According to the latest statistics, there are more than 71,000 holiday homes in England and Wales alone – representing an estimated combined value of more than £21 billion.
Keeping those assets secure – especially since many will be unoccupied at any moment in time – is an important consideration.
This blog offers practical and proactive tips to help protect your property from theft, vandalism, weather damage and more. From physical deterrents to smart tech solutions and the role of specialist holiday home insurance, here’s how to give yourself peace of mind when your second home is unoccupied.
Why securing an empty holiday home is essential
By its very nature, there will be times during the year when your holiday home stands empty – out of the holiday season, for example. It can remain unoccupied for several months at a time:
- an empty property can attract all manner of unwelcome attention – burglars determined to break in, vandals causing mindless damage, or even arsonists.
- although you’ll take care to keep your holiday home in a good state of repair, there is always the chance that some relatively minor fault develops into a full-blown emergency if there is no one on the spot to report the problem.
- the building and its surroundings can also be left to the mercies of severe British weather if there is no one at home to batten down the hatches.
Do you need holiday home insurance for an unoccupied property?
The typical holiday home insurance policy recognises that there will be periods when the property is unoccupied. The duration of any unoccupied cover will depend on your insurer and the type of policy you choose – with policy terms and conditions you must follow during those periods.
If you know that your holiday home will be unoccupied for longer than a month or so, or the period specified in your holiday home insurance, it is important to inform your insurer.
The following link offers a comprehensive guide to holiday home insurance.
Physical security measures for unoccupied holiday homes
Prevention is better than cure. To deter would-be intruders, secure your holiday home with these physical measures:
- high-quality locks on all doors and windows;
- shutters or security grilles, especially for isolated or rural properties;
- intruder alarms with 24/7 monitoring or local alerts;
- safes or locked storage for valuable contents, electronics or personal items;
- outdoor security lighting with motion sensors to deter night-time prowlers.
Regular visual inspections and a visible security presence (such as alarm boxes or signage) can also help.
Also note that a typical condition of many a holiday home insurance policy is that you make – or arrange – regular, logged physical inspections of the property to confirm its security.
How to use smart technology to protect your holiday home remotely
Smart home tech offers affordable and effective ways to keep tabs on your property, even when you’re hundreds of miles away:
- video doorbells and CCTV systems can stream live footage to your phone;
- smart motion sensors alert you to unexpected activity;
- leak detectors can catch water damage before it spreads;
- smart thermostats can prevent frozen pipes during winter by keeping heating; on low (check what your obligations are under the terms of your holiday home insurance in relation to keeping the property at an ambient temperature).
Many systems now include cloud storage and instant alerts, giving you the ability to act fast in an emergency.
Simple tips to make your holiday home look lived in
Appearances matter. If a property looks empty, it’s more likely to become a target. Try these simple strategies:
- use light timers to turn lamps on in the evening;
- leave curtains or blinds half-drawn, just as you would if you’d popped out;
- ask a neighbour to check in or park on the drive occasionally;
- arrange for someone to mow the lawn or clear the post if you’ll be away for a long time.
If your property is in a managed development or holiday park, ask if there are any caretaking services available.
Bonus tip: Keep an unoccupied home checklist
Keeping a routine checklist of things to do before you leave your holiday home can make life easier and more secure. Include tasks like:
- switching off unnecessary appliances;
- locking outbuildings, sheds and garages;
- checking smoke alarms and batteries;
- ensuring your second home holiday insurance details are up to date;
- setting up remote monitoring systems.
Owning a holiday home should be a joy – not a source of stress. By taking proactive steps to secure it during vacant periods, you’ll protect your investment and ensure it’s ready to welcome you (or paying guests) whenever you return.
