New whitepaper examines factors redefining the home security market including preferences for self-installation and interactive services

Parks Associates reports self-installation of newly acquired security systems reached 55% in Q2 2020, up from 40% in 2018, an increase of nearly 40%. The firm’s latest whitepaper, Home Security: A Redefined Market, finds the rise of interactive services and DIY installation are two key trends defining the home security market, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, lower prices, and new smart home solutions.

“The installation method for newly acquired security systems and smart home devices has trended towards self-installation for several years, and COVID-19 has hastened that transition,” said Amanda Kung, Researcher, Parks Associates. “About one-third of security system owners and intenders report COVID-19 concerns caused them to avoid professional installers due to the discomfort of having a stranger in the home.”

Approximately two-thirds of security system owners, or about 20 million households, have an interactive security system, and consumers expect their security systems to provide basic interactivity that enables them to receive notifications and access and control the system remotely. DIY and professionally installed systems typically offer basic interactive features, which are now considered a necessary offering among security providers.

“Security dealers must continue to develop more tools to support customers who want to install and troubleshoot on their own but may still need professional guidance,” Kung said. “Some of the innovations we are seeing among dealers and installers include YouTube video tutorials and do-it-with-me installation help via video, phone, or chat that are available on-demand to security owners.”

Parks Associates will host multiple sessions examining the home security market within the smart home ecosystem on May 25-26 at the 25th annual CONNECTIONS™: The Premier Connected Home Conference. The session “Pro-Installers and Home Technologies” includes a visionary presentation from Gene LaNois, Head of Professional Partnerships, Google; executive Q&A featuring Mark Owen Burson, VP, Marketing & Product Management, Nice; and an interactive panel featuring executives from Alula, Brinks Home Security, GE Lighting, a Savant Company, and Vivint.

To request data or an interview, please contact Rosey Ulpino at rosey@parksassociates.com, 972.996.0233.

About Parks Associates

Parks Associates helps companies identify new opportunities, refine strategy, and accelerate growth in connected technology markets through data-driven insights and industry expertise. With more than 40 years of experience, the firm delivers proprietary consumer and industry research, market forecasts, and strategic analysis that guide business decisions across personal, connected home, small business, and commercial technology ecosystems. Parks Associates supports clients in navigating evolving markets including AI, security, smart home, broadband, entertainment, energy, multifamily, smart buildings, and connected health.

The firm also fosters industry growth and collaboration by convening thousands of leaders each year through its flagship executive conferences, including CONNECTIONS™, Connected Health Summit, Smart Energy Summit, Smart Spaces, and Future of Video.  Learn more at https://www.parksassociates.com.

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