In October 2023, the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities released new statistics revealing a concerning trend: the number of vacant dwellings in England has reached 699,126, marking a 3.4% increase from the previous year. Of these, 261,474 are categorised as long-term vacant, meaning they’ve been unoccupied for six months or more—a figure that has risen of 5.4% from the previous year.
Vacant properties are highly vulnerable to multiple risks, including fire, theft, vandalism, and water damage. The Unoccupied Property Insurance team at Lansdown have taken a look into these risks and how you can protect your building.
The risks associated with vacant buildings
Amongst the posed risks, fire poses the greatest threat. Under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, individuals responsible for commercial properties are legally required to conduct fire risk assessments. These assessments involve identifying potential hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing appropriate safety measures. Regular reviews and updates of these assessments are mandatory to ensure ongoing compliance and safety.
The escalating value of metals has also led to an increase in break-ins, with thieves targeting copper cabling, pipework, and other non-ferrous materials. Unfortunately, once a property is breached, it often becomes a repeat target, underscoring the need for robust security measures.
How do I manage an empty property?
Proactively managing vacant properties is essential to minimise risks and maintain safety. Here are the key steps we recommend for securing these buildings and ensuring they meet safety standards:
Regular Inspections
Appoint a ‘Responsible Person’ to oversee the property, conduct regular inspections, control access, and promptly address any issues that arise.
Begin with regular, thorough inspections of both the interior and exterior of the property. Document these checks at least once a week, focusing on potential issues such as waste accumulation, or signs of forced entry. Regular inspections are key to identifying problems early and taking swift action to address them.
Remove Combustibles and Manage Utilities
Clear the property and its surroundings of any combustible materials, including flammable liquids, waste, and wooden pallets. By removing these potential fire hazards, you can reduce the risk of accidental ignition or arson.
Turn off and drain water systems, and disconnect gas and electricity to prevent leaks, electrical fires, and other utility-related issues unless they are essential for services such as heating, fire protection, or security systems.
Secure the Perimeter
Next, ensure that the property’s perimeter is secure. Repair and reinforce any fencing, install security lighting, and verify that all CCTV systems are functioning correctly. In some cases, a temporary alarm system designed for vacant properties can provide an additional layer of protection.
Limit access to the property by securing all entry points. Use BS 3621-compliant locks on external doors, and reinforce vulnerable windows with exterior-grade plywood or security shutters. You can consider hiring specialist contractors to further secure the property and manage these risks.
Vacant properties not only pose risks to intruders but also to authorised visitors, such as contractors and potential tenants. It’s crucial to consider the safety of these individuals by providing clear warnings about specific dangers, securing hazardous areas, and keeping detailed records of all visitors.
Property Guardian Schemes
One alternative approach to managing vacant properties is through property guardian schemes, where residential occupants are placed in empty buildings to deter vandalism and unauthorised entry. While this can be an effective solution, it also introduces new risks that require careful consideration and management.
By adopting these proactive strategies, property owners can significantly reduce the risks associated with vacant buildings, ensuring they remain secure, compliant, and ready for future use.
About Lansdown Insurance Brokers
Lansdown Insurance Brokers are specialists in Unoccupied Property Insurance, Landlords Insurance and Block of Flats Insurance. We can provide flexible policies to suit your needs; for more information call the team on 01242 524498 or email enquiries@lansdowninsurance.com.
Lansdown is part of the Benefact Group, a charity-owned, international family of financial services companies that gives all available profits to charity and good causes.