Maintenance Costs Surge to Two-Thirds of Mortgage Payments

The hidden cost of homeownership is rising fast — and it’s catching buyers off guard.

A Financial Burden Many Didn’t See Coming

Recent research has revealed that UK homeowners are now spending an average of £627 per month on home maintenance — equivalent to nearly two-thirds of the average monthly mortgage payment. That’s around £7,500 a year just to keep a property in working order.

This data paints a stark picture: ownership costs go well beyond mortgage repayments. For landlords, investors, and first-time buyers alike, maintenance has become a major line item that can’t be overlooked.

And while costs have climbed steadily over recent years, this latest spike — driven by higher labour and material prices — is catching many off guard.

Where the Money’s Going

So what’s behind the rising spend?

The bulk of these costs come from three key areas:

1. Repairs and General Maintenance: The average homeowner is now spending £283 per month on routine upkeep. This covers everything from leaky taps and broken boilers to repainting, gutter clearing, and minor structural fixes. Labour is a key driver here, with daily rates for builders hitting £400 and hourly charges for electricians and plumbers reaching £70 and £60 respectively.
2. Gardening and Landscaping: If you’ve got outdoor space, expect to fork out around £87 per month on average to keep it tidy. That includes regular mowing, pruning, and the odd seasonal overhaul.
3. Cleaning and Upkeep Services: Annual spend on cleaners now averages £662, with much higher figures in urban centres like London. For larger properties or HMOs, this number can rise significantly — especially if professional cleaning is factored into tenant agreements.

These figures, reported in The Times, now equate to about 3% of the average property’s value being spent on maintenance annually. That’s a significant shift from previous norms, and one that could impact investment returns and affordability models.

Why It’s a Bigger Deal Than You Think

The sharp rise in maintenance costs has a ripple effect across the industry.

For landlords, it eats into net yields. Many property owners use simplified ROI models based on mortgage and rent alone. But when £7,000 or more is being spent annually on upkeep, those numbers need revisiting. Void periods and unexpected repairs can quickly turn a solid return into a marginal one.

For developers, the implications are design-focused. Buyers are becoming more sensitive to long-term costs, particularly in new builds. Properties that are built to last, with minimal external upkeep and energy-efficient systems, are gaining appeal — especially as EPC regulations tighten. It’s no longer just about the look and layout. Build quality and material resilience matter more than ever.

For consultants and mortgage advisors, there’s an educational gap to fill. According to the same research, 40% of first-time buyers were unaware of the scale of ongoing maintenance costs before they purchased. That lack of awareness creates risk — both financial and reputational — when buyers struggle post-completion. Helping clients budget realistically is now part of the job.

How to Plan Smarter for Maintenance

There are a few practical ways to mitigate the pressure of rising upkeep costs:

• Build a Maintenance Reserve: Whether you're a landlord or a homeowner, ringfencing 1–2% of your property's value annually is a good starting point. For investors, treat this as non-negotiable when running yield projections.
• Schedule Regular Maintenance: Preventative checks are often cheaper than reactive repairs. An annual boiler service might cost £80, but replacing it unexpectedly could set you back £3,000. Build a routine into your calendar for inspections, servicing, and minor fixes.
• Prioritise Durable Fixtures: Developers and landlords should focus on hard-wearing finishes — especially in kitchens, bathrooms and high-traffic areas. Tenants rarely treat fittings with the same care as owners, so durability equals fewer replacements.
• Outsource Selectively: While costs are rising, outsourcing isn’t always the enemy. If you can partner with a reliable maintenance firm or negotiate fixed-rate service packages, you’ll reduce variability and improve response times.

A Regional Divide Worth Noting

Unsurprisingly, costs vary across the country. London and the Southeast command the highest maintenance prices, thanks largely to inflated labour rates. In contrast, regions like the North East and Wales still offer relative affordability — both in upfront prices and ongoing upkeep.

For portfolio landlords considering expansion, this regional divide could play a significant role in long-term profitability. Lower entry costs and more manageable maintenance bills create stronger cash flow potential, even if capital growth is slower.

Final Thought

The rising cost of maintenance is a quiet disruptor in the UK property market. It doesn’t make the headlines like stamp duty or base rates, but for property professionals on the ground, it’s already changing the numbers.

Buyers and investors who ignore it risk financial stress and compromised returns. Those who factor it in — with smarter budgets, better build choices, and proactive upkeep strategies — will be far better positioned to ride out market volatility.

As always, property success lies not just in acquisition, but in stewardship. And maintenance, while unglamorous, is central to the long game.