Smart home tech is everywhere right now. Walk into any new construction community in Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, or Lehi and you'll see video doorbells, smart thermostats, and app-controlled locks listed as standard features. Existing homeowners are adding them. Sellers are mentioning them in listing descriptions.
Not all of it increases home value. Some upgrades genuinely appeal to buyers and pay off at resale. Others are enjoyable to own but don't move the needle when it's time to sell. Here's the honest breakdown.
What the Data Says
Per NAR research cited by CEDIA's 2026 smart home value report, smart home features can boost resale value by up to 5%, and 11% of buyers said smart home features were one of the reasons they bought the home they did.
Per Epic Agents Podcast's January 2026 smart home analysis, homes with smart technology sell up to 35% faster and command premiums of 3 to 5% compared to similar properties without these features.
Per HonestCasa's June 2026 smart home ROI guide, 78% of buyers say smart home features are important when home shopping, and 65% are willing to pay more for homes with integrated smart systems.
The upgrades that deliver the best returns share a common characteristic. They save money, improve security, or address something buyers are already thinking about when they tour a home.
Worth the Money
Smart Thermostat
Cost: $80 to $249 depending on model Annual savings: Up to $200 in heating and cooling costs Buyer appeal: Very high
Per HAR.com's smart home ROI guide and HonestCasa's 2026 breakdown, the smart thermostat is the highest-ROI smart home device available. Inexpensive, easy to install, saves measurable money on utilities, and appeals to virtually every buyer.
Popular options include the Nest Learning Thermostat ($249), Ecobee SmartThermostat ($249), and the Amazon Smart Thermostat ($80). In Utah County's climate with significant seasonal temperature swings, a thermostat that learns your schedule and adjusts automatically is genuinely useful.
This is the one to start with if you're doing nothing else.
Smart Security System and Video Doorbell
Cost: $200 to $1,500 depending on setup Buyer appeal: Very high ROI: Strong
Per Vivint's March 2026 smart home value analysis, a cohesive smart security setup including cameras, sensors, and a video doorbell is one of the strongest ROI upgrades available. Security is a top concern for buyers — especially families with young kids, which describes a significant portion of Utah County's buyer pool.
In new construction communities in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs, a security system is increasingly expected. Homes that have one installed already have an advantage over those that don't.
Smart Door Locks
Cost: $150 to $300 Buyer appeal: High Installation: Easy — most replace existing deadbolts
Smart locks are a low-cost, high-appeal upgrade. Buyers appreciate the convenience, temporary access codes, and integration with broader security systems. Brands like Schlage Encode, Kwikset Halo, and Yale work well with most smart home ecosystems.
EV Charging Outlet (Level 2)
Cost: $500 to $2,000 installed depending on electrical panel Buyer appeal: Growing fast ROI: Increasingly strong as EV adoption expands
EV adoption in Utah is growing. Buyers who own or plan to own an EV ask about charging capability during showings. A dedicated 240-volt circuit in the garage runs roughly $500 to $800 and gives any EV owner the ability to install their own charger. A full Level 2 charger installation runs $800 to $2,000 depending on your panel setup.
This is becoming a real differentiator in Utah County — particularly in Eagle Mountain and Saratoga Springs where homes have garages and buyers tend to be younger families who are more likely to make the EV transition.
Smart Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Cost: $35 to $130 per unit Buyer appeal: Solid ROI: High relative to cost
Smart detectors like the Nest Protect send alerts to your phone when they detect smoke or CO — including when you're not home. Inexpensive, easy to install, and a genuine safety upgrade. Buyers with young children notice these.
Situational — Worth It Depending on Your Home
Smart Lighting
Cost: $15 to $50 per bulb, $100 to $400 for a starter system Buyer appeal: Moderate ROI: Lower unless part of a broader integrated system
Smart lighting is enjoyable to live with but buyers don't typically pay a premium specifically for smart bulbs. Where it adds value: when it's part of a cohesive system — lights, thermostat, security all on one platform — that a buyer can see working and is easy to use.
Smart Irrigation System
Cost: $200 to $400 installed Buyer appeal: Moderate in Utah County
In Utah's drought-prone environment, a smart irrigation system that adjusts based on weather data is genuinely useful. For homes in Saratoga Springs and Eagle Mountain where front yard landscaping is standard in new construction, smart irrigation has practical appeal for buyers who want to maintain it efficiently.
Not Worth Counting On at Resale
Voice Assistants and Smart Speakers
Keep yours. Enjoy them. Don't count on them adding value at resale. Buyers bring their own ecosystems.
Smart Appliances
Appliances depreciate. Buyers don't typically pay more for a smart refrigerator or smart oven specifically. Buy them for your own enjoyment. Don't buy them expecting a return.
Highly Customized Automation Systems
Per Vivint's 2026 analysis, a $4,000 smart automation system can deliver savings and boost resale — but only when the system is well-integrated and easy for buyers to use. Highly customized whole-home automation tied to proprietary platforms can actually deter buyers who don't want to learn a complex system.
Simplicity matters. The best smart home upgrades work without explanation.
The Rule for Utah County Homeowners
If it saves money, improves security, or addresses something buyers are already thinking about during a showing — it has resale value. If it's just cool, enjoy it, but don't count on it at closing.
The sweet spot in Utah County right now: smart thermostat, video doorbell, smart locks, and an EV charging circuit in the garage. Low cost relative to the appeal it generates, and it positions the home as move-in ready.
Questions about preparing your home for sale in Utah County? Let's chat →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do smart home upgrades increase home value in Utah County? Yes, selectively. Per NAR research, smart home features can boost resale value by up to 3 to 5% and help homes sell up to 35% faster. The upgrades with the strongest ROI are smart thermostats, security systems with video doorbells, smart locks, and EV charging capability.
What is the best smart home upgrade for resale value? A smart thermostat. It costs $80 to $249, saves up to $200 per year in energy costs, and has very high buyer appeal across all demographics.
Is an EV charging outlet worth installing in Utah County? Growing toward yes. EV adoption in Utah is increasing and younger buyers are more likely to own or transition to an EV in the next few years. A dedicated 240-volt circuit in the garage is a low-cost installation ($500 to $800) that positions the home well.
Do smart appliances add resale value? Generally no. Appliances depreciate and buyers don't typically pay more specifically for smart refrigerators or smart ovens.
How much do smart home features matter to Utah County buyers? Per NAR research and 2026 buyer surveys, 78% of buyers say smart home features are important when shopping, and 65% are willing to pay more for integrated smart systems. Security systems, smart thermostats, and video doorbells rank highest in buyer preference.
Related reading:
- I Want to Sell My Saratoga Springs Home — But Where Do I Start?
- New Construction Home Inspection: The Most Common Findings in Utah County and What to Do About Them
- Eagle Mountain Real Estate Market Update: June 2026 Report by Neighborhood
- Saratoga Springs Real Estate Market Update: June 2026 Report by Neighborhood
- Will the Utah Housing Market Crash? Here's What the Data Actually Shows for Utah County
- Utah's Housing Affordability Crisis: What the Starter Homes Push Means for Utah County Buyers
Sources: CEDIA — NAR research: smart home features boost resale value up to 5%, 11% of buyers cited smart features as reason for purchase, 2026; Epic Agents Podcast — Homes with smart tech sell 35% faster, command 3-5% premium, January 2026; HonestCasa — 78% of buyers say smart features important, 65% willing to pay more, smart thermostat $100-$300 investment adds $200-$1,200 value, saves $150-$300 annually, June 2026; Vivint — Smart home features increase resale value up to 5%, 77% of buyers interested in smart homes, $4,000 system ROI analysis, March 2026; HAR.com — Smart thermostat $250 saves up to $200 annually in heating and cooling costs; Power Partner MN — EV charging circuit as forward-looking electrical upgrade, Level 2 charger installation costs, 2026.
Written by Kat Ashby, Principal Broker and Realtor® at RootQuest Realty LLC in Saratoga Springs, Utah. Kat holds a Utah Division of Real Estate Principal Broker license (Credential #10382396-PB00) — a designation that requires demonstrated experience, additional coursework, and a separate licensing exam beyond the standard agent license. She has been actively selling in Utah County since 2020, with deep experience across Lehi, Eagle Mountain, Saratoga Springs, and the broader Wasatch Front, specializing in buyer and seller representation, new construction, and corporate relocation through Altair Global. She is fluent in English and Portuguese, earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Brigham Young University, and lives in the community she sells in.