Sydney homeowners know that keeping a property in top condition requires regular upkeep. From plumbing and electrical work to landscaping and roof repairs, home maintenance is a necessary expense for homeowners across the city.

But how often do Sydney residents need these services, and how much do they typically spend each year? We looked at the frequency and costs of home maintenance in 2024, including which suburbs spend the most on essential home services.

How Often Do Sydney Residents Require Home Maintenance Services?

Regular home maintenance is crucial for preserving property value and preventing costly repairs down the line. The frequency of maintenance services varies depending on factors like property age, location, and weather conditions.

Annual Home Maintenance Needs

Most Sydney homeowners require maintenance services on an annual basis for general upkeep, including:

• Plumbing and drainage – Blocked drains and leaking pipes are common issues that require yearly inspections.
• Electrical services – Safety checks and minor repairs are recommended at least once a year.
• Gutter cleaning – Essential for preventing water damage, especially after autumn and winter.
• Pest control – With Sydney’s warm climate, annual termite and pest inspections are no-brains for a lot of suburbs.

Seasonal and Emergency Repairs

Some maintenance needs are more seasonal or emergency-based, such as:

• Air conditioning servicing – Required before summer to ensure efficiency.
• Roof repairs – More common after heavy storms, especially in coastal areas.
• Garden and lawn maintenance – Regular upkeep throughout the warmer months.

How Much Do Sydney Residents Spend on Home Maintenance?

Home maintenance costs vary widely based on property size, service type, and urgency. On average, Sydney homeowners spend between $3M and $54M per year on home maintenance services. Some essential services and their estimated costs include:

• Plumbing repairs: $150 – $500 per visit
• Electrical work: $100 – $250 per hour
• Gutter cleaning: $200 – $400 per service
• Roof repairs: $1,000 – $3,000, depending on severity
• Pest control: $150 – $300 per treatment
• Lawn and garden care: $50 – $100 per session
• House painting: $3,000 – $10,000 per project
• Handyman services: $50 – $150 per hour
• Cleaning services: $40 – $80 per session
• Tree removal: $500 – $2,500 per job

Estimated Annual Spending on Home Maintenance by Sydney Residents

Using available data on the number of times services are required annually in Sydney suburbs, we can estimate total annual spending:

• Plumbing: In Penrith, plumbing services are required 31,200 times a year, and in Parramatta, 15,360 times. Assuming an average cost of $300 per job, Penrith homeowners spend $9,360,000 per year, while Parramatta spends $4,608,000 per year on plumbing alone.

• Electrical: Croydon requires electrician services 15,840 times a year, while Mosman requires them 9,840 times. With an average rate of $200 per job, Croydon spends $3,168,000 per year, and Mosman spends $1,968,000 per year on electrical work.

• Landscaping: The highest demand comes from Mosman, Chatswood, and Clontarf, where costs range from $1,440,000 to $1,080,000 annually per household.

• Pest Control: Ryde ($550 jobs/year), Burwood ($520 jobs/year), and Ashfield ($500 jobs/year) require frequent pest control. At an average cost of $250 per session, Ryde spends $1,350,000 per year, Burwood $1,260,000 per year, and Ashfield $1,200,000 per year.

• House Painting: Hornsby sees 600 painting jobs a year, while Lane Cove sees 500. With an average cost of $5,000 per job, Hornsby spends $33,000,000 per year, and Lane Cove spends $24,000,000 per year.

• Handyman Services: Manly (990 jobs/year), Chatswood (780 jobs/year), and Balmain (240 jobs/year). At an average of $100 per job, Manly spends $948,000 per year, Chatswood $696,000 per year, and Balmain $48,000 per year.

• Cleaning Services: Surry Hills (530 jobs/year), Abbotsford (520 jobs/year), and Chatswood (500 jobs/year). At an average of $60 per job, Surry Hills spends $21,600 per year, Abbotsford $14,400 per year, and Chatswood $14,400 per year.

• Lawn Mowing: Strathfield (370 jobs/year), Burwood (350 jobs/year), and Cherrybrook (320 jobs/year). At an average cost of $70 per job, Strathfield spends $58,800 per year, Burwood $42,000 per year, and Cherrybrook $16,800 per year.

• Tree Removal: Mona Vale (430 jobs/year), Pymble (420 jobs/year), and Willoughby (420 jobs/year). With an average cost of $1,000 per job, Mona Vale spends $360,000 per year, Pymble $240,000 per year, and Willoughby $240,000 per year.

Which Suburbs Spend the Most on Home Maintenance in 2024?

Based on estimated spending, some of the highest-spending suburbs include:

1. Hornsby – $33M on painting

The annual home maintenance spending in Hornsby is close to $39M, with painting being the highest spending at $33M.

2. Lane Cove – $24M on painting

The annual home maintenance spending in Lane Cove is approximately $27M, with painting being the highest spending at $24M.

3. Penrith – $9.36M on plumbing

Penrith’s annual home maintenance spending is approximately $54M, with painting being the highest cost at $38.4M. Plumbing spending also stand out, reaching $9.36M.

4. Mosman – $3.41M on electrical, plus significant spending on landscaping

Mosman’s annual home maintenance spending is approximately $11M, with painting being the highest cost at $6M. Electrical and landscaping spending are also significant, totalling $3.41M.

5. Ryde – $1.35M on pest control

Ryde’s annual home maintenance spending is approximately $9M, with painting as the highest cost at $3M. Plumbing and pest control follow as the second and third largest expenses, at $2.59M and $1.35M, respectively.

6. Chatswood – $696K on handyman services and $14.4K on cleaning

Chatswood’s annual home maintenance spending is close to $7M, with painting being the highest cost at $2.4M. Notably, handyman services and cleaning expenses also reached $696K and $14.4K, respectively.

Sydney suburbs with the highest home maintenance costs

Sydney suburbs with the highest annual home maintenance costs are Penrith ($54.16 million), Hornsby ($38.88 million), and Lane cove ($27.34 million), among 15 areas listed, with costs showing a significant decline beyond the top three.

Why Sydney Homeowners Should Budget for Maintenance

Neglecting home maintenance can lead to costly emergency repairs. A small plumbing leak, for instance, can escalate into a major water damage issue if left unattended. Regular maintenance not only ensures a property remains in good condition but also enhances its value.

Tips for Reducing Home Maintenance Costs:

• Schedule regular inspections to identify small issues before they become major problems.
• Invest in quality materials that require less frequent repairs.
• Compare service quotes to get the best price without compromising quality.
• Consider DIY for minor tasks like painting or basic gardening.

Conclusion

Sydney homeowners spend millions each year on home maintenance services, with some suburbs investing more due to environmental factors, property size, or heritage restrictions. Regular maintenance is essential to avoid costly emergency repairs and to preserve property value. By planning and budgeting for annual upkeep, Sydney residents can ensure their homes remain safe and well-maintained for years to come.