The report, Home Security Reimagined: Intelligence over Hardware, highlights a turning point for the industry, driven by economic pressures and advancing technology
The home security market is undergoing a major transformation, with new research revealing a sharp drop in recent system purchases and a growing shift in consumer expectations. According to a new white paper from Parks Associates, developed in collaboration with Ubiety Technologies, fewer than 10% of current security system owners reported buying their system within the last year – the lowest figure in nearly a decade.
The report, Home Security Reimagined: Intelligence over Hardware, highlights a turning point for the industry, driven by economic pressures and advancing technology. The focus, researchers argue, is moving away from hardware and towards intelligent, software-based solutions that are more adaptable, scalable and cost-effective.
“With more choice than ever in security solutions, consumers expect smarter, more efficient, and less expensive options,” said Jennifer Kent, Vice President of Research at Parks Associates. “This is prompting a reassessment of where the real value in home security lies—especially as virtualised, software-driven functions help reduce costs for both providers and consumers.”
Instead of traditional hardware-heavy systems, users are increasingly looking for intelligent platforms that provide situational awareness—such as recognising who is home, or responding to environmental cues like light and temperature. These functions, the paper notes, can be integrated into multi-functional devices or accessed via cloud-based software, offering a broader range of features at a lower cost.
Keith Puckett, Founder and CEO of Ubiety Technologies, said the current model of home security is “broken,” citing high costs and outdated systems as key barriers for consumers. “By reimagining residential protection through intelligent, intuitive solutions, we’re not just raising the bar—we’re redefining it,” he said. “This is about finally solving the price-to-value gap homeowners have endured for far too long.”
The research also found that among those who had purchased a system in the past two years, 38 per cent were drawn by smart home capabilities that offer greater convenience and awareness. By contrast, only 22 per cent of those who had systems five years or older identified these features as a priority at the time of purchase.
Ultimately, the report urges providers to invest in software-defined value, offer differentiated monitoring services, and respond to evolving consumer needs—particularly around affordability, intelligence, and ease of use. Those who do, the researchers argue, will be best placed to lead the next wave of secure, connected living.
