In recent years, it has become clear that mixed-use schemes are a strong business strategy, combining residential, commercial and leisure elements to create multiple revenue streams and optimise long-term returns. Homes now must represent function, appeal, and integration with community elements that support everyday life.
Within the context of UK housing demand, where there is a target of 300,000 new homes a year, according to the UK government, scaling housebuilding sustainably is essential. But so is creating developments that genuinely meet residents’ needs.
The question for developers is no longer just how to build more homes, but how to build homes that deliver long-term value.
As residents look for spaces that they can work, live and play in, this combination of lifestyle and business considerations has shifted how developers approach planning and design. Now recognising that the integration of homes, workspaces, and amenities can enhance community engagement, drive footfall for commercial spaces, and support ongoing revenue beyond the initial sale of residential units.
In practice, this means in 2026 we will see the creation of more interconnected spaces that encourage social interaction, support flexible working patterns, and offer convenience that extends across entire communities.
This shift is also putting pressure on the sector to develop solutions that go beyond the home itself, creating broader environments that are both attractive to potential homeowners and investors, while also supporting the long-term performance of the development. Technology has emerged as a critical part of that solution.
Smart systems now deliver convenience, energy efficiency, and enhanced security - qualities that are increasingly viewed as essential by residents and by businesses in the surrounding community. From day one, they allow developers and property managers to optimise core functions, providing seamless control of lighting, heating, and appliances, while also connecting to broader site infrastructure.
By bringing multiple systems into a single, integrated ecosystem, these solutions simplify monitoring and management and create a unified, streamlined experience for everyone who uses the development.
These technologies provide measurable returns for developers through reduced operational costs, future-proofed assets, and enhanced long-term appeal. Increasingly, buyers are seeing connected living as a standard expectation rather than an added feature, which further strengthens the business case for integrating these solutions early in the development process.
Energy-efficient homes can contribute to carbon reduction targets, and with the right technology, surplus energy can be shared across neighbouring properties, lowering costs and enhancing the resilience of entire communities. In 2026, building-level energy optimisation will be a key focus, with connected appliances and systems giving both residents and commercial tenants greater control over energy use and overall efficiency.
But the impact of technology extends beyond individual homes to the wider community. Modern developments must create adaptable, engaging neighbourhoods where homes and facilities evolve with residents’ lifestyles. Co-working spaces, wellness facilities, gyms, parcel lockers, EV charging points and green spaces are increasingly expected as standard amenities. These features shape how residents experience their environment daily, influencing satisfaction, retention, and long-term demand.
The quality of this experience has become a key driver of value, both for residents seeking convenience and for developers looking for return on investment. By focusing on the end user, technology reassures buyers that their home and surrounding amenities will support their lifestyle needs today and remain relevant as those needs evolve over time.
For mixed-use schemes, these advantages extend beyond residents. Retailers, café owners and other on-site businesses benefit from more stable and efficient building systems, improved connectivity and better control over their own spaces. This helps them maintain comfortable, reliable environments that support day-to-day operations and enhance the experience they offer to customers.
In addition, technology creates opportunities to collect and analyse data at a development-wide level, helping operators improve building performance, plan maintenance efficiently, and tailor services and amenities to the needs of both residents and commercial tenants. This ability to manage a development holistically is becoming increasingly important as development schemes continue to grow in size and complexity.
Looking ahead, we can expect AI-supported systems and connected living to increasingly define how residents interact with and experience their homes and mixed-use communities. Developments that combine smart technology with adaptable design and thoughtfully selected amenities will define the next generation of housing, delivering long-term value for both residents and investors.
The ongoing challenge for developers is making the technology an invisible yet essential part of daily life. It must provide clear benefits, enhance the resident experience without adding complexity, and demonstrate tangible returns throughout the lifecycle of the development.
