2025 is seeing rising home maintenance costs for both landlords and homeowners. This is impacting what people can actually do with their homes in terms of improvements and upgrades. Unfortunately, without regular maintenance, there are consequences. Neglecting regular repair maintenance increases tenant dissatisfaction, and incurs higher long-term expenses. With this in mind, this article will take a look at some smart strategies to reduce maintenance costs while improving the overall property quality and tenant happiness.
Understanding the real cost of maintenance
Both homeownership and property management come with major ongoing expenses that are underestimated by many. Recent UK data shows that homeowners now spend an average of £7530 per year on maintenance which is roughly 70% of the average annual mortgage payment. These figures often surprise first-time buyers and new landlords, both of whom overlook the long list of routine tasks required to keep a property in optimal condition.
According to a 2025 Bankrate survey, over 40% of homeowners express regret about underestimating the hidden costs of upkeep. Regular maintenance plays a major role in preserving the property’s value, avoids safety hazards and ensures that tenants are happy. Proactive planning is therefore essential.
Most expensive maintenance tasks in 2025
Several maintenance tasks continue to dominate annual budgets. House cleaning services, roof repairs and tree trimming all come as some of the most expensive routine expenses. Additional high costs include water heater repairs, lawn care, pest control and gutter cleaning.
Delaying these jobs can have a major impact on and increase the costs of maintenance down the line. Neglecting things like an unchecked roof leak can result in structural damage, mould, and insulation failure which means long-term financial risks. Uncleaned gutters can mean water intrusion and foundation issues. Skipping HVAC servicing can mean costly breakdowns.
Identifying these high-impact tasks allows property owners to prioritise preventative action, helping to keep maintenance predictable and reduce the likelihood of urgent and expensive repairs.
Proactive strategies to reduce cost
Simple, routine tasks can prevent substantial future expenses. Cleaning gutters at least twice a year can prevent water damage costing more than £1,500 to repair. Scheduling annual gas safety checks (mandatory for a landlord) reduces the risk of sudden boiler failure, one of the most expensive emergency home repairs.
After heavy storms, checking for loose shingles, blocked drains or damaged insulation helps identify early warning signs. Regular plumbing inspections can detect small leaks that, left unnoticed, may damage walls and flooring. Seasonal Checklists can be paired with free digital maintenance planners or home assessment apps and ensure that essential tasks are not overlooked.
Saving money with smart buying and DIY
Lowering maintenance expenses is not limited to preventive care; thoughtful purchasing choices also make a substantial difference. Homeowners and landlords can reduce costs by buying tools, fixtures and materials online during seasonal reductions or clearance periods. Performing simple tasks such as staining a deck, cleaning windows, repainting walls or tightening loose fittings can also reduce reliance on contractors.
Within this cost-saving strategy, discount codes and digital vouchers have become increasingly useful. This trustworthy platform allows users to locate verified, up-to-date codes for a wide range of home improvement and maintenance supplies. These discounts can help reduce the cost of insulation materials, power tools, garden equipment and plumbing components. When used responsibly, such voucher codes enable property owners to maintain high standards of safety and comfort without excessive spending. Subsequently, discount codes enhance financial flexibility by lowering the price of reputable products rather than encouraging impulsive purchases. Balancing the two ensures that affordability does not come at the expense of quality.
Budgeting and planning for the future
Industry guidelines suggest that property owners should reserve 1–4% of a home’s value per year for maintenance, depending on age, condition and local climate. For example, a home valued at £300,000 may require an annual maintenance budget ranging from £3,000 to £12,000. According to the latest Angi survey, due to rising costs over 70% of homeowners now delay planned repairs. Creating a dedicated maintenance reserve fund helps avoid this pattern and ensures readiness for both routine and unexpected expenses. Financial tools such as home equity loans, refinancing options or a HELOC (home equity line of credit) can also provide structured ways to manage larger repairs without disrupting household finances.
Smart home maintenance protects property value, saves money over the long-term and keeps tenants happy. Being proactive ensures a well-budgeted and informed approach to the upkeep of the home and is essential in today’s expensive housing market. Explore tools and resources to better control the home care strategy.
