Thanks for all the input, didn't quote everyone but yea I also find the light quotation not worth to go for. The quotation was like 2 or 3 months back and I didn't pursue further with it. If I use normal bulb and only use smart switches, CMIIW the thing I'm missing out is probably the dimming function unless I add dimmers, also the ability to control the light temperature.
Order abroad just worry ran into warranty issue, but so far my router all doing fine. Another 1 is the support, buy abroad means everything I setup myself, planning the cable routes. I was thinking a udm pro, switch and 2-3 AP for double storey terrace.

Since is from scratch, also plan to use zigbee device, but how many hub do I need, hub has about the same coverage as standard wifi router ya?

D1 is just the more common one because its older (and now cheaper larh) but what i would suggest is going for the E1 instead, a lot of times its actually even cheaper than D1 while being newer.

E1 H1 T1 all take up less space inside your switch box, so thats defo a positive.

D1 is also Zigbee 1.2, and the others being Zigbee 3 (not as if you will notice any difference), its backwards compatible and i believe that if you have like some Zigbee 1.2 sensors, everything will revert to that only. Either way its not really an issue, but just information for you.

I have mostly D1, and some E1s

Just noticed that the H1 already has a 20A option also, but pricey for sure.

How’s the wifi coverage to the gate?

After installing Aqara U100 for 2 weeks+ , quite happy with it
Currently Aqara Home app - Malaysia bind to Aqara E1 hub (included in the box) and bound to Homekit

So think of investing some other Aqara products but not sure how the region thing works after browsing shopee.

There are xiaomi aqara and aqara and CN and global, what are the difference?

Is buying xiaomi Aqara (I saw the price cheaper) works with Aqara Home or must use Mi Home app?

Example of aqara devices i try to get :
1) Door and Window Sensor T1
2) Aqara Curtain Driver E1

Meaning to say, i just need to add through Apple Homekit , right?
But i will lose certain functions such as using the "IF" or automation under Aqara Home as well ?

my Tuya wifi smart lock battery can last 60days only.
I thought at least 4months 😮‍💨

the spec written 4000mah 4-6months

low battery notification only last for 24hrs,
after that it will scare u by refusing to unlock.
man this really make me panic.

oh like that a , i though they no need any hub for apple.
just use apple phone , and all thing connect to zigbee. then i can use apple home to manage all

Guys I'm on apple ecosystem.
If given the choice of either Dooya or top up significantly extra for Aqara smart curtain, what's the better choice?

Not really sure how well can I integrate Dooya into apple homekit. Getting custom track so not all brand the vendor can do.

Actually how is the custom track design? Since you’re stuck with their Dooya curtain.
Can’t just request to make custom track then have them install different curtain motors?

MQTT to what? HA? Homebridge? There are tuya and ewelnk ones a lot on the market, i used the ewelink for a few years no issues, last year changed to 2x Shelly 1 relays. Shelly can be flashed to be compatible with Homekit if i am not mistaken

How haywire does it get?

few month ago, i bought few of this.
to stepdown the 12v to 5v
https://my.shp.ee/eKNXBo8

im not sure if i needed to stepdown the inching "power" for the esp32 gpio or not,actually  planned to connect this to the radio module.
havent got time to do research