Homeowners admit to taking a "set and forget" approach to maintenance, leaving their properties vulnerable to preventable damage and potential insurance claims, the study warns.

Despite 94% of homeowners understanding the risks of skipping home maintenance and nearly 90% agreeing it's worth the effort, follow-through remains a challenge, with 40% admitting their home maintenance is rarely done, if at all.

While Australians shell out an average of $3,400 annually on home upkeep, Allianz data reveals that ignoring repairs can lead to costs soaring far beyond that.

Water damage alone ranks among the most expensive claims. A burst flexi hose, for example, can trigger repair bills ranging from $5,000 to $30,000, especially if the leak goes unnoticed while homeowners are away.

Home maintenance neglect stems from a mix of psychological, financial, and practical reasons, the report said.

Half of the surveyed homeowners believe small issues will resolve themselves or can be fixed later, 42% see costs as a barrier, and time pressures often push repairs down the priority list.

In fact, just 16% of homeowners take action when maintenance crosses their mind, and only 12% do so when prompted by someone else, leaving plenty of room for small issues to go unnoticed.

The research also reveals that home ownership is a source of ongoing stress for many Australians, with over 30% citing financial strain and ongoing maintenance demands as key reasons they feel disconnected or overwhelmed by the responsibilities of owning a home.

The findings come from a nationally representative survey of 1,007 Australian homeowners aged 18 and up.

Homeowners favour aesthetics over maintenance

For many Australian homeowners, creating a stylish, personalised living space is taking priority over essential upkeep.

Allianz data shows that 39% place higher value on aesthetics than on routine maintenance. A further 35% are more focused on adding personal touches than addressing potential repair needs.

The trend is strongest among younger homeowners, with 31% of Gen Z prioritising wellness features and 24% investing in smart home upgrades.

Social media appears to be fuelling the shift in focus with nearly half of homeowners saying it influences how they manage and improve their homes.