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Household Bills for Homeowners

Jan 21, 2025
Utility Bills
Becoming a homeowner is an important milestone, but bills are part of the deal. Whether you own a house or a flat, there are monthly costs you need to budget for. If you’re getting on the property ladder and are unsure about what these include, we’re here to help. 
 
Below, we’ve compiled a list of all household bills in the UK, from mortgage repayments to home insurance.
 

1. Mortgage repayments

First on the list of household bills is the mortgage. Most homebuyers take out a mortgage to buy a home, meaning they’ll need to make monthly repayments to the lender. The amount depends on several factors, including how much they borrow, the mortgage rate and the term.
 

2. Council tax

Council tax is an annual fee you pay your local council for services such as waste collection, road maintenance and street lighting. 
 
Homes are rated from A (cheapest) to H (most expensive). The amount you pay depends on your property’s valuation band and location, as well as other personal circumstances. It’s usually paid in 10 monthly instalments. You can apply for a 25% discount if you live alone.
 

3. Electricity and gas

Energy bills cover the costs of powering your home. The amount varies depending on your usage. Most companies offer different payment options – monthly, every three months or once a year. 
 
If you want to know your home’s energy efficiency, you can check its Energy Performance Certificate. This rates your property from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), estimates its carbon dioxide emissions and includes recommendations for improving energy efficiency.
 
Our Barratt homes come with boast energy-efficient features as standard, including highly thermally efficient insulation and argon-filled double glazing.
 

4. Water

Water is another bill you’ll need to pay. If you have a water meter, the bill will reflect the amount of water you use. You can’t switch suppliers, as they’re allocated based on where you live. 
 

5. Home insurance

There are different types of home insurance you may need to pay as a homeowner. These include:
 
• Buildings insurance – This is mandatory if you’re buying your house with a mortgage. It covers the cost of repairing your property in the event of damage following a fire, flood or subsidence.
 
• Contents insurance – Though not compulsory, contents insurance is highly recommended. It covers the cost of replacing your belongings in the event they’re damaged, destroyed or stolen.
 
• Life insurance – This is not mandatory, though some lenders may require you to have it. It pays off your mortgage if you pass away.
 

6. TV, broadband and phone

Broadband is usually sold as a package, including TV and landline. New customers are likely to get better deals, so it’s worth shopping around. If you want to watch TV, you’ll need a TV license.
 

7. Service charges and ground rent

Service charges and ground rent only apply to leasehold properties and freehold flats. 
 
• Service charges cover the management and maintenance of communal areas.
• Ground rent is a token fee you pay the freeholder or landlord in exchange for renting the land your home sits on. 
 
Ready to take the first step towards home ownership? Explore our brand-new homes across the UK and homebuying offers. 
 
Call or visit our Sales Advisers today to learn more.

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