While there appears to be some caution among consumers regarding the state of the U.S. economy, the high-end luxury side of the market is full steam ahead. According to a study from Affluential TrendLens 2025, 57% of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWI) expect their disposable income to increase in 2025, and smart home technology is one of the top targets for that income, which is great news for integrators targeting affluent clientele.
A High Net Worth Individual (HNWI) is defined as someone with between $1 million and $30 million in investible assets. That is not to be confused with an Ultra High Net Worth Individual (UHNWI) that has more than $30 million in investible assets.
"In-house technologies have become central to how HNWIs live, with smart homes evolving to cater to ultra-high-end expectations." -- Affluent TrendLens 2025
According to the study, “luxury wellness” is the cornerstone of the spending that will take place in 2025 by HNWIs and UHNWIs. The study recommends that businesses catering to these individuals looks to “strike a balance between health-driven initiatives and indulgent touches.”
For integrators, this means highlighting your ability to use technology to deploy wellness solutions in your clients’ homes. Human-centric lighting control, indoor air quality and even water quality solutions are among the obvious categories to offer as a wellness solution for luxury customers.
Moreover, the research pinpoints “smart home and in-house luxury technologies” as one of the key areas where HNWIs intend to spend their money. According to the report, "In-house technologies have become central to how HNWIs live, with smart homes evolving to cater to ultra-high-end expectations." The report adds that HNWIs are “more influenced by digital innovations that seamlessly integrate into their lives offering convenience, exclusivity, and efficiency. The focus for this demographic is on technologies that elevate their day-to-day experiences, rather than virtual escapism.”
The report says that technology is evolving to cater to the expectations of UHNWIs, and it specifically calls out Crestron, Savant and voice control solutions using “AI concierges and biometric-based security systems” as offerings that wealthy customers are being drawn toward.
Among the other areas the report mentions where affluent individuals will be spending more money in 2025 are enhance luxury travel with boutique-style amenities, luxury food and beverage experiences such as those provided by private chefs, and VIC (Very Important Client) experiences characterized by “exclusive” clubs or products.