Before the Coronavirus outbreak, there was a debate around whether technology was good or bad for society.
But thanks to online home-schooling helping our children, video conferencing allowing us to communicate with colleagues and Facetiming meaning we can stay in virtual touch with relatives the debate has waned. And technology has been embraced by more people than ever.
Below are five ways futurologists (people who look at future trends) are predicting our homes may change once the lockdown ends and the ‘new normal’ begins.
Even Faster broadband. More people will be shopping online than ever. Add that to streaming services and households will want and get faster internet services. 5G service is controversial with some people, but it’s expected to become mainstream quicker than any of its predecessors.
Hand driers. As people are now acutely aware of the importance of clean hands homes will begin to see more and more automated hand driers fitted, like the ones you see in hotels and restaurants. The convenience of the hand driers will replace the need for paper towels and the potentially unhygienic use of cloth towels.
Homeworking. As video conferencing replaces needless meetings, it’s predicted that a raft of new technology will make it even easier to work from home. The likes of Zoom, Microsoft, Facebook and Apple are all already investing in technologies to make the office place a thing of the past.
Delivery Pods. As online shopping booms, homes could have their own secure delivery pods as standard. The boxes could be unlocked with a phone by delivery drivers. So, you might never have another box dumped on the doorstep in the rain.
Smart Homes. As people become more technologically savvy, the rise of automated ‘smart homes’ will continue. Home automation systems will control lighting, climate, entertainment systems, and appliances. It may also include home security, such as access control and alarm systems.
We’re expecting the local property market to fizz back into life once the lockdown and social distancing measures end.
One thing is for sure, and that’s at Martin & Co we will keep doing all we can to help our clients, colleagues and our community across Chelmsford.
