Trends in Technology
ACAR CORNER Issues in the real estate industry
CES 2026 Smart-home Trends
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ach year, major technology brands and startups gather in Las Vegas to reveal the latest innovations and product breakthroughs at the annual CES event and trade show. CES 2026 made it clear that smart home technology has entered a new phase. The focus has shifted away from novelty and toward design, reliability and practical use cases, all of which apply to the real estate industry. Here are the smart home trends from CES 2026, held earlier this year, that real estate professionals should pay attention to:
KEY DEVELOPMENTS Today’s smart locks combine sleek design with advanced access control, making them a practical upgrade for homes, rentals and multifamily properties.
Smart locks as core access tool
Smart locks were one of the most relevant categories for real estate professionals this year, particularly as access control becomes more flexible and more design conscious. Kwikset introduced newer, more modern smart lock designs that remain easy to install. For the highend sector of the industry, this change means sellers are more apt to leave the lock in place, and buyers won’t see it as an eyesore. These locks support Matter, work across major platforms and still include Kwikset’s SmartKey feature, which allows property owners to rekey locks quickly between occupants. Lockly stood out for a different reason. Its tap-based access system allows users to unlock doors without relying on internet connectivity at the property. This is especially valuable for new construction, rental properties and short-term rentals where Wi-Fi may not yet be installed or reliable. The system also delivers information like community details, house rules or welcome instructions. This opens the door to smoother self-guided tours and guest access. Lockin showcased advanced mortisestyle smart locks – a lock in which the latch and deadbolt are combined into 26
a single unit – designed for doors commonly found in condos and multifamily buildings. These locks integrate biometric access, cameras and even wireless charging, eliminating battery maintenance. While a premium investment, they offer a glimpse into the future of access control in urban and higherdensity housing. Why it matters: Smart locks are no longer just a convenience feature. They are becoming an operational tool for agents, builders and property managers.
One ecosystem is better than 5 apps
Another clear trend was the push toward simplified ecosystems. Brands like Govee, Eufy and others highlighted platforms where lighting, security and automation work together rather than as isolated gadgets.
Many of these systems are being built to work more seamlessly across platforms and to function reliably even when internet connections are unstable. The result is technology that feels less like something homeowners have to manage and more like something that simply works. For buyers and renters, that lowers the barrier to adoption. For agents, it reduces friction during showings and cuts down on avoidable issues. Eufy leaned heavily into devices that combine multiple functions such as doorbells with built-in cameras and lighting, while keeping processing local and pricing accessible. Why it matters: Buyers are more likely to embrace smart features when they are easy to understand and do not come with ongoing fees.
AI sensors quietly improve comfort
Some of the most practical innovations were not flashy at all. CES 2026 showed how AI-powered sensors are improving comfort, energy efficiency and property protection in subtle ways. Lutron expanded its smart shade lineup with new wood options that feel premium and design-forward, while adding automation that adjusts Properties | August 2026