05/06/2026
📢 You may have seen recent BBC coverage of TPI's newly released Service Charge Cost Index 2026, which draws on data from managing agents across the country.
Many leaseholders understandably feel that service charges are rising rapidly, with concerns that costs are spiraling beyond control. However, the latest industry data tells a different story.
📊 Over the past two years:
• Inflation has increased by 6.1%
• Average service charges have increased by 5.8%
The report highlights that:
✅ Building safety compliance costs have experienced the largest increase.
✅ Repairs and maintenance remain the biggest area of expenditure.
✅ Older buildings generally require more investment to reserve funds and insurance.
✅ Taller buildings face complex safety requirements introduced following events such as the Grenfell Tower tragedy.
While rising costs across the economy continue to create challenges, good financial planning can make a significant difference.
At Housemartins, we remain committed to managing buildings responsibly, maintaining healthy reserve funds, and ensuring properties are safe, compliant, and well maintained, while keeping service charges as reasonable and stable as possible.
📖 Read the full Service Charge Cost Index here: https://www.tpi.org.uk/industry-knowledge/service-charges/tpi-service-charge-index-2026-report-released/
