Buying a house is fun. Owning a home is a whole different story.
It's no secret that property maintenance can feel like a daunting task when the key is first handed over. After all, there are systems to understand, jobs to schedule and problems that inevitably crop up completely out of the blue.
Let's be honest…
Most of these issues are entirely avoidable.
Sure, every home is going to need a repair or two every now and then. But with the right tips for new homeowners, maintenance becomes second nature.
It's a routine rather than a chore. And it can save you thousands of pounds over the long run.
Preventative Tips For New Homeowners
Why Maintenance is Important for New Owners
For first time owners new homeownership often comes with a surprising revelation.
It's not just about repairing the inevitable damage that time and use inevitably cause…
It's about preventing that damage from happening in the first place.
As per Hippo's 2024 Housepower Report, almost 83% of homeowners dealt with unexpected repairs in 2023. That's nearly double the rate of 2022. Yikes. Worryingly, almost half of those owners spent in excess of $5,000 in out-of-pocket expenses on those emergency repairs.
Buying a house in today's real estate market is expensive enough without adding unexpected repair bills on top. That becomes even more of an issue for those who financed their new purchase with expert bridging loan advice or a traditional mortgage.
Protecting that investment should become every new homeowner's number one priority.
That's where tips for new homeowners always start with one simple rule:
Prevention is always better than a cure.
The Essential Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
Instead of waiting for something to go wrong, the smart property owner stays on top of routine maintenance throughout the year. They schedule regular check-ups to keep on top of everything.
But here's the trick…
Maintenance needs to change with the seasons. What's important to do in spring is completely different to what's required in autumn.
Maintenance Jobs for Spring
Take a beat to assess the damage. Or more accurately, the winter damage that could have occurred over the past few months.
Check for cracks in the foundation and gaps around windows and doors.
Inspect the roof for missing shingles and gutters that may have collected debris.
This is also a great time to:
Maintenance Jobs for Autumn
The flip side of spring is autumn maintenance. If spring is about assessing winter damage, autumn is about prepping for winter.
Clean out the gutters and check the heating system.
Make sure there are no gaps around doors and windows that cold air can get through.
Autumn maintenance should also include:
Simple enough, right?
HVAC System Care
Heating and cooling systems are the heart and soul of any comfortable home. They're also some of the most expensive appliances to repair once they've been neglected.
The thing most first-time homeowners don't realise…
HVAC systems are best served with regular attention.
Not just when they stop working, either.
Filters should be changed every 1-3 months, depending on usage, and the outdoor unit needs to be kept clear of debris and vegetation.
In fact, per Angi's 2025 State of Home Spending and Pulse Report, 71% of homeowners now say they are making preventative maintenance a top priority. HVAC care sits right at the top of that list.
Professional servicing should be scheduled at least once per year. Spring for the AC unit and autumn for the heating system.
This simple maintenance task can extend the life of both by years.
Plumbing Basics Every Owner Should Know
Water damage is one of the most common and most expensive problems homeowners deal with. Plumbing issues, in particular, can rack up a huge bill if not spotted early.
Every new homeowner should be aware of where the main water shut-off valve is located. In an emergency, it's incredibly important to be able to turn off that water supply quickly. Doing so could stop thousands in damage.
Regular plumbing checks should also include:
Slow drains aren't just an annoyance. They're also a warning sign. Try and get them before they become a full blockage.
Pro tip: never pour grease down the kitchen sink. That's the number one cause of residential drain clogs.
Roof And Gutter Maintenance
The roof keeps everything underneath it safe and dry. Yet it's one of the most commonly neglected aspects of home maintenance.
New homeowners should be checking their roof at least twice per year.
Look for:
Gutters are just as important but often more commonly neglected. When they clog, water backs up and can do damage to the roof, siding and even the foundation of the house.
Clean gutters in the spring and autumn at a minimum. Gutter guards are a wise investment if there are a lot of surrounding trees.
Electrical Safety Checks
Electrical problems are one of the most dangerous home issues to have.
They're also easy to overlook because most of the system is hidden behind walls.
New homeowners should be testing all of their outlets periodically and keep an eye out for:
Any of these signs mean it's time to call in a licensed electrician. Electrical problems are never DIY territory.
Also, make sure the electrical panel is clearly labelled. Knowing which breaker controls which area of the home could save precious time during an emergency.
Bringing It All Together
Home maintenance doesn't have to be an overwhelming chore.
The right approach turns it into a manageable routine rather than a source of stress.
The key tips for new homeowners are simple:
Prevention is the foundation of smart homeownership. The time and money put into regular property maintenance will pay off many times over.
Any new homeowner who masters these essential tasks will protect their investment and enjoy their property for years to come.
Solid real estate wisdom to keep in mind.
