Only 19 per cent of UK households are likely to purchase or use connected home technology over the next five years, according to research by EY.

The survey, of 2,500 households, found that smart heating is the technology that consumers are most likely to purchase at 26 per cent over the next five years – with 53 per cent unlikely to purchase. However, over half of the younger, tech-savvy participants said they were likely to purchase smart heating heating

Elsewhere, smart lighting had a 23 per cent likelihood (57 per cent unlikely), connected car 18 per cent (61 per cent unlikely), smart watch 18 per cent (66 per cent unlikely), smart fridge 15 per cent (69 per cent unlikely), and smart oven 14 per cent (71 per cent unlikely).

Adrian Baschnonga, lead telecommunications analyst at EY, said: “While ‘connected’ lifestyles are very much the norm, the majority of consumers have yet to be convinced of the value of smart home products. Awareness levels remain low, and a fragmented market of competing solutions is hindering the development of simple offerings that resonate with households.”

Despite the overall lack of enthusiasm, the survey found that 34 per cent of households are very interested in new technology and gadgets – up 4 per cent from a previous survey in 2013.

Baschnonga added: “The smart home is at an early stage of growth. Improved dialogue with customers is essential if service providers are to translate interest from early adopters into mass market demand. Rethinking approaches to packaging, pricing and product installation can all help create a more convenient experience that will widen the appeal of smart home technology in the long-term.”