FEATURE ARTICLE
depending on usage patterns , can potentially alleviate electricity-related problems . In addition to this , the meters are able to measure the amount of electricity used within the peak times , adjusting unit pricing accordingly . Furthermore , these meters would enable the utility company to accurately measure usage , in real time , and ensure customers are billed correctly .
The potential for these meters are great within large buildings , where a Siemens study found that electricity consumption was reduced by 10-14 % due to the switching on or off of lights and air-conditioning , installing roof solar panels , metering usage on a continuous basis , and linking internal temperatures to outside ones .
The implementation of IoT technology is seen in more places than office buildings :
Smart transport
Connected cars have been around for some time . Soon , your SatNav system will be dwarfed by self-driving cars able to anticipate traffic , and choosing a different route for you . Imagine the added productivity gained by being able to write emails during your commute ( without the risk of fines ).
Technology is also being utilized for more frivolous features , such as changing the exterior colour or interior themes of the car .
Cars are being used as sensors themselves . Sensors in cars are nothing new - from park assist , to lane-departure warnings , to blind-spot monitors , and even the humble temperature gauge , our cars have long been reading the environment . Now , however , they ' re providing data to the world around them . Cars are able to send data regarding open parking spots to nearby commuters , alert authorities to fires or accidents , and send information regarding traffic patterns to the relevant departments .
Maybe not a car , but drones hold much potential in terms of transport . As the technology advances , these unmanned aerial vehicles will be able to carry larger loads for longer distances - enabling more space-efficient delivery and , possibly , even the end of long-haul trucks as we know it .
Smart homes
The real estate sector has experienced a shift in what home-buyers and tenants are looking for . With advances in technology and portability , the value of property is starting to shift . In the past , a property was easy to define : it was either centrally located , or secluded ; spacious , or cozy ; modern or traditional . In today ’ s market . - and the market of the next decade - the wish list of a buyer has changed .
We are becoming more aware of factors like green features , Internet access and speed , and lifestyle advantages . As a result , the inherent value of a city-center apartment might be under threat over the next few decades . It ’ s been well-documented that today ’ s workforce is more mobile than ever before , with the ability to work from nearly everywhere ( beds and coffee shops not excluded ). This means that , for many professionals , accessibility and location are becoming less about work , and more about leisure . Developers are seeing an increase in lifestyle estate sales , specifically those offering homeowners sustainable living solutions .
Within the home , smart features are truly taking over . Amazon ’ s Echo is but one example of a connected device aimed at making life simpler . This , and others like it , enables residents to control multiple factors in the home : including lighting , temperature , security , and entertainment .
Smart agents
It ’ s been widely speculated that the role of the estate agent is about to disappear . Not so , says the US National Association of Realtors ’ 2017 report . It found that , while 51 % of homebuyers found their home on the Internet , 88 % made use of a real estate agent to handle the actual purchase . This indicates that , while more homebuyers are using technology to find potential homes , the legalities and technicalities of buying a property is left to the professionals .
A definite emerging trend , however , is the way in which online platforms are becoming one-stop solutions . This enables homebuyers to access available properties , view attractions in the neighbourhood , determine whether or not they ’ d be eligible for a home loan , and schedule viewings on one platform .
The development of technologies such as Virtual Reality ( VR ) and Augmented Reality ( AR ) are further changing the way in which we look for real estate .
Estate agents and developers are starting to make use of these technologies in marketing their properties , but there ’ s still much room for growth .
Smart shopping
Online shopping has changed the way we interact with physical stores . According to Herculano Rodrigues , Associate Director at Javelin Group , Accenture Strategy , e-commerce will account for 40 % of transactions within the next decade . There ’ s no greater example of online vs . physical than Walmart and Amazon . These American retail giants both own their respective share of the market , with many predicting Amazon ’ s inevitable victory .
Source : Javelin Group
WHAT REALITY ?
Virtual Reality ( VR ) is for content : An entirely immersive experience , VR transports the viewer to whatever world they ' re looking at through their glasses or goggles . It guarantees the viewer ’ s attention , by removing distractions found in real life . In the real estate context , VR plays a powerful role in marketing properties , allowing prospective buyers to effectively walk through the home without leaving the comfort of their lounge .
Augmented Reality ( AR ) adds relevant layers to what the viewer sees in real life . Information can be displayed in real-time while a user is walking through a street . Regarding real estate , AR can be used to show available property ( including vital stats like size and price ) to those driving or walking past . In addition , it can suggest popular parks or restaurants in the area , as well as up-to-date statistics relating to crime or traffic .
14 OCTOBER 2017 SA Real Estate Investor Magazine