The HGTV Smart Home 2026 is here, and it’s making people excited for good reason.
The network just unveiled its latest tech-forward giveaway home. Located in Orlando, Florida. The designers are Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt, the husband-and-wife duo behind HGTV’s 100 Day Dream Home. The prize is valued at over $1.3 million, plus $100,000 in cash.
If you’re thinking about entering, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know before you do.
Where Is the HGTV Smart Home 2026?
This year’s home is in Apopka, Florida, a suburb just outside Orlando. Apopka sits in Central Florida, about 30 minutes from Disney World and the main Orlando attractions.
Why Orlando? HGTV’s website describes the home as
“a resort-inspired retreat where thoughtful tech meets bold, curated design in a home built for sunshine, style, and effortless living.”
The area is growing fast. One 2026 residency guide notes that neighborhoods are developing quickly, new residents arrive every week, and the local economy is expanding. Orlando has no state income tax, a growing job market, and world-class entertainment right at your doorstep.
On the flip side, Florida means humidity, hurricane season, and rising insurance costs. But if you’re someone who loves sunshine and outdoor living, it’s hard to beat.
Who Designed the HGTV Smart Home 2026?
Brian and Mika Kleinschmidt are the designers behind this year’s Smart Home. If you watch HGTV, you’ve probably seen them. They help clients build custom homes in 100 days on their show, often competing in renovation competitions like Rock the Block.
Brian posted on Instagram: “Who will be the lucky winner???” Mika commented: “Wish I was eligible to win😂.” (Designers aren’t allowed to enter their own giveaways.)
This is the fourth HGTV Smart Home built in the Sunshine State since the sweepstakes began. Previous Smart Homes were in San Antonio, Texas (2025), and other locations.
What’s Inside the Home?
The home spans over 3,000 square feet with three bedrooms and three bathrooms. But the real story is what’s inside.
The property features a resort-style backyard with a swim-up bar, outdoor projector, putting green, and gourmet grill station. There’s an upstairs game room with a multi-sport simulator (golf, baseball, soccer). The downstairs lounge has multiple screens for game day.
Inside, you’ll find open-concept living spaces designed for indoor-outdoor flow. Smart climate control handles Florida heat. SimpliSafe security throughout with cameras, glass break sensors, and water leak detection.
What’s the Prize Actually Worth?
The home itself is valued at over $1.3 million. But the prize package doesn’t stop there.
Winners receive:
- The home (all furnishings and decorations included)
- $100,000 in cash to help cover taxes and moving costs
Previous HGTV Smart Home winners have noted that the cash prize helps, but taxes on a prize this size are significant. According to HGTV’s official rules, the winner will be issued a 1099 tax form for the actual value of the prize. With a $1.3 million prize, you’re almost certainly hitting the top federal tax bracket.
How to Enter
The official entry period opens April 21, 2026 at 9am ET and runs through June 19, 2026 at 5pm ET.
You can enter twice per day:
- Once at HGTV.com/Smart
- Once at FoodNetwork.com/SmartHome
You don’t need to buy anything. No purchase is necessary to win. Just fill out the entry form with your name, email, and location. The official rules say incorrect or incomplete entries are void.
The giveaway is open to legal residents of the United States, including DC, territories, and commonwealths. You must be 21 or older as of the promotion start date.
When Is the HGTV Smart Home 2026 Winner Announced?
The official rules don’t specify an exact winner announcement date yet, but HGTV typically announces winners shortly after the entry period closes. The one-hour HGTV Smart Home 2026 special airs April 24, 2026 at 7pm ET, giving viewers a full tour before entries even close.
What Happened to Previous Winners?
Previous winners have had mixed experiences. Country Living reports that steep taxes and ongoing costs often lead winners to sell. Homes.com spoke with past winners who noted that federal income taxes, state taxes, property taxes, insurance, utilities, and maintenance added up fast.
The 2024 HGTV Dream Home winner (a separate $2.4 million property in Florida) ended up selling the home. Florida Today covered her story. She loved the home, but the costs were high.
Is the HGTV Smart Home 2026 Different From Previous Years?
Previous Smart Homes felt more like a checklist of smart gadgets. A smart thermostat here, a connected lock there.
This year feels more intentional. The security system handles multiple hazard types (intrusion, water, and glass breaks). The entertainment assumes you’ll actually spend time outdoors. The climate control is designed for Florida’s specific heat and humidity challenges.
And the $100,000 cash prize. While not enough to fully cover taxes on a $1.3M home, it’s more generous than some previous years.
Should You Enter?
Here’s the honest take.
If you enter, go in with your eyes open. The home is beautiful, the tech is impressive, and the lifestyle it represents is tempting. But prizes like this come with real costs that don’t disappear after the celebration ends.
Property taxes in Florida aren’t cheap. Homeowners insurance has been rising across the state. And the federal tax bill on a $1.3 million prize will be substantial.
That said, someone will win. And if you’re already dreaming about a poolside paradise in Orlando with a smart home setup that actually makes sense, you might as well throw your name in.
The entry is free. No purchase necessary. And who knows.
Entries open April 21, 2026. Sign up for daily email reminders on HGTV’s website so you don’t miss your chance to enter twice daily once the promotion starts.
