Here's what's trending in smart homes right now, what homeowners want, and how tradies can position themselves to win more work in 2026.
Smart homes aren’t some futuristic concept anymore — they’re already here, and Aussie homeowners are asking about them every day. From app-controlled lighting to voice-activated security systems, smart tech is quickly becoming a standard expectation, not a luxury add-on.
For tradies, this shift is a massive opportunity. The ones who understand smart home trends (and can confidently talk about them) are landing better jobs, charging higher rates, and building long-term client relationships. The ones who don’t? They’re getting undercut or overlooked.
So let’s break down what’s trending in smart homes right now, what homeowners are actually asking for, and how tradies can position themselves to win more work in 2026 and beyond.
Australian homeowners are more tech-savvy than ever. Rising energy costs, remote work, and home security concerns have pushed people to look for smarter ways to manage their homes.
And here’s the key point:
Most homeowners don’t want to DIY this stuff.
They want a qualified electrician, plumber, security installer or builder who knows:
What products are reliable
What works with what
What’s compliant with Australian standards
And what’s actually worth the money
That’s where tradies come in — and why being “smart-home aware” is now a genuine business advantage.
With electricity prices staying stubbornly high, homeowners are keen on anything that helps reduce bills.
Common requests include:
Smart meters and energy monitoring systems
Solar system optimisation
Smart switches and power points
Battery storage integration
Electricians who can explain how these systems work (without overwhelming clients) are in high demand. Even better if you can bundle smart energy upgrades with existing electrical work.
Smart lighting isn’t just about turning lights on from your phone anymore. Homeowners want:
Automated schedules
Motion-activated lighting
Mood and zone lighting
Energy-efficient LED setups
For tradies, this is a great upsell during renos or rewires. Once a client understands the benefits, they’re usually happy to spend a bit more for something future-proof.
Security remains one of the biggest drivers of smart home adoption in Australia.
Popular installs include:
Smart doorbells
App-connected cameras
Motion sensors
Smart locks and alarms
Homeowners love being able to check their place while they’re at work or away. Tradies who can recommend reliable brands and ensure clean, compliant installs stand out instantly.
Australians are investing heavily in comfort — especially with more people working from home.
Trending upgrades:
Smart thermostats
Zoned heating and cooling
Automated blinds and ventilation
Integration with solar systems
This is where electricians, HVAC tradies and builders can collaborate — and where being visible on a marketplace can help you get those cross-trade referrals.
Homeowners might mention things like “Alexa”, “Google Home” or “Apple HomeKit” without fully understanding what they need.
Tradies who can confidently say:
“Yep, that’ll work — and here’s how we set it up properly”
instantly build trust.
You don’t need to be an IT expert — just knowing compatibility basics and limitations is enough to position yourself as the smarter choice.
Here’s the reality: smart home jobs aren’t just about installing gear.
Homeowners want tradies who can:
Explain options in plain English
Recommend products that suit their lifestyle
Install cleanly and professionally
Provide basic guidance on how to use the system
Tradies who tick these boxes get:
Better reviews
More referrals
Repeat work as homes get upgraded over time
You don’t need to overhaul your business to get into smart home work. Start small.
Some easy ways to position yourself:
Offer “smart-ready” installs (future-proof cabling and layouts)
Bundle smart upgrades with standard jobs
Add smart options to your quotes
Mention smart experience in your profile and job pitches
Even basic knowledge gives you an edge over tradies who don’t mention smart tech at all.
Here’s the catch: even if you offer smart home services, homeowners won’t hire you if they can’t find you.
Smart home jobs often go to tradies who:
Respond quickly
Look professional online
Have strong reviews
Appear active and reliable
That’s where a marketplace like ServiceSeeking.com.au comes into play.
When homeowners post smart home-related jobs, they’re usually ready to hire — not just “browse”. Tradies on a plan get access to quality leads, can quote on relevant jobs, and build their reputation faster in their local area.
One of the biggest benefits of smart home work?
It rarely stops at a single job.
A homeowner might start with:
A smart doorbell
Then move on to:
Lighting
Security
Energy management
Full automation
Tradies who get in early often become the go-to contact for future upgrades.
Smart home technology isn’t replacing tradies — it’s creating more opportunities for those willing to adapt.
You don’t need to know everything. You just need to know enough to guide homeowners confidently and deliver solid, compliant work.
And when you pair that knowledge with visibility on a trusted marketplace, you put yourself in front of homeowners who are actively looking — and ready to spend.
If smart homes are part of where Aussie housing is heading (and they are), the smartest move tradies can make is positioning themselves now — with the right skills, the right message, and the right leads coming through the door.
Here's why homeowners book early, what they’re looking for, and how you can position yourself as the tradie they pick over anyone else.
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