Spring is the ideal time to assess and address the wear that winter inflicts on London properties. After months of rain, frost, and central heating running at full capacity, most homes will benefit from a systematic check of their key systems and exterior fabric. This checklist covers the essential tasks we recommend for London homeowners in April and May 2026, organised by priority.
Start with your roof and gutters. Winter storms and accumulated leaf debris are the primary causes of blocked gutters across London, and a blocked gutter can quickly lead to water ingress, damp patches on internal walls, and even structural damage to timber fascias. Walk around the outside of your property and look for sagging gutter sections, overflowing joints, or downpipes that are not draining. A professional gutter clean and inspection typically costs £80–£150 for a terraced or semi-detached property, and should include checking all brackets, seals, and fall angles. For period properties in areas like Hampstead and Chelsea, where cast-iron guttering is common, check for rust spots and ensure all joints are sound.
Boiler servicing should not wait until autumn. Booking your annual gas boiler service in spring means shorter wait times, lower callout rates, and any issues discovered can be resolved well before heating season. A Gas Safe registered engineer will check the heat exchanger, flue, gas pressure, and safety devices. If your boiler is over twelve years old, spring is also a sensible time to get a replacement quote while there is no urgency. Annual servicing costs between £70 and £120 depending on boiler type, and is required to maintain most manufacturer warranties.
Damp is a persistent concern in London properties, particularly Victorian and Edwardian houses with solid walls. After a wet winter, conduct a thorough damp check: look for tide marks on ground-floor walls, musty smells in basements and cupboards, peeling wallpaper, and black mould around windows. In many cases the cause is condensation or a failed damp-proof course rather than rising damp. A professional damp survey (typically £200–£350) can distinguish between the types and recommend appropriate treatment. In Chelsea and Kensington, where many properties have basement or lower-ground-floor rooms, waterproofing membranes and positive drainage should be inspected annually.
Exterior paintwork and timber maintenance are best tackled in the drier months from late April through September. Inspect all exterior woodwork: window frames, door frames, fascia boards, and any decorative timber. Flaking paint, soft or spongy wood, and gaps around frame joints all indicate moisture ingress that will worsen if left. Sash windows on period properties are particularly vulnerable — check that putty is intact, cords are functional, and draught seals are in place. Exterior decoration for a typical London terraced house runs between £2,500 and £5,000 depending on the extent of preparation required.
Gardens and external drainage deserve attention after winter. Clear any accumulated debris from drains, gullies, and light wells. Check that garden walls and fences are stable — London Clay shrinks in dry weather and expands when wet, which can cause gradual movement in boundary walls. If you have mature trees close to the property, spring is the time to arrange a tree survey to check for subsidence risk, particularly in areas like Hampstead and Highgate where large trees and clay soil are common. Garden maintenance at this stage — pruning, lawn repair, border clearance — sets the tone for the rest of the year.
Check your property's external pointing and brickwork. Frost damage can cause mortar joints to crumble, especially on north-facing elevations. Repointing a small section is straightforward and inexpensive (£30–£50 per square metre), but left unchecked, failed pointing allows water penetration that can cause serious damage to the internal plaster and insulation behind. For properties in conservation areas, ensure any repointing uses lime mortar rather than cement — cement mortar traps moisture in old brick and accelerates deterioration.
Internally, spring is a good time to test smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, bleed radiators, check for dripping taps and running toilets, and inspect loft spaces for signs of water ingress or pest activity. A slow leak from a roof tile or flashing that went unnoticed all winter can cause significant damage to loft timbers if not caught. Running a tap in infrequently used bathrooms prevents trap seals from drying out — a surprisingly common source of sewer odours in larger London properties.
For flat owners and leaseholders, check the terms of your lease regarding maintenance obligations. In many London mansion blocks, the freeholder or managing agent is responsible for the roof, gutters, and communal areas, but individual lessees are often responsible for internal maintenance, windows, and sometimes external decorations to their own flat. Understanding who is responsible for what prevents both neglect and unnecessary expenditure.
We offer a spring maintenance inspection service across London, covering all of the checks described above in a single visit. Our surveyor will produce a prioritised report with costings for any work recommended. Book a spring inspection through our website or call our office to arrange a convenient time.