Mark Seaman, head of Samsung’s B2B integrated offering team
Looking back at 2025, the pace of innovation across residential and mixed-use developments has made one thing clear: technology is no longer optional – it has become central to how properties are designed, managed and experienced by all. What was once considered an optional enhancement has become a fundamental component of creating places that are operationally efficient and appealing to residents. Digital infrastructure now sits alongside physical architecture as a defining feature of a development’s quality and capacity to adapt to the needs of different stakeholders.
In 2026, AI-supported building management will continue to advance this shift. Intelligent systems for preventative maintenance, anomaly detection, automated diagnostics, and smarter energy management will allow both developers and property managers to identify inefficiencies early, optimise performance at scale, and reduce unnecessary costs across the building lifecycle, from construction through to occupancy.
By addressing issues before they arise and streamlining operations, developers can better control costs while delivering higher-quality experiences for residents and businesses. Samsung’s SmartThings Pro platform will play an important role here. As one of the few multiple system management tools, it allows developers to integrate multiple technologies with monitoring and automation from one dashboard.
The rise of mixed-use schemes is also reshaping the landscape. Rather than single-use buildings, developers are increasingly focused on creating multi-functional communities that are designed for a variety of purposes and offer integrated experiences. Amenities such as co-working areas, wellness facilities, gyms, parcel lockers, EV charging points and green spaces have become standard expectations instead of optional extras for potential homeowners. This shift will continue to grow in 2026, as we see more developments move towards embodying experimental living. Creating a place where residents can enjoy varied, curated experiences as part of their daily routines, all underpinned by advanced smart building technology powered by sensors, data analytics and connected devices. Through these unified platforms, new developments can provide support for everything from energy optimisation to security, easing management of the home.
But while these systems could be introduced throughout the design and building process, for homebuilders and developers, the strongest return on investment comes when technology is front and centre from the beginning. Early integration ensures that every touchpoint, whether it’s accessing the building, adjusting heating or booking shared amenities, feels intuitive and cohesive for residents and other stakeholders.
Additionally, building-level energy optimisation will be a major focus, with connected appliances and systems giving residents and commercial tenants greater visibility and control over energy use and efficiency. However, the impact of technology goes beyond individual homes and extends into the wider community. Together, these elements will shape residents’ day-to-day experiences, directly influencing satisfaction, retention and long-term demand. The quality of this experience has become a critical driver of value, both for residents seeking convenience and for developers focused on return on investment. By prioritising the end user, embedding this technology reassures buyers that their homes and surrounding amenities will support their lifestyle needs today while remaining relevant as those needs change over time.
For mixed-use developments, these benefits extend beyond residents. Retailers, café owners and other on-site businesses also gain from more stable and efficient building systems, improved connectivity and greater control over their spaces. This enables them to maintain comfortable, reliable environments that support daily operations and enhance the experience delivered to customers.
At the same time, property managers can gain a clearer, data-driven understanding of how buildings are used, allowing teams to make smarter operational decisions that reduce running costs, streamline maintenance, and extend the lifespan of equipment.
As we move into 2026, AI supported connected living is becoming central to what is expected from a new build property. What once felt novel is now seen as a basic indicator of a modern, high-quality home. The technology behind these experiences has matured to the point where it can operate discreetly, reliably and securely in the background. This marks an important turning point as connected expectations rise and digital infrastructure becomes as essential as household utilities.