We all love to hear that our home has gone up in value. But here’s the uncomfortable truth: just because your home is worth more, doesn’t mean you’ve made a profit.
At Collyers Estate Agents, we regularly speak to homeowners who’ve owned their property for 10, 15, even 20 years. And while their homes may have risen in value, so too have the costs of maintaining them.
So let’s dig into the real numbers – and ask the question: are you better off, or just breaking even?
📈 The True Cost of Homeownership
Owning a home isn’t just about mortgage payments. There’s a constant flow of maintenance, repairs and upgrades that keep a property functional and appealing.
Here are just a few of the most common costs:
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Roof repairs or replacement
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Boiler servicing or upgrades
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Garden maintenance and fencing
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External painting or rendering
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Kitchen or bathroom upgrades
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Damp treatment or insulation
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Plumbing and electrics
And with the cost of labour and materials still rising in 2025, even small jobs can add up quickly.
💲 Average annual upkeep for a standard 3-bed property: £1,500 to £2,500
Over 10 years, that’s £15,000 to £25,000 – before you even touch a paintbrush.
📅 Capital Growth vs Real Profit
Let’s say your house was worth £200,000 ten years ago and now it’s worth £220,000. Great, right? You’ve gained £20K!
But what if you’ve spent:
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£2,000 on roof repairs
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£5,000 on a new bathroom
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£3,000 on a new boiler
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£2,500 on painting and garden upkeep
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£5,000 on other bits and bobs
That’s £17,500 spent just to keep the house in saleable condition.
So your "profit" is really just £2,500. And that’s not including:
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Mortgage interest
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Stamp duty
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Legal fees
⚠️ What Happens if You Don’t Maintain
We also see the opposite: homes that haven’t been touched in years.
These properties can:
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Attract lower offers
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Scare off mortgage buyers due to survey results
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Sit on the market longer
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Be targeted by investors looking to negotiate
The cost of catching up all at once? Often far more than keeping on top of it gradually.
✨ When Maintenance Adds Value
It’s not all bad news.
Certain updates can add value – especially when done well:
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Kitchen/bathroom refits
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New central heating
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Loft insulation or energy efficiency upgrades
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New windows and doors
The key is doing the right improvements at the right time for the right buyer.
💡 Should You Sell Before the Next Big Spend?
If your roof, kitchen or boiler is nearing the end of its life, and you’re already considering selling, it might be worth acting before those costs land in your lap.
You’re more likely to sell at a fair price while everything still functions well – even if it’s a little dated. Buyers expect some wear and tear, but they’re wary of big-ticket jobs.
💼 Let’s Talk Strategy
At Collyers, we offer free valuations that include advice on where to spend – and where to save.
We can also connect you with trusted local:
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EPC assessors
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Architects
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Mortgage brokers
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Solicitors
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Removal companies
Because sometimes, it’s not just what your home is worth – it’s what it costs to keep it that way.
📅 Book a Free Valuation Today
Get clarity on your home’s current value and what makes financial sense for your next move.
