Lifetime Costs of Buildings

Release date 1 July 2023

The following is a sample of estimated annual maintenance and operational costs for various buildings derived from information published by the RICS.

The costs given here are provided in good faith as an indicative guide only and should be used with understanding. You should also consider other sources of information. Costmodelling Limited cannot accept any liability for any work produced using these figures. You should always seek professional advice in producing costs for any construction project.

The indices are set at current tender price index 213 (3Q2023 - Year 2000 = 100) and UK national average index 100.

Maintenance costs

  • Building fabric and services
  • Decorations

Operational costs

  • Cleaning
  • Utilities (water and energy)

Building Estimated £/m2 gross floor area per annum
  Maintenance Decoration Cleaning Utilities Total
Factories £19.80 £2.50 £14.90 £34.35 £71.55
Universities £39.00 £3.10 £17.30 £31.65 £91.05
Shops £28.50 £3.70 £24.10 £53.85 £110.15
Swimming pools £37.80 £3.10 £20.40 £74.25 £135.55
Hotels £36.50 £4.30 £35.30 £52.95 £129.05
Hospitals £46.40 £4.30 £52.60 £49.20 £152.50