How much should I budget for home maintenance in the UK?

A common rule of thumb is about 1% of your home’s value a year, so around £3,000 for a £300,000 home. Older homes, and homes that haven’t been looked after, often need more. Routine jobs such as the boiler service and gutter clearing usually take up a small part of that.

How much does a boiler service cost?

A gas boiler service in the UK typically costs £70 to £150, with most between £80 and £120.

How often should gutters be cleared?

At least once a year, usually in autumn once the leaves are down. If you have trees nearby, twice a year is safer.

How often do I need an EICR?

Owner-occupiers are advised to have an electrical inspection at least every 10 years. Landlords in England need one at least every 5 years.

Does the calculator save what I enter?

No. It runs in your browser and nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

Home Maintenance Budget Calculator

How much should you set aside to look after your home? This calculator adds up the routine jobs your home needs each year and compares the total with a common rule of thumb: about 1% of your home's value a year. Change any cost to match the quotes you get.

Costs are typical UK ranges from our cost guides. Prices vary by area and are often higher in London and the South East. Nothing you enter is stored or sent anywhere.

Your home's value (£)

Gas boiler serviceCost per year (£)

Typical £70 to £150. Most are £80 to £120.

Open fire or wood burner

Gutter clearing

Cost per clean (£)

Times a year

Typical £80 to £150 for a semi. Twice a year if you have trees nearby.

Electrical inspection (EICR)Cost (£)How often

Typical £180 to £300 for a three-bed home.

Your own jobs

Your routine jobs

£239 a year

£20 a month

Gas boiler service£100
Gutter clearing£115
Electrical inspection (EICR)£24

Add your home's value to compare with the 1% rule of thumb.

How the calculator works

The routine jobs use typical UK prices from our cost guides. Replace any of them with the quotes you get.

Boiler service: £70 to £150, with most between £80 and £120. See boiler service costs.
Chimney sweep: around £60 to £110 a sweep. How often you need one depends on the fuel you burn. See chimney sweep costs and how often.
Gutter clearing: £80 to £150 to clear and flush the gutters on a typical semi. See fascia, soffit and gutter costs.
Electrical inspection (EICR): £180 to £300 for a typical three-bed home. Owner-occupiers are advised to have one at least every 10 years, and landlords in England need one at least every 5 years. See EICR inspections for homeowners.

The 1% figure is a common rule of thumb for all upkeep, including the routine jobs above. Whatever it leaves after those is a rough guide to what to set aside for repairs and replacements.

What the budget doesn't include

Big one-off projects, such as a new boiler, a new roof or replacement windows. See our boiler buying guide and the cost of replacing all your windows.
Insurance, and service charges if you own a leasehold flat.
Improvements, such as extensions and kitchens.

Ways to keep maintenance costs down

Do small jobs on time. Clearing gutters costs far less than fixing the damp an overflowing gutter causes. See the types of damp in UK homes.
Compare quotes. Ask for quotes from up to three vetted local trades. See how trusted trades work.
Keep records and warranties. A boiler warranty can save you a repair bill, but many require a yearly service to stay valid.

Never miss a job you've budgeted for

Home+ puts every job from this calculator on your home's maintenance schedule and reminds you a week before each one is due. It also keeps a record of what you spent.

Frequently asked questions

Put your maintenance budget on a schedule

Create your free Home+ account and get reminders before each job is due.