The Real Cost of Homeownership: What Bucks County Buyers Forget About

Most buyers focus on one number when shopping for a home: the mortgage payment. But as someone with a mortgage background and years of experience guiding Bucks County buyers, I can tell you the payment is just one piece of the puzzle.

The truth is:

There are several 'hidden' costs of homeownership that catch buyers off guard.

Ignoring these can lead to stress, tight budgets, or regrets after moving in.

This guide breaks down the real, full cost of owning a home in Bucks County, so you’re financially prepared, confident, and ready to make the right move.

1. Property Taxes | The Biggest Wild Card in Bucks County

Bucks County property taxes vary dramatically from town to town. That means two homes priced the same can have very different monthly payments.

For example:

• A home in Newtown might have taxes of $8,500/year

• A similar home in Levittown might have taxes around $4,500/year

• In Yardley, taxes can range from $7,000–$10,000+ depending on the property

That difference can change your monthly payment by $250–$400 per month.

Why this matters:

• Taxes affect affordability more than most buyers realize

• A lower-priced home with high taxes may cost more monthly

• Your approval amount may change depending on tax districts

As your agent, I always compare payment, not just price, so you see the true cost.

2. Homeowners Insurance | More Than “Just a Policy”

In 2025, insurance costs fluctuated across the region due to rising rebuild costs and weather trends.

Your insurance cost will depend on:

• Home age

• Condition

• Roof type

• Proximity to water

• Upgrades or replacements

• Claims history on the home

Typical Bucks County homeowners insurance ranges:

• $1,200–$2,000/year on average

• More for older homes with older roofs or outdated systems

Insurance matters, and the wrong policy can hit your monthly payment harder than you expect.

3. Utilities | The Silent Budget Killer

Utilities vary significantly by home size, system age, and efficiency.

Here’s what most Bucks County buyers overlook:

Heating & Cooling

Old HVAC systems can cost:

• $250–$350/month in peak seasons

Updated systems can be:

• $80–$160/month

  
  

Electricity

Single-family homes: $120–$240/month

Older homes with electric heat: $300+

Water/Sewer

• Typically $60–$110/month depending on township and usage

Oil Heat (common in older Bucks homes)

• A full tank can cost $500–$800

• Serious budget item if not planned for

When I tour homes with buyers, I always point out system ages so you know what to expect.

4. Maintenance & Repairs | The Most Overlooked Cost

Every home, even new ones, requires ongoing maintenance.

A safe rule of thumb:

Budget 1% of the home’s price per year for maintenance.

• $350K home → $3,500/year

• $550K home → $5,500/year

This covers:

• HVAC service

• Minor repairs

• Landscaping

• Gutter cleaning

• Appliance upkeep

• Plumbing fixes

Unexpected Repairs

The big-ticket items most buyers forget:

• Roof: $10K–$18K

• HVAC: $7K–$12K

• Water heater: $1,200–$2,500

• Windows: $8K–$20K

• Sewer line: $5K–$20K (rare, but costly)

  
  

A clean home inspection helps, but systems have lifespans. Part of my job is helping you understand what you’re stepping into before you buy.

5. HOA Fees | Not Just for Condos

Bucks County has:

• Townhome communities

• Condo buildings

• 55+ neighborhoods

• HOA-managed subdivisions

HOA fees can range:

• $50–$150/mo (basic townhomes)

• $250–$400/mo (condos)

• $400–$600/mo (amenity-heavy buildings)

What HOAs typically cover:

• Exterior maintenance

• Landscaping

• Snow removal

• Amenities

• Roofs (sometimes)

• Trash

A home with low taxes but a high HOA may cost more monthly than a home with higher taxes but no HOA.

I break this down with every buyer.

6. Appliances & System Lifespans

Buyers often forget that appliances have expiration dates.

Typical life expectancies:

• HVAC: 12–18 years

• Hot water heater: 7–10 years

• Roof: 20–30 years

• Kitchen appliances: 8–15 years

If the home you love has aging systems, I factor that into your long-term cost analysis.

7. Furnishings, Improvements, and Move-In Costs

These aren’t required, but they are common:

• Furniture upgrades

• Paint

• Flooring refinishing

• TV mounts

• Curtains & blinds

• Security systems

• Landscaping

  
  

Most first-time buyers spend $2,000–$7,500 in the first 90 days. Move-in is exciting but it’s a budget item.

8. Emergency Fund | Your Safety Net

Every homeowner should have:

3 months worth of mortgage + utilities set aside

That way:

• If something breaks, you’re covered

• If a system fails, you’re prepared

• If an unexpected repair pops up, you’re not stressed

This buffer is what separates confident homeowners from overwhelmed ones.

I help buyers set expectations so they feel prepared not surprised.

Final Thoughts: Homeownership Is Powerful, When You Are Prepared

Buying a home in Bucks County is an incredible milestone. When you understand the full cost of ownership, it becomes a stable, predictable, exciting investment.

My goal is simple:

To make sure the home you choose fits your budget, lifestyle, and long-term comfort not just your pre-approval number.

I’ll walk you through everything step-by-step.

-Connor