It's the question we're asked most often before starting any project: is the investment really worth it? The short answer is yes, but with some important caveats. Home automation isn't just a tech indulgence; done well, it has a real, measurable impact on energy savings, security, everyday comfort and the value of your home. In this article we break down the numbers so you can decide based on real information.

Energy savings: the most tangible benefit

Lighting and climate control account for between 60% and 70% of the electricity used by an average home. These are exactly the two systems that benefit most from smart automation.

  • Presence sensors eliminate consumption in empty rooms. A typical family forgets to switch off the lights 4–6 times a day; with sensors, lighting consumption drops by between 30% and 50%.
  • Scheduling and geolocation-aware thermostats cut heating and cooling costs by between 15% and 30%.
  • Motorised blinds that lower automatically when direct sunlight hits the windows in summer reduce the load on your air conditioning by up to 20%.
  • Smart plugs that cut standby power to appliances and chargers save €50 to €150 a year in an average home.

A well-automated 100 m² home can save between €400 and €800 a year on energy alone. Over 10 years, that adds up to savings of €4,000–€8,000.

Security: the value of peace of mind

Peace of mind is hard to quantify, but some figures help. According to insurance statistics, a home with a connected alarm and active video surveillance suffers between 40% and 60% fewer burglaries than one without these systems. Many insurers already offer discounts of between 10% and 20% on home insurance if you have certified security systems.

Beyond burglary, home automation protects you against other everyday risks: smoke and CO detectors integrated with the alert system, flood sensors in bathrooms and the kitchen, or presence simulation when you're not at home.

Everyday comfort: the benefit you notice most

The return on comfort is hard to measure in euros, but it's what people living in a smart home value most. Coming home to find the temperature already just where you want it, lights that adjust themselves to the time of day, blinds that go up on their own in the morning at your usual time... these are the details that transform the experience of living in a home.

  • Automatic morning routines: waking up to gradually brightening light, the heating on, the coffee machine ready.
  • Away mode: everything off with a single tap (or automatically, using geolocation).
  • Welcome scenes: the house gets itself ready when it detects you're on your way home.
  • Full control from your phone when you're out: check the cameras, open the door for visitors, adjust the temperature.

Added value for your home

A study of the Spanish property market published in 2024 indicates that a property with home automation installed can increase its sale value by between 5% and 8%. In Barcelona's premium market, where the average price exceeds €4,000/m², this can translate into an extra €20,000–€32,000 on the sale price of a 100 m² flat.

Home automation also improves the property's energy rating, which since 2023 has had a direct impact on the rental and sale prices permitted under certain contracts.

Calculating ROI: a real example

Let's take as a reference a 100 m² home in Barcelona with a complete home automation installation (smart lighting, climate control, motorised blinds, basic security):

  • Estimated installation cost: €4,500 – €7,000
  • Estimated annual energy savings: €500 – €800
  • Home insurance discount: €80 – €150 / year
  • Increase in property value: €20,000 – €32,000
  • Payback from energy savings alone: 6 – 12 years
  • Payback including added value: immediate on sale

Those are the timescales for a home. In a business, where lighting and climate control run for many more hours a day, the energy savings pay back the investment in under 3 years: we explain how in office and building automation.

When isn't it worth it?

Let's be honest: there are cases where home automation isn't the best investment. If you're renting a home you won't be selling, if you'll only be using it for less than 3–4 years, or if your budget is very tight, it may be better to start with basic automations (a smart thermostat, a few smart bulbs) before going for a whole-home installation.

Conclusion

Home automation is worth it when you think long term. The return on investment isn't immediate, but it's real and it comes in several forms: energy savings, security, comfort and the value of your property. The best approach is to start with a project that's well designed from the outset, even if it's carried out in phases, so that every euro you invest pulls in the right direction.

At 2SmartHome we help you design an installation tailored to your budget and your real goals. Get in touch for a free visit and we'll present a personalised ROI study for your home or business premises.