Buying your first home is up there with the most exciting moments in life. But once the Champagne’s been popped and the boxes unpacked, it’s often the quieter reality of home ownership that sets in – and it doesn’t always come cheap. For many first-time buyers, the surprise isn’t that the boiler’s old or the windows need work – it’s that no one told them just how much maintenance, repair and planning goes into keeping a home in good shape.
What the glossy brochures and Instagram reels rarely show is the less glamorous side of home ownership – rising damp, dodgy electrics, leaking roofs, woodworm, condensation… A recent survey found that 44 per cent of new homeowners uncovered serious problems within the first year of moving in, with 15 per cent facing repair bills of over £10,000. It’s a painful reality for anyone, but especially tough when you’ve already stretched your finances to get on the ladder in the first place.
One of the smartest moves any buyer can make? Booking a proper pre-purchase survey. And no, a mortgage valuation doesn’t count. A RICS Level 2 or Level 3 survey offers a far more detailed view of the property’s condition, flagging up everything from roof damage and faulty wiring to signs of damp or timber decay. If problems are uncovered, you might be able to renegotiate the price – or at least walk in with your eyes open.
For period homes or properties that raise particular concerns, it’s also worth bringing in a specialist. Firms like Peter Cox can carry out additional inspections focused on issues like damp, rot or basement water ingress, offering a deeper level of insight – and often a faster, more precise diagnosis than a general survey alone.
Once you’ve moved in, it’s all about vigilance. Little signs – peeling paint, a musty smell, salt deposits on cellar walls, soft patches in timber – can be early warnings of bigger problems. Dealing with them early is not just cheaper; it’s far less disruptive than leaving things until they become urgent.
Budgeting, too, is key. A general rule of thumb is to set aside around 1 per cent of your home’s value each year for maintenance. That might cover anything from a new boiler to window repairs or fresh pointing – but having that buffer in place means you’re less likely to panic when something breaks (and something will!). The good news? You don’t need to become a property care expert overnight. Knowing when to call in the professionals – and investing in proper surveys from the start – goes a long way. Trusted specialists have the tools and the training to give accurate diagnoses, and they’ll usually offer guarantees on the work. Owning your own home is a huge milestone – and it should feel like a joy, not a drain. With the right prep and a little ongoing TLC, it absolutely can be. Just keep one eye on the pipework while you choose the paint colours.
