Homes of 2050: Some Predictions
As we enter a new decade, it’s only natural for us to look to the future and consider what life will be like in 10, 20 or even 30 years’ time. What will everyday life be like? How will we go about our daily routine – and how much will this have changed?
Our homes are already being reimagined element by element, with more and more “smart” features being installed and ingenious space-saving techniques introduced. If this is what the domestic properties of 2020 look like, how much will they have changed by the year 2050?
Visually, perhaps not a great deal. The general public still has a relatively strong idea of what a typical house should look like. The preference for properties that are “in keeping” with the rest of the neighborhood has not waned and this is unlikely to change between now and 2050.
The most significant revolutionary elements are likely to be found inside a property, elegantly realized or embedded into the fabric of the building itself. After all, technology is becoming ever more sophisticated, with some options growing increasingly subtle and others now totally invisible.
So, what changes can we expect within the next 30 years? Experts have made a variety of predictions based on the priorities and trajectories of current home design and in this article, the real estate specialists at Property Solvers have selected some of the most likely.
Ready to discover what might you find in a property in the 2050s? Read on for some of the more popular theories.
Intelligent Energy
In recent years, much of the world’s population has turned its attention to the climate. More people than ever are taking steps to reverse the damage that has been done to the planet, including attempts to reduce the burning of fossil fuels or prevent a build-up of non-biodegradable waste.
Now is the era of the smart meter, the tool that allows us to keep a close eye on our energy usage. As time goes by, we can expect further developments in this direction. It’s likely that other systems will be developed whereby we can control our energy usage through built-in systems.
It’s likely that new garages and parking spaces will come equipped with chargers for electric cars. Roof tiles may become individual photovoltaic panels. Not only will this help our planet, but it will also be attractive to those who wish to save money on energy.
In fact, the push towards renewables may have an impact on how our houses are built in the first place, as environmentally friendly alternatives to cement and other materials are sought. We may seek out ways to further reduce deforestation and other harmful practices.
There is also the possibility that our homes will need to adapt to the changing climate. Automatic temperature controls inside a home may be able to respond immediately to changes in the weather outside, while some properties may come equipped with state-of-the-art flood defenses.
Use of Space
As urban areas become more and more densely populated and the push for affordable housing continues, it’s likely that we will see property footprints shrinking still further. Clever use of space will be more necessary than ever.
Experts predict modular interiors with movable walls and increasing numbers of storeys, including mezzanine bedrooms with foldaway beds. These approaches will help to tackle urban overcrowding and may also reduce the cost of heating a property.
This change will be less apparent in rural areas as there is usually a greater amount of available space.
Because the rising cost of housing may see younger generations of families living with their parents or other relatives for longer, we may also witness the rise of small complexes designed to suit residents of different ages.
Shared living is also likely to rise for this reason, so it is likely that numerous properties will be developed with this in mind. However, there is also increased demand for single-occupant apartments and studios in certain regions – most commonly in city centers – so it may be that this kind of accommodation also becomes more widely built than in previous decades.
Accessibility
Both commercial and domestic architects are beginning to design with greater levels of accessibility in mind. Disability awareness is increasing and the world’s population is aging, so new properties are more likely to be developed with this in mind.
We mentioned that many properties, especially those in cities, are likely to be designed with more stories in order to make up for a smaller footprint. However, we are just as likely to develop more single-story homes to accommodate those with additional access needs.
In the near future, elderly or differently-abled homeowners are more likely to be able to find a home that features ramps, lifts, accessible bathrooms and kitchens, and plenty of other features besides – making independent living easier and more comfortable.
Smart technology
Siri, Alexa, and the Google Assistant are unlikely to disappear any time soon – in fact, this software is likely to advance still further, to the degree that it can be built into our properties themselves.
With the speed at which technology continues to be developed, by 2050 we may see AI assistants accessible from any room in the house that knows our morning routine and daily schedule, help us with our shopping lists and set reminders for important events and tasks.
Screen time, as well, is unlikely to diminish. Some experts predict that whole walls of a property could be made digital in order to show on-demand entertainment. Others believe that 360 degrees of VR technology is more likely to monopolize our leisure time.
However, health and wellbeing are likely to remain important to the general public – so we can expect to see the further development of technology that will help us to exercise while we work or enjoy our leisure time.
In the near future, it is likely that we will also embrace smart technology when it comes to security. Remote-operated door locks, security cameras that can be accessed from any location and access systems that are activated by “touching in” with a smartphone are already available.
Assisted planning
Homes of 2050 are likely to prioritize functionality and time-saving. There is the possibility that, by this decade, technology will permit us to “try on” clothes or accessories in “smart” mirrors before we purchase them or select them from our existing wardrobe.
Apps or similar software will help us to try out different types of interior design or renovation too, helping us to visualize major changes before we make them and therefore saving us time, stress and money.
Green spaces
As we’ve previously mentioned, conservation is likely to remain in the public consciousness for many decades to come – as is the need for the upkeep of physical and mental health.
In recent years, there has been a considerable boom in inner-city development proposals featuring green spaces and the opportunity for outdoor recreation. This is unlikely to slow down.
Future developments may include communal courtyards, rooftop gardens or solariums that provide residents with much-needed sunlight, exercise, and contact with nature. Living walls and other features may be installed to help clean the air in built-up locations.
It has even been suggested that it could be possible for homeowners to grow their own fruits and vegetables indoors using a “living wall” style setup.
Homeworking
In many professional fields, the capacity for remote working is increasing. This is in no small part due to the rise of cloud technology. The number of self-employed individuals is on the rise too, representing the beginning of what many call a “gig economy”.
As a result, 2050 may see many newer properties built that feature home offices and enhanced connectivity, such as built-in conferencing facilities.
Combined properties such as apartments above workshops may also increase in number, as may live/workspaces for artists – compact studios with mezzanine sleeping areas above.
Comfort
It’s expected that the sofas, chairs, and beds of the future will be automatically adaptable and adjustable to each user’s shape and comfort requirements. Highly advanced orthopedic mattresses and seats are already available, but the technology continues to advance.
Special anti-allergenic or anti-viral upholstery may be introduced – reducing the severity of the user’s reactions to house dust or pollen, for example, or helping to prevent the spread of illnesses. Mattresses may be fitted with heating or cooling technology for greater comfort.
Some experts believe that we will eventually be able to create our own particular profile for each piece of furniture in our home, causing it to adjust to our requirements whenever we use it.
Life on-demand
As the decades wear on, there seems to be an ever greater demand for our time. We can now access emails from home and commutes are taking longer and longer.
In order for homeowners of the future to achieve a little respite, it’s likely that domestic properties in 2050 will be fitted with the most up-to-date, time-saving, on-demand technology.
As transport links and services like Uber become more and more readily available, property developers are likely to do away with garages and driveways in many urban locations, shrinking property footprints still further.
Hatches and lockers for online grocery, takeaway and retail deliveries may also be introduced so that residents won’t need to stay at home to collect an order.
Even cooking appliances and other everyday gadgets are likely to be designed to take as little time as possible to operate, winning back a considerable amount of time for their users.
A summary
Many of the trends and focuses that have most heavily impacted the general public in recent years are likely to have an impact on the design of the homes of the future.
We wish to improve our relationship with the climate and reduce our carbon emissions and levels of waste production. The way in which energy will be used and unwanted materials will be disposed of in a property in 2050 is likely to reflect this.
There are demands for more housing in our urban centers, despite little space being available. Therefore, future city homes will feature adaptable rooms and smaller footprints.
We are an aging population and our awareness of those with access needs are growing. Homes in 2050 are likely to be more accessible as a result.
We already have access to impressive smart technology, including personal assistants and security equipment. These developments are likely to continue, making our future homes highly functional.
Our simple daily decisions and entertainment are likely to be made easier through handy visualization tools and virtual reality. We may also enjoy more time outdoors surrounded by greenery to improve our mental health and the purity of the air around us.
With the steady rise of remote working and self-employment, many properties will be designed to support those who wish to set up shop in the comfort of their own home.
Speaking of comfort, even our furniture has the potential to become “smart”, boasting optional features that will help to improve our general sense of wellbeing as well as improving the health and happiness of those who suffer from musculoskeletal conditions.
Finally, our homes will help us to save time by adhering to an on-demand lifestyle, automating or simplifying menial activities and allowing us to focus on the important things.
Of course, these are only predictions. In the modern age, things move extremely quickly, and it is possible that we will see developments in the near future that will result in totally different design decisions by the time we reach the year 2050.
Currently, however, our current priorities, preferences, and needs dictate that the developments mentioned in this article are the most likely to occur within the next 30 years.
For further information about the property market and its current trends, do feel free to get in touch with the specialists at Property Solvers today (you can Google us and find our contact details). The team will be more than happy to offer advice and guidance, whatever your query.