Homeowners are rapidly becoming hooked up to “the internet of things” by linking everything from their lighting, fridge, doorbell, central heating, sound system, and more, at the touch of a button, or indeed voice command. “Alexa” and her friend Siri are clearly here to stay and she is set to enable us to control more of our lives.

But what is the opportunity for landlords here? The majority of tenants are millennials and they insist on intense connectivity. Superfast broadband and the latest router is essential. Add in “Nest” type remote central heating control, app-controlled lighting and a voice controlled sound system and your rental property begins to ooze tech appeal.  This adds to the tenants’ enjoyment of the property – they’ll pay more, stay longer and are more likely to look after your place as if it were their own.

Home automation technology is relatively inexpensive in relation to the added benefits it brings, especially as Wi-Fi connectivity replaces hard-wiring.