How to Prepare Your Home in the UK for an Extended Absence
Leaving your home empty for an extended period, whether for work abroad, long-term travel, or medical care, requires thorough preparation. An unattended property faces increased risks from burst pipes to break-ins, and standard home insurance policies typically restrict cover once a property has been vacant for 30 to 60 days. Taking the right precautions protects your investment and ensures you’re not left exposed if something goes wrong while you’re away.
Many homeowners don’t realise that their regular insurance may become invalid after just a month of vacancy. Follow along to learn what needs to be done before you leave, so you don’t suffer any costly surprises later on.
Securing Your Property Against Break-Ins
An empty home becomes a target for opportunistic thieves. Make your property look occupied by using automatic timers for lights and keeping curtains partially open. Physical security is crucial: check all locks function properly, consider upgrading to British Standard locks, and ensure your burglar alarm is active.
Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries, as piled-up post can signal an empty property. Arrange for a trusted neighbour to collect your post regularly and park in your driveway occasionally. Never advertise your absence on social media while you’re away.
Unoccupied Property Insurance
Once your property will be empty for more than your standard policy allows (typically 30 to 60 days), you’ll need specialist unoccupied property insurance. This type of cover is specifically designed for vacant properties and accounts for the increased risks associated with homes that aren’t regularly occupied.
Standard home insurance won’t protect you once the property exceeds the vacancy period specified in your policy terms. Even if you’ve been paying premiums, any claim made during an unauthorised vacancy period will likely be rejected.
Specialist unoccupied cover comes in different levels. Basic policies cover fundamental risks like fire, lightning, and explosion, while comprehensive options include theft, malicious damage, and escape of water. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to meet certain conditions, such as maintaining adequate security and, during winter months, keeping heating on or draining the water system.
Protecting Against Water Damage
Escape of water represents one of the most expensive claims for empty properties. You have two main options for preventing frozen pipes during winter: maintain heating at around 15°C throughout the property, or turn off the water supply at the stopcock and drain the entire system.
Check your insurance policy’s specific requirements for water damage cover. Many policies stipulate which approach you must take, and failing to comply could invalidate your claim even with specialist unoccupied cover in place.
Managing Utilities and Services
Electricity should generally remain connected, particularly if you’re using timers for lights or maintaining heating. Gas may need to stay on for heating purposes. Contact suppliers about reducing tariffs for an unused property.
Council tax may be payable at a reduced rate for certain types of vacancy. Water charges continue regardless, though you can arrange meter readings to prove minimal usage. Maintain internet connectivity if you’re using connected security systems or smart home devices.
Preparing the Interior and Exterior
Before leaving, conduct a thorough property inspection. Clear gutters and downpipes, check the roof for loose tiles, and ensure external doors and windows are weathertight. Address any maintenance issues before they become serious problems during your absence.
Inside, remove perishable food and thoroughly clean the kitchen. Empty the fridge and freezer, leaving doors ajar to prevent mould. Move valuable items away from ground floor windows. Disconnect unnecessary electrical appliances.
Arrange for garden maintenance to prevent the property looking obviously neglected. Overgrown lawns and hedges signal abandonment to potential thieves.
Essential Checklist Before Departure
- Arrange unoccupied property insurance before your standard policy’s vacancy period expires
- Secure all entry points with quality locks and activate your burglar alarm
- Set up light timers and arrange for post collection
- Address the heating and water system according to your insurance requirements
- Notify utility companies and adjust services appropriately
- Complete a full property inspection and resolve maintenance issues
- Clear perishables and prepare the interior to prevent damage
- Organise garden maintenance to avoid the property looking abandoned
- Document the property’s condition with photographs for insurance purposes
- Inform your mortgage lender about the extended vacancy if required
Returning to Your Property
When you return, conduct a thorough check before settling back in. Look for signs of water damage, check utilities are functioning properly, and inspect that security hasn’t been compromised. If you drained the water system, refill it correctly and check for leaks.
Contact your insurance provider to notify them the property is occupied again. You may be able to revert to standard home insurance, which is typically less expensive than specialist unoccupied property insurance.
In a Nutshell
Extended absences don’t have to be stressful if you’ve prepared your property properly. By addressing security, arranging appropriate insurance, managing utilities sensibly, and ensuring the property is maintained, you can travel or relocate with peace of mind.
Start preparations well before departure to arrange everything without rushing. Unoccupied property insurance, property inspections, and security improvements all take time to organise. Your home is likely your most valuable asset, so investing time in protecting it properly is always worthwhile.
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