Winter-proof your empty property. Are you ready for winter?

Spring Developments are constantly purchasing derelict and unmodernised properties, many of which that have been left empty for long periods of time, unmaintained, exposed to the elements with damaged windows, holes in the roof, with ongoing water ingress, damp, rot, structural defects, infested by vermin or damage through squatting and vandalism. Inherited properties through no fault of the beneficiaries are often left empty and can be subject to damage from lack of maintenance, break ins and other criminal activities. These can often be the worst properties we get invited to see where relatives have been unable to make a decision what to do with the property, limited by their emotional attachment and reluctant to make changes or in many cases they simply do not have the resources to carry out day to day maintenance. Probate can often tie these properties up for months and even years especially when there is no Will or if beneficiaries have been difficult to find.

Needless to say an empty property in winter can be a headache, especially if you aren’t living close to the property and not around to keep an eye on things. All properties require ongoing maintenance even if no one is living there so its worthwhile taking some simple measure to ensure your property is protected from damage and unwanted interest during the darker and colder months of the year.  With our vast experience purchasing and working with many unmodernised and derelict vacant properties here are our top tips for ensuring your property gets the winter months without causing you a headache.

Check your insurance

First and foremost you should check your buildings and contents insurance policy covers the property whilst it is empty. Most insurance companies will cover the property for short period ie while you are on holiday, but if the property is going to be empty for a long periods then you might need specialist insurance for vacant buildings this will be more expensive and likely to be subject to regular inspections, sealing the letterbox and draining down the heating system, so make sure you read the small print and if in doubt give your insurance company a call.

Check outside

• It is important to make sure that the property appears to be lived in. A ramshackle appearance will be clear indication that the property is either uncared for or empty. Empty properties can be subject to criminal activity, so cut back hedges and foliage to make the property looks like it is regularly maintained. This also helps to provide natural surveillance, after all if the front or the rear of the property is overgrown how will your neighbours see if any unwanted visitors are hanging around? 
• During autumn months falling leaves and moss can easily block gutters and drains so make sure you clear these to avoid blockages. Overflowing gutters and blocked drains can lead to serious damp issues within the property. 
• If you have any external lighting then it's a good idea to connect this to a timer or better still a sensor that will detect movement and act as a further deterrent for unwanted visitors. 
• Check the roof for holes or slipped / damaged tiles. Spring Developments have purchase a number of properties where even after a short time a leaking roof has caused substantial damage within the property, this affects the value and also a normal buyers ability to secure a mortgage as the property will be deemed inhabitable! 
• External taps should be firmly closed and not allowed to drip, if you have a hose pipe connected this will hold water and it is advisable to disconnect this during the winter months. Any external water pipes should ideally have some form of lagging to protect them from freezing.
• Make sure side gates, garage doors are secure, if you have bins outside the property think about moving them into the garage or to the rear of the property while they are not being used.
• Ideally you should redirect your post. Inevitably leaflets and junk mail are going to be delivered, however if you seal the letterbox you will avoid a build up of rubbish and unwanted visitors won’t know the property is empty where post has not been pushed though your letterbox properly.Perhaps a friendly neighbour can keep an eye out for you and collect any unwanted junk mail.
• Cancel any Milk, newspaper or any other regular deliveries.

Check inside

• It is advisable to keep the heating on so that if the temperature drops it will come on and stop any uninsulated pipes from freezing and bursting. If you don’t want to pay for heating bills while the property is empty contact a plumber and arrange for the system to be drained down. If you are not using the heating then you may as well turn the gas off at the meter, just in case.
• Make sure all windows are locked and secure and down level the keys in the windows or on the window cil.
• Don’t leave your lights on all the time. It's worth investing in a few automatic timer switches which can be uses to switch lamps on throughout the day and night make sure at least one room at the front of the house is lit up. The timers can also be connected to a radio or TV. 
• Keeping the curtains open or closed is a difficult decision. Ultimately if they are closed through out the day then people will assume the house is empty so best to leave them open and use strategic lighting.
• Try not to leave any valuables on display.
• Un plug appliance to save energy and protect them from power surges.
• Spare keys should be in a secure key safe. Don’t leave keys under the mat or hidden outside the property, anyone keen to get in will eventually find them.

Despite theses uncertain times Spring Developments continue to purchase a wide range of properties across

London and the South East. If you have property that you don't want left empty throughout the Winter months and want to discuss its sale then please do not hesitate to get in touch.

info@spring-developments.com