It is now impossible to live without PropTech.
No industry is immune to technological advancement, even real estate. Property technology, or PropTech for short, is the technology and software assisting the real estate needs of our time. The goal of PropTech is to optimize everything from owning, renting and living in a property to making the experience unique, easier and more efficient.
There are many reasons why we utilize PropTech. One is to make people’s homes safer and enhance their living experience. The home security system displayed in the 2013 horror film The Purge is a good example of PropTech. To keep his family safe from murderous intruders on the night of the annual purge, James Sandin (starred by Ethan Hawke) would activate his self-designed security system consisting of external surveillance cameras connected wirelessly to monitor feeds, video intercom system and electromagnetic-locked gates.
It seems like at least some of the seemingly futuristic elements have become a reality nowadays, thanks to the advancement of PropTech. Here are some of them:
Surveillance camera and intercom
Residents want to know that anyone who comes by or visits their houses and apartment buildings has been authenticated and monitored. Security systems are vital in addressing their concerns and quelling their fears. PropTech products, such as doorbell cameras and surveillance cameras, can adequately put their minds at ease as people are less likely to commit crimes, like robbery and burglary, if they feel they are being watched by the cameras.
Video intercoms, meanwhile, allow for increased security, as they let residents and building staff see and confirm a visitor’s identity before granting them access. These systems also allow management staff to view an audit trail of time and date-stamped photos every time someone visits the property.
Keyless entry system
A keyless entry system allows residents to secure their property without using physical keys. Instead, keyless door locks are activated and unlocked with keypads, smartphone apps or fingerprint scans. Physical keys can easily be misplaced, lost or land in the hands of the wrong person, putting homes at risk of security breaches. With a keyless entry door lock, only those with access credentials can enter the building.
One example of the keyless entry method is smart locks. Residents can use a designated app on their smartphones to verify their credentials and allow door entry. Smart locks enable residents to easily and securely provide home access to guests, package couriers and other service personnel even when they themselves are not at home.
Motion sensor
Motion sensors integrated with the surveillance system help keep an eye on your property. When it detects motion, users will receive a notification on their phones with a video recording. When it detects intrusions, such as a window opening or door breaking, it can effectively deter burglars with a sound and lighting alarm system.
Smart detector
Traditional smoke alarms are pretty helpful if you’re in the house, as it can wake you up if it detects danger. But sometimes, to everyone’s annoyance, it just goes off for no reason. A smart smoke detector solves this problem.
Smart alarms, such as the Google Nest Protect, have a split-spectrum sensor that detects a wide range of smoke accurately, including slow and fast burning fires, and can monitor the carbon monoxide level. Its advanced algorithm can decipher the difference between plain old steam from a shower and actual smoke caused by a fire. When connected to your smartphone, it will also inform you when something has gone awry. So even if you’re not at home when a fire is happening, you can still be alerted and call out emergency services.
Header image courtesy of Unsplash
