Securing and managing a vacant property

By taking a proactive approach, you can protect your premises so they remain a valuable asset for future development or sale.

When a property is unoccupied for a period of time, it may suffer damage due to:

• Fire caused by arson or a defective electrical installation
• Vandalism, including malicious damage and graffiti
• Theft, for example, damage to the building when gaining access, theft of building materials, and contents
• General deterioration caused by adverse weather or water ingress, possibly as a consequence of a lack of maintenance
• Squatters.

Identifying risks at your premises can help you reduce loss or damage occurring. Carrying out a risk assessment of the vacant property will help you identify any hazards and weak spots.

When a property appears to be empty, it can look like a soft target for criminals. As a property owner, you need to protect your premises from intruders and malicious damage. You should take measures to:

• Deter any potential intruders
  Introduce additional security measures, visual deterrents, and maintenance of the property.
• Detect any intrusion at the earliest opportunity so any damage is minimised
  Conduct routine inspections and provide alarm protection.
• Manage lawful entry to the premises 
  Review existing safety arrangements for the property and implement any additional controls to ensure the safety of visitors. Our unoccupied property guidance goes into detail about how to secure your buildings.

You should always let your insurer or broker know if your property is likely to be vacant for an extended period, typically 30 days or more. They will usually apply slightly different terms to your insurance and provide advice on how best to protect the property.

It may be a requirement of your insurance cover that unoccupied buildings are inspected by you, or your appointed representative, on at least a weekly basis. It is recommended that all visits be formally recorded.