Although it would be the dream, the holiday can’t last forever and sooner or later it’s time to return to reality. Your holiday home is your safe space to relax and leaving it vacant is always a risk. Home insurance doesn’t cover everything, so it’s important to stay on top of maintenance and security.
You want to keep your holiday home safe and secure while it’s empty so you can pick up where you left off when the time for a break comes around again. Check out our guide to maintaining your holiday property while you’re away.
Prepare for the winter
Conditions always get trickier in the winter, so you’re going to have to prepare for the colder months. Consider insulating your pipes to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Installing a security system makes your property less attractive to would-be burglars during the darker days too.
You could also find your home damaged by unpredictable weather and in need of costly repairs. Therefore, opting for holiday home insurance could provide you with the appropriate cover and alleviate some of your concerns.
Let out your property
Choosing to let out your property while you’re not using it is a great way to earn some extra income and make it less of a target for criminals. An empty holiday home is more vulnerable than an inhabited one, and the occupants can keep on top of the maintenance while you’re away.
While this can reduce your taxes, letting out your property not only requires dedication but a permit from your local council. There are also various checks your property will need, so doing your research on how to rent your house as a holiday let is essential.
Look for a house sitter
One of the most reliable methods of ensuring your holiday home maintenance and safety is by finding a house sitter, particularly if you’re relocating elsewhere in the country or emigrating abroad. The property is cleaned and maintained as if it were theirs and your home is not entirely at the mercy of opportunistic thieves because the sitters act as a deterrent.
You must ensure, however, that you choose a trusted individual to take care of your holiday home. This could be a friend or family member, but you can use reputable agencies to find professional house sitters.
Hire a cleaner
It could be weeks or months before you visit your holiday home again and untidy, damp or dirty accommodation doesn’t make for a relaxing holiday. Hiring a cleaner is a great way to keep your holiday home maintained in your absence. Small imperfections or issues can be reported and repaired before they become a problem.
