Unoccupied Property Insurance: Cover for Empty Homes

What is unoccupied property insurance?

Unoccupied property insurance is cover specifically designed for homes that are left empty for longer than standard home insurance policies typically allow, commonly beyond around 30 to 60 consecutive days, though this limit varies by insurer. Properties become unoccupied for many reasons, including probate following a death, extended renovation work, a property being between tenants, or an owner relocating before selling.

Standard home insurance is designed around the assumption that someone is living in the property, which helps reduce certain risks like undetected water leaks or vandalism. When a property sits empty, these risks increase, so unoccupied property insurance is structured differently, often with specific conditions around inspections and maintenance.

When do you need unoccupied property insurance?

You're likely to need this type of cover if a property will be empty for longer than your standard policy's unoccupancy limit allows, which commonly applies during probate while an estate is being settled, during significant renovation or refurbishment work, or when a landlord's property sits empty between tenancies for an extended period. It's also relevant if you've moved out of a property ahead of a sale completing.

It's important to notify your insurer as soon as a property is going to be empty beyond the policy's standard limit, since continuing on a standard policy without informing the insurer could invalidate cover if a claim arises during that period. Many insurers will not pay out for issues like escape of water or vandalism if they discover the property was unoccupied without being disclosed.

What's typically covered

Unoccupied property insurance generally covers similar risks to standard home insurance — fire, storm, flood, escape of water, and theft or vandalism — but often with specific conditions attached, such as requiring the property to be inspected at regular intervals, having water and heating systems drained or maintained, and ensuring security measures like alarms are kept active.

Some policies distinguish between different reasons for unoccupancy, since a property undergoing renovation carries different risks (such as from building work) compared with one simply awaiting a sale. Cover for malicious damage or vandalism is often more limited for unoccupied properties than for occupied ones, reflecting the increased risk when nobody is present to notice or deter it.

• Fire, storm, flood and escape of water cover
• Theft and vandalism, often with specific conditions
• Conditions around regular inspections and maintenance
• Cover tailored to the reason for unoccupancy, such as renovation or probate

What affects the price

Premiums for unoccupied property insurance reflect the increased risk of an empty building and are influenced by factors including how long the property will remain unoccupied, the reason for unoccupancy, the property's location and condition, and the security measures in place. A property mid-renovation may be priced differently from one that's simply vacant and secure.

Insurers also consider whether the property's utilities have been turned off or are being maintained, as frozen or burst pipes are a common cause of claims in empty properties, particularly in winter. Regular inspections, whether by the owner, a managing agent, or a property inspection service, can sometimes be a condition of cover and may help with pricing.

Tips for managing an unoccupied property

Arrange regular visits or professional inspections, ideally documented, to check for issues like leaks, break-ins or storm damage before they escalate. Consider draining the water system or maintaining minimal heating during colder months to reduce the risk of frozen and burst pipes, which is one of the most common causes of damage in empty homes.

Keep the property secure, for example by ensuring windows and doors are locked, removing valuables, and maintaining a lived-in appearance where possible, such as timed lighting. Always notify your insurer promptly as soon as you know a property will be empty beyond your current policy's limit, rather than waiting until the period has already elapsed.

How to get a quote

Whether your property is empty due to probate, renovation, or a void period between tenants, a specialist broker can help arrange suitable cover. Complete the short form on this page and an FCA-authorised specialist broker will be in touch, with no obligation to proceed.

Frequently asked questions

How long can a property be empty before I need specialist cover?

This varies by insurer, but many standard home insurance policies restrict cover after around 30 to 60 consecutive days of unoccupancy, after which specialist unoccupied property insurance is usually needed.

Do I need to tell my insurer if my home will be empty?

Yes, you should notify your insurer as soon as you know a property will be unoccupied beyond the policy's standard limit, as failing to do so could invalidate any claim made during that period.

Does unoccupied property insurance cover renovation work?

Many policies can be tailored to cover properties undergoing renovation, though it's important to confirm the policy accounts for the specific risks of building work taking place.

Will my policy cover frozen or burst pipes in an empty property?

This depends on the policy and often on whether conditions such as draining the system or maintaining heating have been met, as insurers commonly attach specific requirements to reduce this risk.

Why is unoccupied property insurance often more expensive?

Empty properties carry a higher risk of undetected damage, vandalism and theft since nobody is present day to day, which is generally reflected in the premium and the policy conditions.