Why you can no longer ignore the internet of things
At the Housing Technology 2025 conference, one theme stood out above all others: the growing convergence of housing, infrastructure and technology. This isn’t just about upgrading legacy systems or adding a few more smart sensors; it’s about a fundamental shift in how homes are managed, maintained and experienced.
The challenge is no longer about if the internet of things (IoT) will transform housing; it’s about how the sector integrates and manages the explosion of data these devices generate. And, critically, whether housing providers will seize the opportunity to build smarter, more responsive homes or struggle under the weight of disconnected technologies.
The new infrastructure of housing
Historically, infrastructure was built in silos. Telephony and IT were separate worlds, each managed by its own department, until someone realised that plugging a telephone into the IP network changed everything. Suddenly, communications and IT were no longer separate functions; they were part of the same infrastructure.
The same convergence is happening in housing. Today, homes are no longer just physical spaces; they are endpoints on a network – a complex web of data points generating real-time insights into environmental conditions, energy efficiency, security and even resident well-being. Every sensor, every device and every smart meter is feeding into an interconnected ecosystem.
This shift brings a crucial question: who manages this infrastructure? Just as IT departments were forced to take ownership of voice-data networks, housing providers must now step up and integrate IoT across their operations. If they don’t, they risk being overwhelmed by fragmented systems, reactive maintenance and regulatory headaches.
Why IoT matters now more than ever
The UK housing sector is entering an era of rapid regulatory and technological change. The introduction of Awaab’s Law means that housing providers now have strict timelines to address damp and mould issues. The PSTN switch-off by 2027 forces a transition to digital communications. The push for net-zero housing makes smart energy management essential.
At the centre of all these changes? Data.
IoT isn’t just about installing more sensors. It’s about using data intelligently, turning real-time insights into action, predicting problems before they escalate and moving from a reactive to a proactive model of housing management.
Imagine a world where:
- A housing provider is alerted to a damp and mould risk before a tenant complains.
- Smart heating adjusts itself in response to occupancy patterns, cutting energy waste.
- Cyber-security systems detect and prevent attempted breaches in real time.
- EV charging stations dynamically balance grid demand based on live usage.
This isn’t theoretical; it’s already happening in forward-thinking housing providers. The challenge is scaling this across the sector.
The challenge – From fragmentation to integration
The real hurdle in housing IoT isn’t the technology itself, it’s integration.
Most housing providers already have a mix of legacy systems, standalone IoT solutions and overlapping software platforms. The result? Data silos that prevent housing teams from getting a clear, unified picture of what’s happening inside their properties.
The key to solving this problem lies in standards and interoperability. Emerging frameworks such as Matter (a universal IoT connectivity standard backed by Apple, Google & Amazon) aim to make smart devices more compatible. But housing providers can’t afford to wait for technology giants to solve their problems. They must:
- Mandate interoperability – New procurements should require smart devices and software to integrate seamlessly.
- Centralise data management – Invest in platforms that bring together environmental, energy and security data in one place.
- Think beyond hardware – The value of IoT isn’t in the sensors but in the insights they generate. Housing providers need AI-powered analytics that turn raw data into actionable intelligence.
The business case – Efficiency, compliance & resident experience
Many housing providers see IoT as an expense rather than an investment. That mindset is outdated. Done right, IoT drives efficiency, enhances compliance and improves the resident experience, all while reducing long-term costs.
Cost-savings & operational efficiency
- Predictive maintenance using IoT sensors can cut repair costs by up to 30 per cent, reducing emergency call-outs and unplanned interventions.
- Automated systems can optimise energy use, saving thousands of pounds per year in unnecessary heating, lighting and water costs.
- Streamlined workflows free up staff time, reducing administrative overheads.
Compliance & risk management
- With the rise of Awaab’s Law, housing providers must fix damp and mould problems quickly or face regulatory action.
- Real-time monitoring ensures compliance with safety regulations, from fire alarms to CO2 detection.
- IoT helps manage cyber risks as smart devices become attack vectors so housing providers must prioritise security-first deployment strategies.
Resident experience & well-being
- Smart-home technologies empower residents to control their environment, reducing complaints and boosting satisfaction.
- AI-driven insights allow housing teams to proactively support vulnerable tenants, from monitoring fuel poverty to improving indoor air quality.
- Faster response times and proactive issue resolution build trust between housing providers and residents.
Overcoming barriers to adoption
Despite the clear advantages, many housing providers struggle to implement IoT at scale. The reasons?
- Legacy systems & lack of integration – Many housing IT systems weren’t designed for real-time data. Providers must transition from legacy software to platforms designed for connected housing.
- Skills & knowledge gaps – Housing teams need training to manage IoT infrastructure, understand data analytics and implement cyber security best practices.
- Upfront investment concerns – While IoT requires initial investment, the long-term cost savings and compliance benefits outweigh those costs. Grants, subsidies and partnerships with technology providers can help mitigate this challenge.
The future of housing – Intelligent, integrated and invisible
The next five years will define the future of technology in housing. We are moving towards a model where:
- Homes self-regulate, adjusting heating, security and maintenance needs automatically.
- IoT devices communicate with each other, ensuring a seamless resident experience.
- Data moves from reactive to predictive, helping providers prevent problems before they occur.
However, technology alone isn’t enough. The real transformation happens when housing providers think like digital businesses by embracing data-driven decision-making, investing in smart infrastructure and making IoT an integral part of housing strategy.
The connected home revolution isn’t coming. It’s already here. The question is: will you lead it or will you be left behind?
George Grant is the CEO, publisher and co-founder of Housing Technology.
