Ignoring these simple winter property maintenance tasks could cost you big time

The latest research from nationwide cash buying company and quick sale specialists, Springbok Properties, has revealed that failing to complete some of the most common winter home maintenance tasks could cost homeowners thousands of pounds, as ignored issues turn into major repair jobs over the colder months.

Springbok Properties analysed a series of essential winter maintenance checks around the home, from servicing boilers and cleaning gutters to inspecting roofs and insulating pipes, comparing the cost of completing each task against the potential financial fallout if left ignored.

The research shows that a standard boiler service costs between £90 and £150, or up to £800 if a full power flush is required. But ignoring this annual check could prove costly, with the average new boiler setting homeowners back around £3,800.

A professional roof inspection typically costs around £250, with minor tile replacements adding roughly £170. However, if cracked or missing tiles are left untreated, rainwater can seep into the structure and cause damp or rot, with full roof replacement potentially costing as much as £7,000 on average.

Blocked gutters are another common winter problem. Cleaning costs roughly £100 to £150, while repairs average around £30 per metre. But if left to clog, gutters can overflow, leading to water ingress and damp. A full gutter replacement can cost over £1,000.

Insulating pipes before freezing temperatures set in costs just £1.75 per metre, but failing to do so could lead to burst pipes and serious water damage. Repairs for a moderate burst can run between £300 and £450, while fixing ceiling water damage can add another £1,700.

Checking windows and doors for drafts or damage costs little more than a general inspection fee of £25 to £35 per hour, but replacing a failed double-glazed window can range from £160 to £990 per unit.

For homes with working fireplaces, a professional chimney clean costs around £90, while failing to do so could lead to chimney fires, which can cause thousands in damage. Even a minor soot and smoke clean-up can cost £1,500 to £3,500, with severe fire damage reaching £50,000 or more.

And with Bonfire Night approaching, homeowners are also being warned to take extra care when lighting fireworks or outdoor fires. While a damaged fence panel can be replaced for around £200, a stray spark hitting the home could lead to devastating fire damage costing tens of thousands of pounds to repair.

Shepherd Ncube, CEO of Springbok Properties, commented:

"We often neglect our homes in winter due to the cold temperatures and shorter days, but it's vital to take on essential maintenance tasks, especially things like boiler servicing after a summer of little to no use. This is particularly important for those struggling to sell, as issues such as faulty boilers, damaged roofs, or poor insulation can all have a major impact on buyer decisions.

Of course, maintenance takes both time and money, which some sellers simply don't have the luxury of. In such cases, fast sale platforms can provide an effective exit route, offering to value and purchase homes regardless of condition and giving sellers the certainty of a sale without needing to carry out costly repairs."

Average cost of essential winter property maintenance tasks (UK 2025):

Boiler service – £90 to £150 (power flush £300-£800)
If ignored: new boiler replacement £3,800 (range £1,600-£6,000)

Roof inspection – £250 (minor tile replacement £170)
If ignored: full roof replacement £7,000 (range £4,000-£19,000+)

Gutter cleaning – £100-£150 (repairs £30 per metre)
If ignored: full gutter replacement £1,000 due to water damage and damp

Pipe insulation – £1.75 per metre
If ignored: burst pipe repairs £300-£600 plus water damage £1,400-£1,700

Window and door inspection – £25-£35 per hour
If ignored: double-glazing window replacement £160-£990 per window

Chimney clean – £90
If ignored: fire damage repairs £1,500-£50,000+ depending on severity

Fireworks or bonfire damage – fence panel replacement £200
If ignored: potential property fire damage £1,500-£50,000+