Why do most property owners wait until property is in serious disrepair?

Property owners have been urged to embrace […]

Property owners have been urged to embrace regular maintenance to avoid costly repairs and protect the value of their properties.

Property Maintenance Limited Director Nsabila Mabingo says delaying maintenance until a property is in serious disrepair can significantly increase repair costs.

Speaking in an interview with the Zambian Business Times (ZBT), Mabingo said constant use of properties by clients from different backgrounds contributes to the wear and tear of facilities, making regular maintenance essential.

Mabingo, who has more than a decade of experience in the property maintenance sector, said regular maintenance also helps preserve and increase the value of properties, particularly when owners intend to sell or lease them.

“Most property owners do not pay attention to maintenance, so in the long run, properties become dilapidated. The most visible ones are government buildings, but it is a challenge in both residential and commercial properties,” she said.

She said the problem also affects residential properties, where owners often overlook seemingly minor repairs such as leaking taps, damaged carpentry, and faded or peeling paint.

“Even for residential properties, it is important to fix a leaking tap, paint the walls, and maintain the carpentry. Maintenance is not something that you do once in a while; it has to be done constantly,” Mabingo said.

She stressed that property owners should view maintenance as a long-term investment rather than an expense, saying timely interventions can help preserve property value and prevent minor faults from developing into expensive repairs.

 Mabingo further urged property owners to put in place regular maintenance schedules and address faults as soon as they are identified.

 Article by Samuel Mutale