Luxury Home Technology Pricing and Trends (2024–2025)
Luxury residential projects in markets like the Hamptons, Manhattan, Miami, Los Angeles, and Aspen continue to drive demand for cutting-edge home technology. This report presents current pricing benchmarks—organized by square foot or unit—for key categories across these high-end markets. It also explores emerging client preferences, platform trends, cost drivers, and new innovations shaping the industry.
Pricing Benchmarks by Market
Smart homes in this segment typically include structured wiring, audio/video distribution, lighting control (e.g., Lutron HomeWorks), motorized shades, professional lighting design, and a centralized control system (e.g., Control4, Crestron, or Savant). The following table outlines average installed costs per square foot (or per window) in major luxury markets. While actual costs vary by project scope, these figures represent typical ranges for 2024–2025:
Home Technology Price Per Foot 2025
These benchmarks include both equipment and labor. Higher-end projects with more zones or custom features generally fall in the upper part of these ranges. Markets like Manhattan and Aspen tend to skew higher due to factors such as union labor or remote logistics. Miami and L.A. remain slightly more cost-effective on labor, while equipment costs are generally comparable across all regions.
Trends in Client Preferences
Holistic Wellness Features
Health-centric technologies are now a priority. Clients are requesting circadian lighting, indoor air quality monitors, advanced water filtration, soundscapes for relaxation, and digital art displays to enhance emotional well-being. These are especially popular in Aspen, LA, and Hamptons homes that include spas, gyms, or wellness spaces.
Sustainability and Resilience
High-end clients are investing in energy-efficient solutions and systems designed for resilience. These include battery backups, solar integration, and automated climate control. Even in traditionally seasonal markets, power continuity during storms is becoming essential. Builders are collaborating with integrators to include EV chargers, LED fixtures, and energy dashboards.
Simplicity and Voice Control
Clients continue to demand ease of use. Systems must work intuitively for the homeowner and staff alike. Voice assistants like Alexa or Josh.ai are widely requested, as they allow natural control of lighting, audio, and climate. Pre-set scenes (“Good Morning,” “Away”) remain popular for their convenience and stress reduction.
Integrated Lifestyles
Clients increasingly expect smart technology to enhance their lifestyle, not just perform technical tasks. Circadian lighting routines, integrated AV for workouts and wellness rooms, outdoor audio, and automated pool systems are among the most in-demand features. The ability to control it all from one platform is considered essential.
Security and Peace of Mind
Beyond traditional alarms, luxury homeowners now seek holistic monitoring—air quality, water leaks, environmental hazards—integrated into their control system. Remote access and real-time alerts are must-haves, especially in vacation markets. Aging-in-place features are also gaining traction for older clients planning for long-term occupancy.
Platform Preferences and Market Shifts
Lutron: Dominant in Lighting and Shades
Lutron remains the preferred brand for lighting and shade control in luxury homes. Its HomeWorks and Ketra systems are widely used for their reliability and integration with third-party platforms. Custom keypads, quiet motorization, and an expanding fixture line reinforce its dominance.
Control4, Crestron, and Savant: Market Leaders in Whole-Home Control
Control4: Known for its intuitive interface and flexibility, Control4 is popular in homes that want unified control at a more accessible price point. It’s especially common in Miami and L.A. and appeals to design-focused clients seeking user-friendliness.
Crestron: Still the platform of choice for ultra-custom estates, Crestron offers unmatched flexibility for large, complex projects. Its streamlined “Crestron Home” platform has opened the brand to faster deployments with a user-friendly interface.
Savant: With its design-forward approach, Savant remains popular in coastal markets like the Hamptons. It’s also making headway in energy management, introducing integrated energy panels, solar tie-ins, and power monitoring systems.
Overall, platform choice is driven by integrator expertise, project scope, and client expectations. Interoperability has become key—many projects feature Lutron shades with Crestron or Savant control, for example.
Labor, Material, and Construction Costs
Rising Labor Rates
A shortage of skilled technicians has driven up wages. Labor now represents around 24% of total project costs. Rates have climbed across all markets, particularly in NYC and Aspen, due to union labor or travel logistics.
Material Inflation
Hardware costs have increased due to supply chain pressures and raw material inflation. While supply chain conditions have stabilized, prices remain elevated. Networking gear, amplifiers, and cabling have all experienced modest but cumulative price increases.
Local Construction Factors
Permitting and construction logistics impact pricing. Manhattan projects often involve union labor and stringent building codes, while Aspen jobs may require lodging and extended transport timelines. These factors contribute to higher overhead.
Pricing Strategy Adjustments
Integrators are now emphasizing transparent and phase-based estimates, often tying pricing to current manufacturer price sheets. Time-and-materials billing is more common in open-ended scopes. Recurring revenue via service contracts is increasingly used to offset tighter hardware margins.
Innovations and Tech Upgrades
High-End AV Experiences
8K-capable distribution, immersive Dolby Atmos audio, and microLED video walls are appearing in ultra-luxury homes. Outdoor 4K displays, weatherproof AV systems, and hidden media lifts are also common in leisure-driven markets.
AI and Predictive Automation
AI-enhanced cameras now distinguish between humans, pets, and vehicles. Predictive automation (lighting scenes triggered by routine behaviors) is gaining traction, along with more natural language processing for voice assistants.
Smart Energy Systems
Whole-home energy management—solar, batteries, generators—can now be tied into the control system. Clients value real-time monitoring and smart load balancing, especially in markets with unstable grids or high utility costs.
Biophilic and Wellness Features
Wellness design is merging with smart tech: dynamic mood lighting, soundscapes, smart beds, and indoor gardens are being automated. Circadian tuning, humidity monitoring, and smart bath tech are also growing categories.
Invisible and Design-Centric Tech
Clients are opting for invisible speakers, mirror TVs, and custom-finish keypads. Clean lines and aesthetic discretion are priorities. Pop-up outlets, hidden AV racks, and architectural integration define modern luxury tech design.
Outdoor and Recreational Integration
From outdoor theaters to snow-melt systems, recreational amenities are increasingly tech-enhanced. Golf simulators, VR rooms, and outdoor Wi-Fi are now common in elite residences.
Insights and Conclusions
Budget Consistency Across Regions
In top markets, most clients allocate 5–10% of the property’s value toward smart technology. A 5,000 sq. ft. luxury home might see budgets of $100k–$300k for complete integration. The primary cost differences across markets lie in labor and permitting, not equipment.Wellness, Simplicity, and Sustainability
The modern luxury client values systems that improve their health, simplify their routine, and reduce energy waste. Lighting, HVAC, AV, and security are expected to integrate seamlessly and function predictively.Platform Stability with Innovation
While platform market share remains relatively stable, innovations within those ecosystems (e.g., Crestron Home, Savant Energy) are reshaping client experiences. Ultimately, clients prioritize reliability and integrator trust over brand loyalty.Rising Costs, Higher Expectations
Despite inflation in labor and materials, clients remain committed to quality and convenience. They’re more receptive to service plans, modular upgrades, and long-term relationships when value is clearly communicated.Innovation as a Competitive Advantage
Integrators who embrace the latest trends—like wellness automation, energy dashboards, and architectural integration—stand out in crowded markets. These innovations often begin in luxury homes before reaching broader segments.
In summary, luxury home technology in 2024–2025 is defined by personalization, elegance, and performance. While pricing has increased, so too has the sophistication of both systems and clients. The best integrators balance innovation with practicality, offering future-proof solutions that enhance how clients live, relax, entertain, and thrive.