Buying a home is a huge win. The keys are in your hand, the paperwork is done, and the future looks bright. But then the AC stops working. The dishwasher leaks. Or the roof? It turns out it wasn’t in as great shape as you thought. Suddenly, you're searching how much do home repairs cost and realizing you should’ve saved more. You’re not alone. A 2025 Bankrate survey found that 42% of recent buyers said unexpected maintenance and repair costs were their biggest regret. That is a lot of people who didn’t see it coming.

Let’s break it down so you don’t end up in that same boat.

What new homeowners often don’t see coming

Most buyers zero in on their down payment, closing costs, and what their monthly mortgage will be. What often gets missed is everything else that comes with owning a home. Now you’re the one responsible when things break. There is no landlord to call. No one else picking up the tab.

It starts with small stuff. A faulty outlet. A leaky faucet. Then bigger things creep in. An aging water heater. A cracked window seal. Maybe a driveway that needs resealing or a fence that’s rotting at the base. These costs don’t hit all at once, but over time they add up faster than most buyers expect. Especially in Florida, where salt air, heat, and storms work overtime on your home.

How much should you save for home repairs?

A solid rule of thumb is to set aside 1 to 4 percent of your home’s value every year for maintenance and repairs. If your home cost $400,000, plan to save $4,000 to $16,000 a year. That range might sound wide, but it makes sense when you factor in home age, condition, and climate. In Florida, where roofs age quicker and HVAC systems run year-round, many homeowners fall closer to the higher end of that range.

Newer homes with updated systems and appliances might not need much in the first couple of years. But if your home is 15 to 30 years old, you’re likely going to face more frequent and expensive repairs. Knowing how much to save for home maintenance in Florida is less about exact numbers and more about being realistic about your home’s needs over time.

What repairs cost the most in Florida homes

In 2020, Florida was the 4th highest state of the most home repairs with air conditioners being the #1 repair. Some repairs you can see coming. Others hit when you least expect it. Roof replacements in Florida often run between $10,000 and $30,000 depending on the size and materials. AC units can cost $5,000 to $10,000, and they work harder here than in many other parts of the country. Plumbing repairs, tree removal, electrical upgrades, termite treatments, water damage fixes… It’s a long list.

Florida home maintenance also includes regular jobs like pest control, sealing windows and doors, trimming trees before storm season, and pressure washing. Skip the upkeep and those small tasks turn into big repair bills down the line. Preventative maintenance is one of the best ways to stretch your budget and extend the life of your systems and structure.

How to stay ahead of repair costs before and after buying

Your best shot at staying ahead of future repair costs is before you even buy the house. A strong home inspection can highlight existing issues and give you a heads-up on what is likely to need work soon. At Vreeland Real Estate, we help buyers read between the lines on inspection reports, estimate future expenses, and negotiate seller-paid closing costs to help offset what’s coming down the road.

Once you’re in the home, set up a home emergency fund just for unexpected repairs. Even $3,000 to $5,000 can cover a sudden appliance failure or urgent roof patch. And if your budget is tight in year one, consider a home warranty for peace of mind. It is not a fix-all, but it can soften the blow of a big-ticket breakdown.

Looking to buy or sell?

Thinking about buying or selling a home? Vreeland Real Estate is proud to be Tampa’s top-ranked real estate team, with more than 600 five-star Google reviews and over 250 glowing reviews on Zillow. In 2024 alone, we’ve saved our buyers $2.3 million in seller-paid closing costs across Florida.

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or upgrading to your next one, our experienced team is ready to help you make a smart move and keep more money in your pocket. Visit VreelandRE.com or connect with a local agent in Tampa Bay, South Florida, or North Florida to get started.