As property managers working across Lutwyche, Clayfield, Wooloowin, Windsor, and Albion, we know that proactive maintenance isn’t just about tenant satisfaction—it’s about protecting your asset and securing long-term rental returns.
The latest Q1 2025 Property Maintenance Index from Tapi reveals clear maintenance cost trends and seasonal patterns that every Brisbane investor should be aware of. Here’s what it means for you as a property owner—and how we help you stay ahead of the curve.
From February to December last year, common issues like leaking taps, faulty dishwashers, or blocked drains have steadily increased in cost. In fact, across all property types:
- Plumbing repairs cost on average between $179 and $398, with tap repairs being the most common job
- Appliance repairs, especially dishwashers and ovens, ranged between $183 and $789, making this one of the priciest areas of maintenance
- Structural jobs like flooring, ventilation, and ceiling repairs saw a typical spend of $169 to $557, with ventilation topping the list of common issues—timely in Brisbane’s humid climate
- Electrical issues, including power points and lighting, remained steady, averaging $173 to $375, but heater and air-con callouts saw peaks in winter and just before
🔍 Key Insights for Local Property Investors
1. Small Jobs Can Add Up
Leaking taps or faulty cisterns may seem minor but are among the most common and recurring expenses. Unchecked, they lead to compounding issues like water damage or mould, which are far more expensive to resolve.
2. Appliances Are the Silent Budget Killers
Dishwasher and oven repairs dominated appliance costs. Interestingly, dishwashers surged in frequency toward the end of the year, likely due to increased usage in the lead-up to the holidays. Replacing older units with durable, energy-efficient models can save hundreds over time
3. Ventilation & Mould Prevention is a Growing Concern
Ceiling ventilation was the most common structural job in QLD this quarter, showing a growing awareness of air quality. In tightly sealed inner-city homes, ensuring proper airflow isn’t just about comfort—it’s about health and compliance.
🛠 Seasonal Planning: What to Expect in Autumn-Winter
Here’s what you can do now to prepare for upcoming high-maintenance months:
- Check air-conditioning units now before winter to avoid the rush (and higher callout rates).
- Inspect bathroom ventilation and ceiling spaces for early signs of mould or moisture damage.
- Schedule dishwasher servicing or consider appliance upgrades where units are nearing the end of their lifespan.
- Educate tenants on preventative care—like not tipping fats down drains or overloading power boards.
💡 How We Help You Stay Ahead
At Clark Real Estate, our systems are designed to turn maintenance from a pain point into a selling point. We:
- Monitor and report on maintenance trends specific to your property and suburb.
- Engage trusted trades who work promptly and fairly.
- Provide data-backed advice on when to repair vs replace—especially important for ageing appliances.
- Offer financing solutions for larger works to help you keep tenants happy without cashflow strain.
📍 Local Advantage: Why It Matters in 4030 and Surrounds
In suburbs like Lutwyche and Clayfield, tenant expectations are higher than ever. Properties with well-maintained appliances, clean ventilation, and smooth-running plumbing consistently:
- Achieve higher weekly rents
- Attract better tenants
- Experience less downtime between leases
In fact, we’re seeing tenants favouring properties with a proactive maintenance history—even over slightly lower rents.
Final Word for Owners
Staying ahead of maintenance isn’t about spending more—it’s about spending smarter. With the right management approach and access to suburb-specific data like this, your property can outperform the market.
Thinking of reviewing your maintenance strategy or upgrading to a more hands-on management service? Let’s chat about how we can help your investment thrive in Lutwyche, Clayfield, Windsor, Wooloowin or Albion.
📞 Contact Nathan Andrew at Clark Real Estate
Your local expert for property management that adds real value.