Your empty-property checklist

An empty or inherited home costs money and carries real risk. Tell us how long it’s been vacant and we’ll flag what needs doing now.

Weeks the property has been empty: 6Slide to your situation

What you'll see

Tell your insurer
Act now
Standard home insurance often lapses after 30–60 days unoccupied. Switch to unoccupied-property cover or you may be uninsured.
Check council tax
Act now
Most empty homes pay full council tax, and after long vacancy a premium of up to 100–300% can apply. Tell the council and check for any exemption.
Secure it
Act now
Lock up, remove valuables, fit timers, redirect post, and ask a neighbour to check it — empty homes attract break-ins and squatters.
Protect the fabric
Keep in mind
Drain or keep heating ticking over against frost, run taps, check for leaks and damp. An unheated empty home deteriorates fast.
Decide its future
Keep in mind
Every month empty costs money and risk. Decide whether to let, renovate, or sell — a cash sale ends the holding cost quickly.

General guidance, not legal or insurance advice — check your specific policy and council rules.

Ready to stop the holding cost?

If keeping an empty home no longer makes sense, a cash sale completes in days — no chain, no fees. Run a free Cash Offer Check.