The latest five-year forecast from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) paints a mixed picture for the UK facilities management sector, with maintenance and cleaning costs continuing to rise whilst energy costs are expected to remain comparatively stable over the forecast period. The findings reinforce the importance of long-term budgeting, asset planning and energy efficiency strategies for building owners and facilities managers.

Maintenance and Cleaning Costs Continue Upward Trend

According to BCIS, maintenance costs are forecast to increase by approximately 15% between 2025 and 2030. At the same time, cleaning costs are expected to rise by around 23%, largely driven by increasing labour costs and ongoing wage pressures across the UK economy.

For facilities managers, this means that routine maintenance programmes, compliance activities and cleaning services are likely to require larger budget allocations over the coming years. Labour availability and wage growth continue to be significant factors influencing service delivery costs across the sector.

Repair and Maintenance Activity Expected to Grow

Despite wider economic uncertainty, BCIS forecasts that repair and maintenance output will increase by approximately 9% between 2025 and 2030. This suggests that demand for maintenance services will remain resilient as organisations seek to protect and extend the lifespan of existing building assets.

With many organisations delaying major capital projects due to economic pressures, investment in maintaining and optimising existing estates is expected to remain a key priority. Planned maintenance, asset lifecycle management and building performance improvements are therefore likely to play an increasingly important role in facilities strategies.

Energy Markets Remain Uncertain

Whilst BCIS forecasts a modest overall decline in energy costs of around 3% over the five-year period, the report highlights ongoing volatility in global energy markets. Geopolitical tensions and fluctuations in wholesale energy prices continue to create uncertainty for organisations managing operational costs.

As a result, facilities managers are being encouraged to maintain a strong focus on energy efficiency, monitoring and optimisation. Investments in smart building technologies, controls upgrades and energy management systems can help reduce exposure to future price volatility whilst supporting sustainability objectives.

Strategic Planning Will Be Essential

BCIS Chief Economist Dr David Crosthwaite notes that the facilities management sector continues to operate within a challenging environment characterised by slow economic growth, inflationary pressures and uncertainty surrounding energy markets. Organisations that prioritise cost control, operational efficiency and long-term planning are expected to be better positioned to manage these challenges.

For building owners and FM providers alike, the forecast serves as a reminder that proactive maintenance planning, effective asset management and investment in energy efficiency will remain critical factors in maintaining building performance and controlling operational expenditure throughout the remainder of the decade.

What This Means for Building Owners

The BCIS forecast highlights three key priorities for organisations managing property portfolios:

• Plan for continued increases in maintenance and cleaning budgets
• Prioritise preventative maintenance to reduce long-term asset costs
• Invest in energy efficiency measures to mitigate market volatility and improve operational resilience

As operating costs continue to evolve, organisations that take a strategic, data-driven approach to facilities management are likely to achieve greater cost certainty whilst maintaining safe, compliant and efficient buildings.

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