Unoccupied property insurance for empty homes
Unoccupied property insurance from a panel of trusted UK insurers
A new way to insure an unoccupied property
When a property is left empty, whether between tenants, undergoing renovation, on the market for sale, or waiting for probate, standard home insurance typically stops providing adequate cover after just 30 to 60 days.
Unoccupied properties face significantly higher risks: break-ins, vandalism, undetected water damage, and squatting are all more likely when a property has no occupants. Unoccupied property insurance provides the specialist cover you need for as long as the property remains empty.
At insurd, we’re an FCA-regulated specialist insurance broker with over 50 years of experience arranging specialist property insurance across the UK. We work with a panel of leading UK insurers to find the right unoccupied property policy for your situation — however long the property needs to remain empty.
24/7 claims service
We’re here for you round the clock when you need us most.
Fairer prices for all
As a specialist insurance broker, we search our panel of leading UK insurers to find the right unoccupied property policy for your circumstances.
World-class support
You’ll get your own UK-based human to look after you for the duration of your policy.
We use a combination of technology and a wealth of experience to give you unrivalled cover and more affordable unoccupied property insurance prices.
What does unoccupied property insurance cover?
Buildings insurance
Covers the structure of your empty property against fire, storms, flooding, subsidence, and vandalism. Unoccupied properties face a higher risk of structural damage going undetected. This ensures you’re protected if something goes wrong.
Storm, flood and weather damage
Unoccupied properties are particularly vulnerable to weather damage — a burst pipe or roof damage may go unnoticed for weeks without regular occupancy. Weather and escape of water cover is essential for any empty property during winter months.
Theft and criminal damage
Vacant properties are a target for break-ins, theft, and criminal damage. Cover for theft of fixtures, fittings, and building materials, as well as malicious damage by trespassers — protects you from the most common risks of leaving a property empty.
Legal expenses
Covers legal costs if you need to take action to remove trespassers, squatters, or unauthorised occupants. Squatter removal can be a lengthy and expensive process — legal expenses cover ensures you’re not facing those costs alone.
Property public liability insurance
Covers your liability as a property owner if a third party is injured at or by your unoccupied property — a falling roof tile, an unsafe boundary wall, or a hazard on your land. Liability doesn’t stop because a property is empty.
* Subject to your chosen level of policy cover and the prevailing policy excess.
What is unoccupied property insurance?
Unoccupied property insurance generally costs more than standard home insurance due to the increased risks associated with a vacant property. With no one living in the home, there’s a higher likelihood of incidents such as break-ins or even squatting.
They’re also more susceptible to undetected maintenance issues. For instance, a water leak might go unnoticed for weeks, causing far more extensive damage than it would in an occupied property. Insurers factor in these heightened risks, which is why premiums tend to be higher.
Who needs empty house insurance?
If you intend to leave your property unoccupied for more than 30 days, it’s essential to consider an unoccupied home insurance policy. This type of insurance is necessary for various situations, including:
- Home renovations that require you to vacate the property temporarily.
- Being a landlord between tenants.
- Leaving a property empty while it’s on the market for sale.
- Waiting for the completion of probate after the death of a loved one.
- Owning a second home or holiday home that’s not your primary residence.
- Taking an extended holiday or sabbatical.
- A long-term illness that requires extended treatment away from home.
Without unoccupied property insurance, you may face significant risks, as most standard home insurance policies won’t cover a property once it has been vacant for more than 30-60 days.
How much does unoccupied property insurance cost?
The cost of empty property insurance is influenced by several factors. Typically, it is more expensive than regular home insurance due to the increased associated risk of the property being unoccupied.
Level of cover
Basic buildings cover costs significantly less than a comprehensive policy including contents, liability, and legal expenses. For most unoccupied properties, comprehensive cover is worth the additional premium given the elevated risks of vacancy.
Value of the property
The rebuild cost of the property determines your buildings insurance premium. For properties undergoing renovation, the declared rebuild value may need to reflect the works being carried out — underinsurance is a common issue on renovation projects.
Property location
Properties in high-crime areas or flood plains carry higher premiums than those in lower-risk locations. Urban properties left empty are at greater risk of break-ins and vandalism than rural ones.
Property security
Security measures take on heightened importance for unoccupied properties. Five-lever mortise locks, window locks, CCTV, and intruder alarms all reduce your risk profile. Some insurers require minimum security standards as a condition of unoccupied cover.
Property maintenance
Regular inspections and maintenance during the vacancy period, like checking for water ingress, maintaining heating at a minimum temperature, and clearing post — demonstrate active management and reduce the risk of undetected damage claims.
Your claims history
Previous claims will increase your renewal premium. The best protection against claims on an unoccupied property is regular inspections — catching problems early before they become significant claims.
How to reduce your unoccupied property insurance premium
Beyond the factors above, several practical steps can meaningfully reduce your unoccupied property insurance costs.
- Carry out regular property inspections — Most insurers require inspections at least every 7-14 days for unoccupied properties. More frequent inspections demonstrate active management and can satisfy insurer requirements that affect your cover validity.
- Maintain minimum heating — Keeping heating set to a minimum of 10-15°C during winter significantly reduces the risk of burst pipes — one of the most common and costly claims on unoccupied properties.
- Drain the water system — If the property will be empty during winter, draining the water system entirely eliminates the risk of burst pipes and escape of water claims.
- Enhance security measures — Fitting additional locks, boarding up vulnerable windows, installing a monitored alarm system, and maintaining external lighting all reduce break-in risk and can attract premium discounts.
- Redirect post and maintain appearances — Redirecting post and maintaining the exterior appearance of the property reduces the visible signs of vacancy that attract criminal activity.
- Pay annually — Monthly payments include finance interest. Paying your full annual premium upfront avoids that additional cost.
For more ways to reduce your landlord insurance costs, see our landlord insurance page.
Unoccupied property insurance frequently asked questions
How long can a property be empty before I need specialist insurance?
Most standard home and landlord insurance policies only cover a property for 30 to 60 days of vacancy, depending on your policy terms. After that period, cover is typically restricted or removed entirely. If your property is going to be empty for longer, you'll need a dedicated unoccupied property insurance policy to remain protected.
Why is unoccupied property insurance more expensive?
Empty properties carry greater risks than occupied ones — there's no one to spot a leak, deter intruders, or raise the alarm in an emergency. Insurers factor in this increased exposure, which is why premiums tend to be higher than standard home or landlord cover. The cost is still far lower than the potential cost of an undetected problem left to escalate.
What reasons for a property being empty are covered?
We can cover a wide range of circumstances including properties vacant between tenancies, undergoing renovation or probate, awaiting sale, or left empty due to extended illness or travel. The reason for vacancy and the expected duration will influence the level of cover available, so it's worth discussing your specific situation with our team.
Do I need to maintain the property while it's unoccupied?
Yes — most unoccupied property policies include maintenance conditions. These typically require regular inspections (often every 7 to 14 days), ensuring the property is secure, draining water systems during winter months, and keeping the property in a reasonable state of repair. Failing to meet these conditions could affect your ability to make a claim.
Does unoccupied property insurance cover renovation works?
Yes — we can arrange cover for properties undergoing refurbishment or renovation works. The level of cover may vary depending on the scale of the works, so it's important to tell us what's planned upfront. Major structural works may require additional consideration.
Am I covered against squatters and trespassers?
Yes — unoccupied properties are unfortunately more vulnerable to trespass and squatting. Our policies include legal expenses cover to help with the costs of removing trespassers or squatters and recovering possession of your property.
Can I get cover if the property is already empty?
Yes — you don't need to arrange cover before the property becomes vacant. However, we'd always recommend putting a policy in place as soon as possible, as any incident that occurs before cover starts won't be claimable. Our team can arrange cover quickly, often with same-day inception.
Can you provide unoccupied commercial property insurance?
Yes — unoccupied commercial properties can be considered for cover. The options available will depend on the property type, location, and how long it's been vacant. Give our team a call on 0345 222 6318 and we'll find the right solution for you.
Do you pay council tax on unoccupied property?
Whether occupied or not, almost every residential property is subject to council tax. However, unoccupied properties may qualify for certain exemptions or discounts, depending on their circumstances.
Find out more information in our blog Do you pay council tax on unoccupied property?
Why can I trust insurd?
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You can verify our status directly on the FCA register.
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