Home automation in new build: what to ask for today

Home automation is no longer sci-fi or a millionaire's whim — it is a layer of comfort and efficiency that Costa Blanca new-build developments incorporate more frequently each year. But there is an enormous gap between 'the home has automation' (what the brochure says) and what is actually installed, what is useful and what is gadgetry you will use for a week and forget.

What current developments include

Standard (mid-to-high quality, 2025)

• EV charger pre-installation: mandatory by regulation (CTE) in new-build garage spaces. Does not include the charger — only wiring and prepared socket. Installing the charger costs €500-1 500 extra.
• Video intercom with screen: standard in most developments.
• Motorised shutters: increasingly standard. Raise and lower with a wall switch (no app or wifi needed).
• Programmable thermostat: for aerothermal or air-con control. Wifi models allow remote control from your phone.

Usually extra (additional cost)

• Smart locks: open with phone, PIN code or fingerprint. €300-800 installed. Useful for rentals (no physical key handover) or habitual key-losers.
• Centralised motorised shutters: one button for all shutters or scheduled automation. €200-500 extra over basic motorisation.
• Smart lighting: app, voice (Alexa, Google Home) or scene control. €50-150 per room.
• Installed EV charger (wallbox): brands: Wallbox, ABB, Schneider. €800-1 500. Typical power: 7.4 kW (full charge in 4-8 hours).
• Smoke/flood/intrusion sensors: connected to phone or alarm panel. Especially useful for second homes or holiday rentals.

Premium (high-end developments only)

• Integrated automation system: centralised panel or app controlling lighting, HVAC, shutters, security, intercom and multimedia. Brands: KNX (open European standard), Loxone, Control4. €5 000-15 000 for a full home. Only worthwhile if you will genuinely use it.
• Zoned underfloor heating with individual control: each room with its own thermostat. Living room at 22 °C, bedroom at 19 °C simultaneously.
• Integrated CCTV: cameras in communal areas and perimeter with recording and remote access. Common in villa urbanisations, less in apartment buildings.

What to ask the developer before signing

1. Are shutters motorised as standard or extra? Can they be added later or only during construction?
2. Is the thermostat programmable and wifi-enabled?
3. Is there pre-installation for future automation? (KNX bus, ethernet cabling per room — much cheaper during construction than afterwards)
4. Does the EV pre-installation include sufficient power? (3.7 kW monophase = minimum; 7.4 kW = recommended)
5. Is there fibre optic to the home (FTTH)? Standard in 2025 but verify — internet speed conditions all wifi automation.

What you will actually use (and what you will not)

Daily use

• Motorised shutters: simple, reliable, immediate comfort improvement. The button that lowers all shutters before bed is a small luxury that becomes essential.
• Wifi thermostat: turning on heating from the car 30 minutes before arriving. Or verifying the air-con is not running after leaving. Real, useful control.
• EV charger: if you have an electric car, it is essential. Overnight home charging is 3-5× cheaper than public chargers.

Occasional use

• Smart locks: useful for holiday rental (generate temporary codes) or key-losers. Day-to-day, a normal key works just as well.
• Smart lighting: scenes (all off when leaving, dim for TV) are convenient. But most people revert to the normal switch after the first month.

Probably will not use

• Centralised automation panel: impressive in the demo, forgotten in 3 months. The phone app does the same thing.
• Smart fridge or washing machine: connected features rarely justify the premium.

Automation as resale value

Motorised shutters, wifi thermostat and EV charger pre-installation add perceived value. A full KNX system adds value for tech-savvy buyers but can deter others (perceived complexity). Rule: 'invisible' automation (works without thinking) adds value; 'visible' automation (requires setup and learning) can subtract for some profiles.

Frequently asked questions

Does automation consume a lot of electricity?

No. A complete system (hub, sensors, thermostat, shutter controllers) uses 30-80 W — less than an old lightbulb. Motorised shutters consume only during movement (10-20 seconds). Bill impact: negligible.

Can I add automation after construction?

Yes, but with limitations. Wireless automation (Zigbee, Z-Wave, wifi) needs no construction work — just sockets and wifi. Wired automation (KNX, ethernet) requires work if there is no pre-installation. This is why requesting extra cabling during construction is important, even if you do not install devices immediately.

Is smart home automation secure against hackers?

Security depends on your wifi network and devices. Use strong wifi passwords, update firmware regularly, avoid unknown brands. Wired automation (KNX) is inherently more secure than wireless. For a normal residential home, risk is low with basic digital security practices.

Google Home, Alexa or Apple HomeKit?

All three work well. Choice depends on your ecosystem: iPhone → HomeKit; Android → Google Home; broadest third-party compatibility → Alexa. In 2025, the Matter protocol allows any brand's devices to work with any ecosystem — ask the developer if installed devices are Matter-compatible.

How much for 'reasonable' whole-home automation?

Practical setup (centralised motorised shutters, wifi thermostat, smart lock, 2-3 smart plugs, voice assistant speaker): €1 000-2 500 all-in. Premium setup (KNX system, zoned HVAC, programmable lighting, cameras, centralised panel): €5 000-15 000. The first is what 90 % of residents need; the second is for enthusiasts.

If you are looking for a home with day-to-day technology, explore our available properties or contact us for a personalised consultation.