For many of today’s wealthy homebuyers, concerns about safety and privacy shape purchase decisions as much as location and price. Discreet architectural design, gated access and advanced technology-driven security features are increasingly in demand.
According to a July 2025 survey by the independent research site SafeWise, which tests and reviews home security products, break-ins remain the leading property crime concern.1 However, data from the Federal Bureau of Investigation shows that home burglaries have actually declined by at least 68% in the U.S. over the past three decades, SafeWise reported in August 2025.2
Such concerns aren’t limited to the U.S.—they are also fueling substantial growth in the global home security market. The worldwide spend on “smart” home security is estimated to reach US$39 billion by 2029, according to a July 2025 report by market research firm Statista, with the number of households having some form of “smart” security installed reaching an estimated 1.1 billion by 2029.3
In response to homebuyers’ privacy worries, some real estate agents are taking proactive measures. They may run listings without street numbers or remove all online presence of a property at the close of escrow.
Nick Damianos, global real estate advisor, Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty, stays ahead of client preferences using market research to track adoption trends of various smart home technologies, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) and intrusion detection, and keeps a close eye on new systems as they become available.
Beyond the data, Damianos turns to architects who design for ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) clients. “They have to stay at the forefront of what’s involved in terms of security considerations,” he says.
In the Bahamas, property market buyers most often ask to see single-family homes or estates in gated communities. These provide the benefit of added privacy with the same level of service as condominiums with concierges. “You get 24/7 security staff, patrols and monitored entries, plus land and sea perimeter surveillance,” Damianos adds.
Sometimes he rules out showing certain properties, such as older estates built before gated communities became a reality, if they are on a public beach or near a resort. Even properties that might seem ideal—private islands, for example—can pose challenges. “Celebrities often feel safe on islands because they are some of the only places in the world where they can be sure they’re not going to be bothered by anyone,” Damianos says. “But an island can be more difficult to secure than a house in a gated community.”
According to the 2026 Sotheby’s International Realty agent survey, visibility onto a property was high on the list of security and privacy considerations voiced by luxury homebuyers, with nearly 44% of respondents ranking it as the top concern among clients.
Columbia House is a canal-front retreat in the gated community of Lyford Cay in the Bahamas. Bahamas Sotheby’s International Realty
While making sure a home is secure inside and out is key, functional issues are also top of the agenda for many homeowners. The second-most-frequent concern identified in the agent survey, at 35%, was having a backup power system, a feature that is nearly ubiquitous in the storm-prone Bahamas. “At the high end we see people having dual-fuel generator systems with propane backups for redundancy,” Damianos says. “People are also adding solar arrays with battery storage.”
The desire for such features is not limited to the Bahamas—buyers in parts of Southern California are also prioritizing standby power systems. In Malibu, Calabasas and other windy areas of California, there is growing demand for compact solar battery systems, such as the Tesla Powerwall.
“If you’re going to live in neighborhoods that are more prone to power outages, it’s really important to get backup generators,” says Go. Her clients have found solar backup systems are a viable alternative to more traditional diesel, natural gas or propane generators. “It means you won’t run out of power, because every day it recharges your energy supply.”
Besides the peace of mind of having an immediate power source, she cites a property value advantage to such a system. “I think they are worthy investments and great for resale. Homes with backup generators and alternative energy systems definitely demand a higher price point.”
This gated Tuscan-style estate in the Lower Bel Air neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, is surrounded by citrus groves, olive trees and sophisticated landscaping, giving it a feeling of privacy. Sotheby’s International Realty - Beverly Hills Brokerage
Technology, however, is only part of the picture. The need for space for private security personnel was identified by 12% of those surveyed. “We do see the need for space a lot more with celebrity clients, who often have an entourage—not just for security posts but for sleeping quarters as well,” Martinez says.
Celebrity and UHNW clients may also send in a team to conduct a pre-purchase security audit, flying in experts to examine the area and the property and to determine exit or extraction strategies in case of an emergency.
Even with all the devices and safeguards available, Martinez starts by arming his Florida buyers with information about the surrounding area. “They want to know about the neighborhood, the local police department and any existing concerns,” he says. His buyers tend to favor incorporated neighborhoods with their own police departments or gated communities with guarded entry points and roving security.
Street location can play a role in deciding where to buy, Martinez adds. Some clients shy away from intersections due to higher visibility, while others prefer the added activity and accessibility of a more visible location.
Considering local regulations is important too. Go is well versed in the building codes across different neighborhoods in her Beverly Hills, Los Angeles and Santa Barbara territories. Some areas have maximum height limits for gates and fences, while others don’t permit gates at all.
“If you’re a high-profile or celebrity client, I’m going to dissuade you from a couple of neighborhoods that I know aren’t going to allow you the security you desire,” she says.
At the end of the day, properly addressing buyer concerns can have a financial payoff for the home seller, Martinez says. “In my experience, gated entrances, full-perimeter surveillance, impact windows and privacy landscaping can drive faster sales and stronger offers. These features can help eliminate days on the market, and in some cases even command a higher price per square foot.”
As privacy concerns continue driving luxury home purchases, buyers who prioritize security features early in their search—from backup power systems to biometric access controls—are positioning themselves ahead of a trend that is reshaping the high-end market.
Header: Castillo de Mar, a grand Mediterranean-style home on the waterfront in the Galleon Bay gated community in Stuart, Florida, provides privacy and security along with Atlantic Ocean views and luxurious amenities.
ONE Sotheby’s International Realty