In short
Empty homes are often easier to view but riskier to own. Standard home insurance usually limits cover once a property has been unoccupied for a set period, commonly 30 or 60 days, so tell your insurer. Keep the heating on low in winter, visit regularly, and check whether your council charges extra council tax on long-term empty homes.
Last updated . Reviewed by FindYourAgent editorial.
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Insurance and bills
This is where empty homes catch people out.
- Tell your insurer the home is empty and check the unoccupancy conditions. You may need specialist unoccupied-property cover.
- Keep a log of inspection visits if the policy requires them.
- Ask your council about empty-home discounts or premiums. Many councils charge extra on homes empty for a year or more.
- Keep energy accounts open so viewings have lights and heating.
Security and maintenance
A vacant home that looks vacant attracts trouble.
- Use timer switches on lamps.
- Cancel deliveries and redirect post.
- Keep the front garden tidy and the bins put away.
- Set the heating to come on in cold weather, or drain down the water system with a plumber's help.
- Check for leaks, damp and pests every visit.
Presentation
Empty rooms can look smaller and colder in photos.
- Clean thoroughly and remove marks from walls where furniture stood.
- Leave a few pieces of furniture or a rug to show room size, if you can.
- Ask the agent to describe how each room could be used in the listing.
- Give the agent a key and agree a viewing process.
Our take
Price an empty home to sell rather than to test the market. Every month it sits costs you council tax, insurance and bills with nothing coming back, so a slightly lower price that sells in weeks is usually the better deal.
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