How to Start a Property Maintenance Business in the UK: Your Step-by-Step Guide

The UK property market is booming with opportunity, and not just for estate agents or landlords. Property maintenance has become one of the fastest-growing sectors, thanks to the demand for reliable, skilled professionals who can keep homes and commercial buildings in tip-top shape. Whether it’s a quick paint job, a deep clean, or full Airbnb management, the need is constant… and lucrative.

If you’ve been thinking about starting your own property maintenance business, here’s everything you need to know.

What Does a Property Maintenance Business Do?

The beauty of property maintenance is in its variety. You can offer a wide range of services, including:

• General repairs – fixing doors, windows, locks, leaks.

• Painting and decorating – from single rooms to full redecoration.

• Cleaning services – domestic, end-of-tenancy, deep cleans.

• Garden and outdoor maintenance – mowing, hedge trimming, jet washing.

• Airbnb and holiday let management – cleaning, key handover, restocking essentials.

• End of tenancy refurbishment – getting rental properties ready for the next tenant.

This flexibility means you can start small and expand into new services as your business grows.

Qualifications and Training

Unlike some trades, you don’t need a specific qualification to start a property maintenance business — but training and experience will make you more competitive.

Depending on the services you offer, you might consider:

• Health & Safety Training – essential for working on-site.

• NVQ or City & Guilds in construction or maintenance skills – for credibility and higher rates.

• Specialist certifications – e.g., PAT testing, working at heights, or plumbing/electrical courses.

If you’re offering cleaning services, having a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) awareness certificate is a big plus.

Market Size and Opportunity

Property maintenance is in demand across the UK. Landlords, estate agents, homeowners, and businesses constantly need trusted professionals for repairs, upkeep, and emergency call-outs.

With the rise of short-term lets like Airbnb, there’s now a whole new market for quick-turnaround cleaning and maintenance. Many landlords are willing to pay a premium for a reliable service that keeps their properties guest-ready.

And here’s the kicker, the more services you can offer (or partner with others to provide), the more often customers will call you back.

Start-Up Costs

Your costs will depend on the scale you want to start at, but here’s a rough guide:

• Basic tools & equipment: £500 – £2,000

• Vehicle/van: £2,000 – £10,000 (used or financed)

• Uniform & branding: £200 – £500

• Insurance: £150 – £500 annually

• Marketing & website: £25/month with SMB Booster 😉

The good news? You can start small with just essential tools, a vehicle, and a strong online presence, then reinvest profits to grow.

Why Your Website Will Make or Break You

In 2025, customers are searching online first. If you don’t have a professional, mobile-friendly, Google-ready website, you’re invisible to most potential clients.

That’s where SMB Booster comes in.
We’ll create a high-quality, lead-generating website for FREE - Check out our property maintenance website here - you just pay from £25/month. No contracts. Upgrade or downgrade anytime.

Your site will include:
✅ Contact forms for instant enquiries.
✅ Service pages for SEO visibility.
✅ Integration with Google Business Profile.
✅ Reviews section to build trust.
✅ Gallery for before & after photos.

Basically, everything you need to turn clicks into calls.

Bottom line: A property maintenance business can be one of the most profitable ventures to start in the UK right now. Keep your overheads low, provide great service, and make sure your business looks as professional online as it does in person, because that’s how you’ll stand out in a crowded market.

💡 Ready to get started? Visit SMBBooster.co.uk and let’s get your business online today.