THERE are now 15 million "smart homes" in Britain, according to new research.

A survey of 2,000 people found 57 per cent of dwellings now have some sort of smart device to control appliances such as the lights, security, kettle or vacuum cleaner.

More than four in 10 of us are using smart technology to work our television, while a further one in three of us often control our music with a gadget.

While the majority of smart home owners use their tech while inside the property, more than one in six use it remotely every day, such as for setting the heating or putting the kettle on.

The poll also found 45 per cent of us have every intention of making our home even smarter, with half of us believing this will save time and money in the long run.

Many are dreaming of a future which will include self-cleaning toilets and carpets, and an oven which can cook several items at different temperatures at the same time, as well as turning itself off when the food is ready.

The research was done to mark Start Home Week, a campaign fronted by TV presenter and tech expert Jason Bradbury, and supported by household names such as Amazon, Google, Yale, Philips Hue, Ring, Samsung SmartThings and Swinton Insurance.

"Smart tech is no longer just for gadget lovers," said Jason, "homeowners are starting to realise that technical updates are making homes cheaper and more efficient to run than ever before.

“As such, even those who aren’t entirely comfortable with fancy gadgets are starting to spend their money on technology to improve the home.

“Adults are coming to realise smart technology can reduce energy consumption, save money and offer unprecedented levels of security and convenience.”

Researchers found a third of Brits will be buying smart light bulbs in the next year; one in 10 would like a robot vacuum cleaner and 24 per cent intend to buy a smart speaker.

More than a fifth hope to update their homes with smart lights, thermostats and security cameras.