SECURITY TIPS FOR AN EMPTY PROPERTY

Let's assume that you simply have agreed to finish a house sale transaction on the Friday but plan to get a start by moving your items out a couple of days approximately before.

It's not always something to undertake lightly because things can fail right up to the ultimate seconds of legal 'completion' - so do discuss matters fully together with your solicitor and take their advice. Even so, this is often faraway from unknown and might sometimes add up for logistical reasons if you and your purchasers have agreed so.

If you are doing proceed on this basis, there are three REALLY important things to recollect though:

- Albeit you've removed, the property remains legally yours and you're liable for maintaining insurance thereon right up until final completion;

- Given how attractive unoccupied properties are to thieves, vandals and squatters, you'll need to take special precautions to stay it secure until the new owners take possession;

- You'll need to close off some utility services.

On the primary point, you'll likely find that your existing buildings insurance will still cover your property while it's unoccupied but only up to a specified number of consecutive days (usually 30-45). That's fine for a typical holiday and it should not be a drag during this context of a couple of days while changing owners but check your policy anyway to make certain.

Be clear also that your policy doesn't have special conditions concerning 'empty' (i.e. unfurnished) versus unoccupied but furnished. Which will happen sometimes.

As to the second point, burglars prefer unoccupied properties. There's far less chance of them being discovered and albeit you've emptied the property, they'll find something to steal. Vandals will just enter empty property to smash and wreck things because they think it's 'fun' and squatters, though less of a drag lately than previously, can do so just to form what to them is a few kind of political point.

Your policy might state certain minimum additional security provisions you will be expected to form in situations where you're emptying out your house. You will need to see your policy to make certain of the specifics but expect comments in areas such as:

- using additional bolts and deadlocks;

- Ensuring that a light-weight or two is left on a timer switch;

- Ensuring curtains and blinds aren't far away from windows.

It's possible you'll find some good empty property security tips online or in some cases, your movers may additionally be able to offer some advice.

Your policy may additionally specify that while your property is unoccupied, you must take certain steps like shutting off water and gas. That's because (e.g.) a leak you would possibly notice while living there, will go unnoticed if your property's empty.

Why might insurers stipulate such conditions?

Well, it's because the unfortunate fact of the matter is that your property is usually at much higher risk of those kinds of troubles when you are not living there. Insurers know that and might wish to see you reducing your risks the maximum amount as possible.

It's worth checking this stuff and do not just ignore them. That's because if a drag arises on your property in between you moving out and therefore the new owners occupation , you would possibly find it becomes 'tricky' with a claim unless you've fully complied with the policy's conditions concerning 'in transit' cover.

Thanks & Regards