Homes with technology are getting more popular and cheaper according to a new study conducted by the Housing Industry Association of over 600 of the country’s largest builders.

New homes costing between $300,000 to $500,000 now dominate in Smart Wiring – the national standard for home technology-just two years ago it was in the $500,000 and $800,000 bracket.

Nationally Smart Wiring is now in a third of all new homes and renovations, has almost universal recognition in the Australian building industry and is most popular with home owners aged 26 to 45 years.

Smart Wiring uptake soared by nearly 10% in both Queensland and West Australia in the last year and for the first time since survey began in 2004 they lead nationally with Queensland at 37% and WA at 34%.

Consumers still mostly want flexible, multi-room access to internet and voice services, but television distribution and intelligent lighting are also on the rise.

“Like most technology the smarter home is becoming cheaper to create,” John Fennell from the Copper Development Centre.Australia said.

“But our love affair with home technology is also a key part as consumers take to fast broadband, digital devices, and working and playing online.”

“I think there’s now recognition that cables are king in the high definition, fast data future and that wireless will be the convenience add-on at home.”