New research from Towergate Direct highlights the rising financial burden on landlords, with property maintenance costs increasing by 26.24% since 2022.

The average UK landlord now spends £1,374.07 per year on maintenance—£285 more than in 2022. Edinburgh ranks as the most expensive city for maintenance, followed by Newcastle and Glasgow, while London has dropped to sixth place. Major repair costs include £906 for roof damage, £665 for electrical issues, and £655 for heating problems.

Tenant disputes over maintenance responsibilities have also risen sharply, with 60% of landlords reporting conflicts, up from 48.5% in 2022. Additionally, damage repair costs have surged by 121%, with theft (£1,128 per year) and fire damage being the most expensive issues.

Despite this, uninsured landlords have significantly decreased from 20% in 2022 to 3.8% in 2024, though over 100,000 landlords remain financially vulnerable.

Towergate Direct emphasises the importance of landlord insurance as a safeguard against financial losses due to theft, fire, and other risks, especially as rental market pressures continue to grow.