When a property sits empty for an extended period, standard home insurance may no longer provide full protection. Unoccupied property cover is designed for these situations, though availability and terms vary between providers.
Whether you're selling a property, handling probate, renovating, or between tenants, understanding how insurers approach empty homes can help you find appropriate cover.
Reviewed by MySupermarketCompare Editorial Team
This page is for UK property owners whose home will be or already is empty for a period that may exceed their standard insurance policy's unoccupancy threshold. Common situations include properties on the market awaiting sale, homes held during probate, buildings undergoing renovation, and rental properties between tenancies.
If you're unsure whether your current policy covers an unoccupied property, or if you need specialist cover, the information below explains what to consider. For general guidance on home insurance in the UK, our main hub provides a broader overview.
Standard home insurance policies are designed for properties that are lived in. When a home becomes empty, the risk profile changes. Problems like burst pipes, break-ins, or storm damage may go unnoticed for longer, potentially causing greater harm before anyone intervenes.
Most standard policies include an unoccupancy clause, typically limiting cover if the property is empty for more than 30 or 60 consecutive days. After this threshold, some or all of your cover may be reduced, voided, or subject to additional conditions. The specific terms depend on your insurer and policy wording.
Unoccupied property insurance addresses these gaps. It's designed for empty homes and typically comes with conditions tailored to the higher risk involved. Some providers offer specialist standalone policies, while others may endorse or amend an existing policy to extend cover during vacancy.
Unoccupied property policies typically offer buildings cover, and some include contents if items remain in the property. The risks covered often include fire, storm, flood, theft, and vandalism, though exclusions and conditions vary.
Escape of water is a significant concern for empty properties. Some policies may exclude water damage unless specific precautions are taken, such as draining the system or maintaining heating at a minimum temperature. Others may cover water damage but require regular inspections.
Liability cover may also be available, protecting you if someone is injured on the property or if the property causes damage to neighbouring buildings. This can be relevant for empty homes where maintenance issues might go unnoticed.
Several factors influence whether an insurer will offer cover and at what price. The reason the property is unoccupied matters considerably. A home empty because it's for sale may be viewed differently from one undergoing major renovation or one held long-term during probate.
Property type and location also play a role. Flats in blocks may have different risk profiles from detached houses. Areas with higher crime rates or flood risk may face more limited options or higher premiums.
The security measures in place, condition of the property, and how long it will remain empty all affect underwriting decisions. Some insurers set maximum unoccupancy periods, beyond which they won't offer cover or will require policy reviews.
Insurers define unoccupied in different ways. Some consider a property empty if no one sleeps there regularly, while others focus on consecutive days without any occupation. Thresholds commonly range from 30 to 60 days, but this varies. It's worth checking your current policy wording carefully before assuming you're covered.
Unoccupied property policies often come with specific requirements. Regular inspections, sometimes weekly or fortnightly, are common. You may be asked to turn off water at the mains and drain the system, or alternatively maintain heating at a minimum level during colder months. Keeping letterboxes clear, securing all windows and doors, and setting alarms are also frequently required.
Empty properties face specific risks that occupied homes may not. Escape of water from burst or leaking pipes can cause extensive damage if not discovered quickly. Theft and vandalism may be more likely if the property appears unattended. Storm or flood damage can worsen before anyone notices. These risks explain why insurers apply different terms to unoccupied homes.
Why the property is empty can influence cover options. A home awaiting sale may be viewed as temporary vacancy with a clear end point. Properties held during probate might involve longer or uncertain timeframes. Renovations can introduce additional risks from building works. Between-tenant periods for landlords represent a different scenario again. Insurers ask about the reason to assess risk appropriately.
Depending on your circumstances and insurer, you may have different routes to cover. Some insurers offer specialist unoccupied property products designed specifically for empty homes. Others may allow you to amend or extend an existing home insurance policy to cover a period of vacancy. The right approach depends on how long the property will be empty, your current policy terms, and what options are available.
Unoccupied properties represent higher risk to insurers, which affects pricing. Key factors include:
Address any maintenance issues promptly. Properties showing signs of neglect may face higher premiums or refusal.
Good locks, an alarm system, and exterior lighting can reduce risk and may help with pricing.
Weekly or fortnightly inspections show insurers you're monitoring the property. This is often a policy requirement.
Either drain the system or maintain heating at a minimum level during winter. Escape of water is a major risk for empty properties.
If the property becomes occupied, notify your insurer promptly. You may be able to switch to standard home insurance.
If you have a mortgage on the property, your lender may have requirements about maintaining insurance during vacancy. It's worth checking your mortgage terms to understand any obligations you may have.
For landlord insurance, periods between tenancies are a common reason for unoccupancy. Some landlord policies include limited void periods, while others require separate unoccupied cover if the gap extends beyond a certain point.
Property condition matters too. Insurers may be reluctant to cover properties in poor repair or those with existing damage. Ensuring the property is well-maintained can help when seeking cover.
Finding cover for an empty property requires understanding your specific situation. Start a quote to see what options may be available.
Start a Quote in MinutesThis page was created to help UK property owners understand insurance options for unoccupied homes. Our editorial team reviews and updates this content periodically to ensure accuracy and usefulness. We explain general principles and considerations without making promises about specific outcomes or pricing.
MySupermarketCompare is a comparison website and acts as an introducer. We are not an insurance provider. The information on this page is general guidance and does not constitute financial or legal advice. Always check policy terms and requirements with your insurer or lender.
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