An estimated 12.3 million households have had to put off some form of home maintenance work because of the cost of living crisis, according to new research. The figures state that around two-fifths (43%) of residents have had to delay these types of jobs due to rising costs. This means millions have been forced to risk their property’s condition deteriorating and even becoming unsafe.

The numbers come from Go.Compare home insurance, which asked residents how rising costs have affected their ability to look after their property, then combined the results with ONS data. The findings show that millions of residents have been unable to keep up with house maintenance expenses since the start of the cost of living crisis.

Worryingly, just over a fifth (23%) stated that they have postponed making home repairs due to increased living costs. This means an estimated 6.4 million households have been forced to live in damaged properties because they can’t afford to repair them.

Cosmetic projects are the most likely to have been shelved by residents. Three in 10 (30%) stated they have delayed redecorating their home because of the rising living costs, showing that more Brits have had to cut back on non-essential jobs. A quarter (26%) added that they have put off some other type of maintenance.

Cleaning out the gutters is the job most Brits delay, according to the insurance comparison site, with 15% seeing it as less of a priority. Yet, blocked gutters can prevent proper drainage and lead to water damage. Other jobs being left include repairing damaged windows and exterior walls, both of which one in nine (11%) Brits have postponed.

Families and those with a lower income more likely to postpone maintenance work

The research also revealed that those supporting a family are more likely to have put their property work on the back burner.

Over half of those with kids said they have had to delay home maintenance tasks because of the cost of living crisis, compared to two-fifths of those without. This could suggest that families are less able to maintain their property due to rising costs.

Those on a lower income are also more likely to have abandoned home maintenance jobs. Just over half of those on a lower income (51%) have put off some form of maintenance work due to the rise in living costs, compared to two-fifths of those on a higher income.

Reassuringly, the study also found that these tasks aren’t being completely forgotten about. Just over a fifth (22%) said they plan to clear out the guttering by the end of summer. A further 13% said they are going to check or repair their windows and doors, while 12% are hoping to check or maintain their outdoor pipes and taps.

One in 10 also stated that they will check or repair their roof, highlighting that while many have had to delay these tasks, they are remaining on their to-do lists.

Nathan Blackler, home insurance expert at Go.Compare, said: “Rising living costs are clearly forcing many households to delay maintenance work in and around their property. Paying for the essentials will always come first but putting off repairs, especially serious ones, can have a significant impact on your safety over the long term.

“Plus, home insurance usually requires you to keep your property in good condition, so your insurer likely wouldn’t accept your claim if things started to deteriorate and you were found to be at fault. Insurance prices have actually dropped recently, too, so comparing now could help you find a cheaper policy. This could give you one less cost to worry about and free up some cash to make those repairs.

“It’s worth exploring the different ways you can make repairs when times are tight. Some jobs will need to be done professionally, so don’t attempt any repairs yourself unless you’re confident it’s safe and legal to do so. Consider contacting Citizens Advice or your local authority if you need help, as they could advise on how you can get support through the provision of things like loans, grants or materials.”

More information about the impact of the cost of living crisis on home maintenance can be found on Go.Compare’s website.