Modern home management systems: putting control into your hands wherever you are 

Control and reassurance. These are the two chief concerns for property owners with homes that are frequently left empty. How to manage energy systems when you’re not there, maintaining the fabric of the building through effective temperature control, for example, without wasting resources, and also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing your house is secure. 

Modern technology provides exciting, innovative solutions, all manageable from a smartphone thousands of miles away. Automatic lighting, smart locks that can be activated remotely, humidity sensors and facial-recognition software showing who is on your property are among the high-tech solutions utilised in smart homes today.   

“Successful remote management starts with a secure and stable internet connection,” says Max Beard, Innovation Architect from Knight Frank. “Rural locations might not have highly resilient internet networks, one reason why some owners look to a satellite solution, Starlink for example. My advice is, don’t skimp on the internet connection. Especially in larger properties, a traditional broadband system will not do the job.”

Today’s high-tech solutions address three key areas: environmental control, security management and resource management. On the first point, historic buildings were not designed with modern expectations of thermal comfort, warns Beard, an issue that has become increasingly apparent during hotter summers.

“Smart climate systems can work alongside existing fabric, regulating temperature and humidity while minimising energy use,” he says. “This is especially relevant as Europe pushes towards energy-efficient retrofits. Solar panels, ground source heat pumps and boreholes can reduce reliance on the grid and make energy management easier. Using Tesla Powerwalls, energy can be stored and surplus energy can be sent back to the grid, helping financially.” 

Security management in a home often left empty for extended periods is a major concern for international homeowners and here too, remote systems provide reassurance. The ability to turn lights on and off remotely, or open and close curtains and blinds, all make a home look occupied and can be managed from a phone. Cameras and monitoring systems allow owners to manage access, oversee maintenance and respond to issues remotely, while sensors alert you to problems. 

“Well-positioned cameras help with active maintenance and undoubtedly give owners reassurance. You can log in, look around and know that everything is fine,” says Ross Powell, Head of PAM Systems at Knight Frank. “Be aware, though, that in some countries like Italy, data protection rules are strict, which means that in shared spaces, in a condominium, for example, you cannot place cameras in communal areas such as swimming pools.”  

Resource management is improved with technologies that monitor water usage or detect leaks. Humidity sensors on exposed pipes can act as early flood warning systems, alerting owners and potentially saving time and money. Solutions from technology firm Watergate include an e-switch, cutting water flow if it senses a pressure change. “People tend to focus on the price of energy or internet speed, but water usage is hugely important,” warns Beard. 

“Anything you need to detect in your property can now be monitored remotely,” says Powell. “While some systems require experts to map them out, they’re often not as expensive as you’d think, with many available on subscription. The technology is getting ever smarter too. AI will soon be able to act as your remote personal assistant, seeing the problem, diagnosing it and immediately contacting someone to fix it. That’s the future.”