Households must calculate expenses precisely not only when buying or renting homes but also for maintenance, repairs and fixed costs, as data reveals significant price increases across home services over recent years.
Beyond housing and daily living expenses, families face additional costs for dining out, takeaway orders and basic services. Statistical Service data shows the rental index for main residences rose 3% annually in July and increased 16.6% over four years.
Fixed housing costs have also risen, with the waste collection index up 2.2% annually and 8.7% over four years, whilst sewerage services showed no increases.
Home improvement costs surge
Statistical Service data indicates prices for home improvement work have increased significantly over one year, with July as the reference month.
Plumbing services rose 1.1% in July annually, compared to 2.5% growth in 2024 and 7.8% in 2023. Over four years, the plumbing services price index increased 30.2%.
Electrician services recorded a 2.8% annual rise in July, but over four years the index climbed 51%.
Painter services showed the steepest increase at 15.8% annually in July, with a four-year rise of 65.1%.
Heating system maintenance services increased 3.4% annually in July, rising 17.9% over four years.
Carpentry services rose 2.6% annually in July, compared to 8.7% growth in 2024 and 6.4% in 2023, with a four-year increase of 41.9%.
Other maintenance and repair services increased 4.2% annually in July, compared to 2.3% growth in 2024 and 4.7% in 2023, rising 33.6% over four years.
Additional apartment costs
Apartment buildings face maintenance charges, with the relevant price index rising minimally by 1.1% annually in July, compared to 2.3% in 2022 and -0.3% in 2021.
General apartment and housing expenses include other services. The price index for cleaning and maintenance products rose 1.2% annually in July, compared to 0.8% growth in 2024, with a four-year increase of 21.4%.