Empty Property? How to Protect Your Home This Winter

If you have an empty property over the winter months, it’s important to take precautions to prevent costly damage.

Freezing temperatures, heavy rain, storms and damp conditions can all cause problems, particularly when nobody is living in the property to notice them.

Whether you’re waiting to sell, renovating or managing an inherited property, here are some simple steps to help protect it.

Protect Your Plumbing

Frozen pipes can burst and cause significant water damage, especially if a property remains unattended for long periods.

Keep the heating on: Consider maintaining a low background temperature of around 12°C to 15°C to help prevent pipes from freezing. Check your insurer’s requirements, as some policies specify minimum temperatures.

Turn off the water: If the property will remain empty for an extended period, consider having the water system professionally drained and the main stopcock turned off.

Insulate exposed pipes: Pipes in lofts, garages and other unheated areas are particularly vulnerable. Adding suitable pipe insulation can help protect them.

Check outdoor taps: Disconnect garden hoses and isolate outside taps where possible to prevent freezing.

Check Your Roof and Gutters

Winter storms and heavy rainfall can quickly turn minor maintenance issues into expensive repairs.

Clear gutters: Remove leaves and debris from gutters and downpipes to prevent blockages and overflowing water.

Inspect the roof: Check for loose, damaged or missing tiles before severe weather arrives.

Trim overhanging branches: Dead or damaged branches close to the property could cause damage during high winds.

Prevent Damp and Mould

Empty properties can develop condensation and mould, particularly when heating and ventilation are limited.

Keep internal doors open where appropriate to encourage airflow, and ensure existing ventilation isn’t blocked.

A dehumidifier may help control moisture, but electrical appliances should only be left running unattended where safe and permitted by your insurance arrangements.

Regular inspections can also help identify leaks, condensation or damp before they become serious problems.

Keep the Property Secure

An empty house can be more vulnerable to break-ins, vandalism and unwanted visitors.

Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked, remove visible valuables and consider using timer lights or suitable security cameras.

It’s also worth arranging for someone you trust to check the property regularly.

Check Your Home Insurance

This is particularly important.

Many standard home insurance policies restrict cover once a property has been unoccupied for a certain period, often around 30 to 60 days.

You may need specialist unoccupied property insurance, especially if the house will remain empty throughout winter.

Some insurers also require regular property inspections, heating to be maintained or the water supply to be turned off.

Always check your policy rather than assuming your existing insurance will cover an empty property.

Don’t Leave Problems Until Spring

A small leak, blocked gutter or frozen pipe can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage if nobody notices it.

Taking a few precautions now could save considerable expense later.

If you have an empty property that you’re considering selling, Property Auction Agent can help you explore your options, including selling through traditional property auction.

Contact us today for a free property valuation.