Previously, customers primarily focused on location, design, or general amenities, but now, technology and smart security are increasingly becoming top criteria. The use of smart locks for high-end apartments is an indispensable device, meeting security requirements while also enhancing the living experience. OSUNO will analyze the trend of using smart locks in high-end apartments in 2025, while also providing practical recommendations for investors, contractors, and distributors.
Current Situation & Trends in Smart Lock Usage in High-End Apartments
Over the last 5 years, smart locks have made significant advancements in both technology and popularity. While the market was quite hesitant in the 2015–2018 period, most high-end apartment projects now come equipped with fingerprint or card-key locks as a standard amenity.
According to a report from MarketsandMarkets, the global smart lock market size is expected to reach nearly $5 billion by 2025, with an average annual growth rate of about 16%. This clearly reflects a consumer trend: customers are willing to pay more for safety and convenience. In Vietnam, data from real estate research firms shows that over 70% of high-end projects launched for sale between 2022–2024 have chosen smart locks as a handover feature. This stems not only from the practical needs of residents but also from the competitive strategies of developers. A project advertised with an “international standard smart lock” will certainly differentiate itself from projects still using traditional mechanical locks.
Particularly, user psychology has changed following the pandemic. They are more interested in contactless solutions, remote management, and instant alerts. This is the foundation for the prediction that 2025 will be the time when smart locks enter a “standardization” phase in high-end projects.
Special Requirements for Smart Locks in High-End Apartments
In the luxury apartment segment, users are particularly interested in smart features and the high-security level of smart locks.
- Design & Materials: The lock needs to be sturdy and aesthetically pleasing, complementing the overall interior and suitable for aluminum, iron, stainless steel, and wooden doors. Preferred materials often include monolithic aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or tempered glass, with elegant colors like matte black, champagne gold, or a PVD finish.
- Diverse Unlocking Methods, App Connectivity, User Management: Face ID, fingerprint, PIN code, card key, mechanical key, APP, pull-push opening mode, 3D camera with a 180-degree view.
- Advanced Technology: Live-Scan fingerprint recognition technology with a recognition speed of under 0.5s, alarm systems, and automatic locking during unexpected events.
- Centralized Management Integration with Smarthome Ecosystems: Compatibility with Matter, Zigbee, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, or Alexa.
- International Certifications: This is an increasingly important factor, especially for projects with international clients. Certifications such as CE (Europe), FCC (USA), UL (safety), and RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) have become selection criteria, ensuring the lock meets standards for use or export.
For high-end apartments, a smart lock must simultaneously meet three criteria: security, aesthetics, and international certification. If a product is merely “unlockable by fingerprint,” it will be difficult for developers to convince increasingly discerning and tech-savvy customers.
Outstanding Smart Lock Technologies in 2025
In 2025, smart lock technology has advanced far beyond its initial versions. Instead of just having fingerprint or card-key access, current products integrate multiple advanced security technologies.
- Multi-dimensional fingerprint sensors are a key feature. Rather than identifying the surface, this technology analyzes the biological structure beneath the skin layer, eliminating the risk of forgery with silicone fingerprints or printed images. Many high-end models also use under-glass fingerprint sensors, which are both aesthetically pleasing and secure.
- 3D facial recognition is also gradually becoming a standard. With an infrared camera system and AI, the lock can authenticate even in low-light conditions, while also preventing spoofing attempts using photos or videos. This is the “touchless entry” solution favored by users after the pandemic.
- One-time PIN code technology enhances convenience for visitors or service personnel. Users can generate codes remotely via a mobile app, set time limits for their use, and receive notifications when the code is used.
- Integration with smart home ecosystems is growing strongly. Thanks to support for new connection standards like Usmart go, Matter, Zigbee, or Apple HomeKit, smart locks can easily sync with security cameras, motion sensors, and lighting systems. This transforms the smart lock into a “security management hub” rather than just a standalone device.
Criteria for Selecting Smart Locks for High-End Apartments in 2025
In an increasingly diverse market, choosing the right product is a challenge. Investors, distributors, and contractors need to consider several important criteria.
- First, the design and materials must match the project’s level of class. A high-quality product needs to be durable, rust-resistant, and scratch-resistant, while also harmonizing with the architecture and interior design.
- Second, security is a vital factor. The lock must be equipped with anti-spoofing technology, secure data encryption, and software that can be updated regularly to patch security vulnerabilities.
- Third, stability and after-sales service must be guaranteed. A large-scale project cannot tolerate continuously malfunctioning locks. A clear warranty policy and a responsive technical team will build trust with customers and enhance the developer’s reputation.
- Fourth, integration capability with the smart home ecosystem is mandatory. A high-end apartment often has a centralized management system, so the product must be compatible with popular platforms to ensure a seamless experience.
- Finally, international certifications such as CE, FCC, UL, or RoHS are criteria that need to be carefully checked. These are not only proof of quality but also a prerequisite for reaching international customers.
Market Trends and Forecast for 2025
In 2025, the smart lock market for high-end apartments will enter a standardization phase. Whereas smart locks were previously an added amenity, they will now become a default standard in all high-end projects. Touchless unlocking technologies, such as facial recognition and voice control, will increasingly dominate. Meanwhile, integration with the smarthome ecosystem will be a decisive factor for customer choice.
Notably, international certification will no longer be a bonus but a minimum requirement. Projects that do not meet CE, FCC, or UL standards will find it difficult to compete in the high-end segment, especially when targeting international clients.
Conclusion
The trend for 2025 shows that smart locks have moved beyond their role as “security devices” to become a standard for smart and secure living in high-end apartments. To win over increasingly demanding customers, a product must combine four elements: security, luxury, convenience, and international certification. For investors, contractors, and distributors, choosing the right manufacturing partner is a decisive factor. OSUNO is currently a company in Vietnam with the capability to design and manufacture smart locks under ODM and OEM models, while also supporting clients in obtaining product certifications as required by different markets. This is an optimal solution to save costs, shorten implementation time, and enhance the project’s reputation in the eyes of high-end customers.
