allow patients to receive skilled medical treatment without leaving their homes. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Manufacturers investing in accessory bundling and subscription-based replacement programs stand to build recurring revenue streams as the installed device base across home healthcare and clinical settings continues expanding steadily through 2033. Persistence Market Research
• [New] Virtual reality could help physiotherapy patients complete their exercises at home successfully thanks to researchers at WMG, University of Warwick, who managed to combine VR technology with 3D motion capture. ScienceDaily
• [New] Hotter heatwaves could lead to 92% of existing homes overheating by 2050, adding that they may require air conditioning. The Guardian
• [New] Buyers now have greater negotiating leverage in 41 of the 50 largest U.S. housing markets, with increased price cuts and longer listing times creating opportunities for concessions such as seller-paid closing costs and mortgage rate buydowns. Churchill Mortgage Blog
• [New] Hundreds of thousands of new units will be delivered across the UAE by 2026, significantly expanding the housing stock. Gravity Real Estate
• [New] While today's smart homes can already automate lighting, security, cleaning, entertainment, and climate control, the next generation of AI Home Devices 2026 is expected to become even more proactive, personalized, and autonomous. ThedigitalbreifNews
• [New] The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects employment of home health and personal care aides to grow 17% between 2024 and 2034, with approximately 765,800 openings per year when replacement needs are included. Care Across America
• [New] The online segment is projected to register the fastest growth rate from 2026 to 2033, driven by rising e-commerce penetration and the convenience of home delivery. Data Bridge Market Research
• [New] Octopus believes that if enough households delay using electricity for a short time during the eclipse, it could reduce the need for Great Britain's electricity system operator to fire up extra gas-fired stations to replace the lost solar power. The Guardian
• In Scotland homeowners can get a £7,500 grant for a heat pump via its Home Energy scheme - but for air-air versions that could offer cooling there is no funding at all. BBC News
• Australian households face the prospect of a Reserve Bank interest rate hike and petrol prices above $2 a liter over the coming weeks, economists warn, as the escalating Middle East crisis pushes global crude back above $US100 a barrel. The Guardian
• By 2030 there will be an additional 1.5 million premature deaths per year caused by household pollution from burning wood and dung and through a lack of basic sanitation and healthcare. Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration
• While price trends are going to vary by area, and some places are seeing mild declines, experts still expect home prices to net positive in 2026 at the national level. Arbor Home Loans
• The National Association of REALTORS expects home sales to improve modestly during the second half of 2026, with buyer activity continuing to build throughout the remainder of the year. Mynor & Associates
• Moving forward, we think Canadian housing will continue its recovery in the second half of the year, supported by pent-up demand and past affordability improvements in B.C. and Ontario. Mortgage Rates & Mortgage Broker News in Canada

Last updated: 22 August 2026