🏡 What’s Changing in Property Maintenance in 2025?
Straightforward insights from FMS Upkeep
Property maintenance is evolving fast. In 2025, we’re seeing clear shifts in how properties
are cared for, driven by technology, regulation, cost pressures, and rising expectations
from tenants.
At FMS Upkeep, we’re adapting alongside these changes. Here are five trends shaping the
way we deliver maintenance today—and how we’re helping clients keep ahead.
🔧 1. Maintenance Is Getting Smarter
Maintenance used to be reactive: something breaks, someone fixes it. But that’s changing.
With the rise of connected systems, it’
s now possible to monitor buildings in real time and
spot problems early, before they cause major disruption.
Properties using this kind of predictive maintenance are seeing 20–30% fewer issues over
time. It’s not about replacing people with technology, but about using better tools to
reduce emergencies and plan work more effectively. We’re trialling this approach in
selected properties where it makes sense – helping landlords move from short-term fixes
to longer-term reliability.
🌿 2. Energy Efficiency Is No Longer Optional
The UK government is pushing ahead with tighter energy rules. By April 2027, all rental
homes in England and Wales will need to meet an EPC rating of at least C. That affects
thousands of properties currently rated D or below.
We’re working with landlords to phase in upgrades like insulation, draught-proofing and
more efficient heating. These changes aren’t just about compliance—they also reduce
energy bills and improve tenant comfort, which makes properties easier to let and
manage in the long run.
⚖ 3. The Rules Are Tougher—and Clearer
New laws like the Building Safety Act 2022 and Awaab’s Law mean landlords now face
stricter requirements on how quickly repairs are carried out, especially when it comes to
hazards like damp and mould.
That’s had a knock-on effect across the sector, particularly in social housing. We’ve
updated our internal systems and communication processes to help landlords respond
within the required timeframes and keep proper records. It’s about doing the work well—
and showing it’s been done right.
💷 4. Costs Are Climbing—But There Are Smarter Ways to Manage ThemMaintenance costs are rising. The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) forecasts a 17%
increase in general maintenance costs and a 27.5% rise in cleaning costs by the end of
the decade. Labour shortages and inflation are both contributing.
We’re helping clients deal with this by planning ahead – grouping tasks, avoiding repeat
visits, and tackling seasonal works early where possible. A well-planned approach nearly
always works out cheaper than last-minute repairs.
🧑🔧 5. The Repair Experience Really Matters
Repairs aren’t just about getting the job done – they’re also about how the job is done.
Since 2020, formal complaints about repairs in rented and social housing have risen by
75%, with tenants often citing poor communication and delays.
We’re focusing on the basics: clear updates, realistic timeframes, and respectful service
inside residents’ homes. Good communication doesn
‘t cost more, but it does make a big
difference.
✅ Final Thoughts
In 2025, property maintenance is about more than fixing what’s broken. It’s about
planning ahead, staying compliant, keeping costs in check, and delivering a better
experience for everyone involved.
At FMS Upkeep, we’re not trying to chase trends – we’re focused on doing the job properly.
As expectations grow, we’re here to help landlords, agents, and residents meet the
moment with confidence.