As the festive season approaches, many of us may be heading off to see family or taking a well-earned winter break. But Christmas is also one of the riskiest times of year for unoccupied homes.
Leaving a home empty for even a short period can increase the likelihood of problems. Cold weather brings the threat of frozen pipes, while darker evenings make empty properties more noticeable. Whether itâs your main home or a rental, taking time to protect an unoccupied property at Christmas can save a lot of stress and expense later on.
Here we explain why taking a few simple precautions before you travel can help you return to your property exactly as you left it âŚ
Essential checks before you travel
Properties that look unoccupied can also attract opportunists. Piles of post, permanently closed curtains or dark windows all suggest nobody is home. A few simple steps before you leave can make your property look lived in and help deter unwanted attention. Start your preparations a few days before you go so you have time to fix any problems. Use a simple checklist:
- Security – Check doors and windows are locked, and alarms or cameras are working. If you use a smart security system, make sure alerts go to your phone.
- Electrics – Unplug non-essential items to reduce fire risk. Keep fridges, freezers and any critical systems running.
- Roof and gutters – Check for loose tiles and clear gutters of debris so rain and melting snow can drain freely.
- Valuables – Keep jewellery, electronics and personal papers out of sight or locked in a safe.
It can also help to take photos of your home before you leave. They give a record of its condition if you ever need to make a claim.
Timed lighting and neighbour awareness
A home that looks occupied is a far less tempting target. Simple plug-in timers or smart bulbs can make rooms appear in use. Set lights to come on at dusk and off later in the evening, varying the times slightly so thereâs no pattern.
If you have outside lights, check they work and that motion sensors are correctly adjusted. A light suddenly switching on can be enough to send a burglar elsewhere.
If possible, ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on the property. They can move post, park in your drive occasionally or simply report anything unusual. Their presence adds reassurance and helps maintain normal activity around your home.
Notifying your insurance provider of extended absence
If your home or let property will be empty for more than a set number of consecutive days, let your insurance provider know straight away as it officially then becomes known as âunoccupiedâ. The exact period varies between insurers, but for most residential properties itâs usually around 30 to 45 consecutive days.
Once a property is classed as unoccupied, many standard home insurance policies reduce or remove cover, particularly for theft, escape of water and vandalism.
Specialist unoccupied property insurance offers more comprehensive protection for extended absences, during renovation work or between tenancies. At Cover4LetProperty, our policies typically may include cover for fire, storm, flood, theft and malicious damage, along with property ownerâs liability.
Tailoring your policy in this way helps ensure your property remains protected, even when no one is living there for an extended period.
Further reading: Guide to unoccupied property.
Landlords and holiday lets
If youâre a landlord, itâs worth reminding tenants about simple precautions before they head away for the holidays – such as locking doors, turning off taps and leaving heating on low. For short-term lets, check the property between bookings and confirm that utilities are working correctly.
When a property will be empty for more than a few weeks, consider arranging occasional inspections. Regular checks help identify small problems before they turn into expensive ones and show your insurer that youâve taken reasonable care. This may also be a condition of your property insurance, so make you understand your obligations.
Winter weather watch
The British winter can change overnight. Before you travel, check the forecast and make sure your property can handle cold snaps. Leave loft hatches slightly open so warm air circulates, and lag pipes in garages, lofts and other unheated spaces.
If your area is prone to freezing or power cuts, small devices such as smart thermostats or leak detectors can be a worthwhile investment. They send alerts to your phone if the temperature drops or water is detected – giving you time to act before serious damage occurs.
Peace of mind for the festive season
Whether youâre spending Christmas with family or celebrating abroad, knowing your property is protected makes all the difference. A few simple steps – from timed lighting to keeping your insurance provider informed – can help you avoid unpleasant surprises.
To find out more about protecting an unoccupied property at Christmas, check out our onsite articles or please contact the team for help on unoccupied property and insurance.
Further articles you may be interested in:
Seasonal risks for empty homes: Why time of year matters for your unoccupied property insurance
