BUYERS of new homes are looking for properties that offer not only cutting edge technology throughout, but still look like traditional properties, according to research by the Halifax and House Builders Federation.

With this in mind, the Halifax has imagined what technological advances could mean. For example, in the future, motion sensitive lighting, intelligent energy systems which choose the most efficient fuel source for the conditions, electronic security systems and voice-activated controls would all be standard.

The biggest area where these new homes could make a difference to our lives is with the chores we all hate.

Changes include:

* NO MORE DECORATING

Some people have a "wallpaper" design on their PC screen at home or work. The walls in your home could work in the same way as plasma screen technology improves, with screens covering whole walls.

New images could be loaded into a central computer and changed to suit your mood, the season or a special occasion.

Alternatively, a whole or part of wall anywhere in the house could be switched to view the latest news, sport or the latest movies from a digital receiver linked directly to a central command point.

* NO MORE WASHING UP

Washing up could be a thing of the past with drawer-size dishwashers which clean crockery, plates and utensils using ultra-sonic waves to blast off food particles.

* NO MORE TRIPS TO THE SUPERMARKET

Bar-code technology could end the need for shopping lists, as refrigerators with built-in scanning equipment allow users to produce a digital shopping list.

* WASHING

Showers will be programmed to recognise the occupant, set the temperature and force of the water as well as adjusting the angle of the shower head automatically.