Home maintenance
Home maintenance costs in Australia
Maintenance is the most irregular cost of owning a home - and the one most likely to become an emergency if you do not plan for it. A little structure turns unpredictable repairs into a manageable annual allowance.
Maintenance vs repairs
Maintenance is the routine upkeep that prevents things failing - gutter cleaning, servicing appliances, painting, sealing. Repairs are what happens when something breaks. Budgeting for maintenance reduces the size and frequency of repairs.
How much to budget
There is no single figure - it depends on the age, size, type and condition of the home. A widely used approach is an annual allowance of around 1% of the home’s value, adjusted up for older homes and down for newer ones. The important thing is to set something aside regularly.
Apartment vs house maintenance
Apartment owners generally maintain only the inside of their lot; the building and common property are covered by strata. House owners maintain everything from the roof down - which is why houses usually need a larger maintenance allowance.
Build a repair emergency fund
Separate from routine maintenance, keep a small emergency fund for the unexpected - a hot water system, a roof leak, a broken fence. Having it ready stops a repair from becoming debt.
Frequently asked questions
How much should I budget for home maintenance?
A common approach is around 1% of the home’s value per year, adjusted for age and condition. The key is consistency - set it aside regularly rather than reacting to each repair.
Are maintenance costs different for apartments?
Yes. Apartment owners usually only maintain the interior of their lot; external and common maintenance is covered through strata fees and the capital works fund.
Last reviewed: 19 August 2026
