Why Regular Inspections Are Critical for Vacant Property Owners

Hello, I’m Robert from Vacant Management here in Cambridgeshire. If you’ve got a second home in the county—or maybe a holiday home here while you live abroad—this is something really important I’d like you to know.

When a property is left empty, even for a few weeks, it’s far more at risk than when someone’s living there. Burst pipes, leaks, break-ins, or even small maintenance issues can quickly turn into costly problems. Regular inspections are one of the simplest and smartest ways to protect your home and your investment.

Keeping Your Insurance Valid

Most insurance companies expect vacant homes to be checked every 7–14 days. If that doesn’t happen, they can reject any future claim or even cancel the policy. Our inspections provide the proof insurers need—clear photos, written reports, and digital records—showing your property is being looked after properly. It's your safety net if anything ever goes wrong.

Fulfilling Your Legal Duties

Even if no one is living there, you’re still responsible for the property’s safety under UK law. This includes keeping it structurally sound, making sure it doesn’t become a danger to others, and managing fire risks. Regular inspections help spot and fix problems before they cause any harm—or expensive legal issues.

Protecting Property Value

Empty homes can lose value quite quickly if small problems go unnoticed. A leaking roof or damp patch might start small, but left unchecked, the repair bill can quickly escalate to thousands. By catching issues early, our inspections help maintain both the property’s condition and its long-term value.

Stopping Criminal Damage

Unfortunately, empty properties attract unwanted attention. Things like graffiti, copper theft, squatting, or even arson can happen faster than you may think. When your home is regularly visited and monitored, it sends a strong message that the place is cared for and watched, making it a far less appealing target.

What We Check During Each Visit

During every inspection, my team and I carefully check:

• All doors, windows, and locks for security

• Roof, walls, and structure for any damage

• Electricity, water, and heating systems for faults or leaks

• Damp, mould, or pest activity

• Outside areas for signs of intrusion or neglect
  

Every visit is photographed and logged, so you have a complete record wherever you are in the world.

Affordable Peace of Mind

For most second home owners, this service costs less than the price of a weekly cleaner—but it can save you thousands in the long run. You get both peace of mind and full compliance with your insurance and safety responsibilities.

If you own a second home in Cambridgeshire, or live abroad and want to ensure your property is safe and well-maintained, I’d be happy to arrange a plan that suits your situation.

You can reach me directly by calling or through the contact page for a friendly chat about how we can help you protect your home while you’re away.

— Robert Vacant Management, Cambridgeshire.