5 Essential Tips for Securing a Vacant Property
Leaving a property empty comes with more risks than most people realise. Squatters, vandalism, fires, leaks, and even weather damage can creep in quickly. Not to mention the pressure from rising insurance premiums or getting stung by high business rates.
For commercial property owners, this can mean mounting costs and serious stress.
Vacant property security is not just about locking the door and walking away. You need a plan that covers the risks from every angle and keeps your building in good condition.
Here are five practical vacant property security solutions to help you get started.
1. Carry Out a Full Risk Assessment
Before you put any security in place, you need to get a clear picture of what you’re dealing with.
Walk the site. Look for easy access points, weak spots in the structure, and areas that aren’t visible from the road.
Is the building in a busy location or tucked away? Have there been incidents nearby? This kind of detail matters.
Risk assessments give you a baseline. From there, you can choose the right mix of protection that fits your budget and your building.
2. Notify Insurers, Utilities, and the Local Council
It sounds obvious, but it’s often missed. If your building is going to be empty for more than 30 days, tell your insurance provider. If you don’t, you might find your cover becomes invalid.
The same goes for utilities and council tax, or business rates. Some local authorities will reduce charges for unoccupied properties. Others won’t.
Get the facts early so you don’t get caught out later.
3. Secure All Access Points (But Don’t Rely On That Alone)
Boarding up windows and changing the locks is a start. But steel shutters and barriers won’t stop someone who’s determined. And they definitely won’t keep the place warm, dry or looked after.
One of the biggest mistakes we see is owners relying on CCTV or alarm systems alone. These are reactive tools. They record what’s happening, sure, but they won’t stop it from happening in the first place.
That’s where a lived-in solution can offer a better outcome.
4. Consider Property Guardianship
Empty buildings attract problems. But people don’t usually mess with a building that’s lived in.
Property guardianship is an ideal solution that turns an unused space into a short-term home for carefully vetted key workers and professionals.
With City Guardians, you don’t pay a fee for this. Guardians live in the space under licence. They protect it, report issues early, and keep it safe. And when you need your building back, we hand it over in good time.
This setup can help you avoid business rates, keep your property insured, and make sure someone’s always around to spot things before they go wrong.
According to Clearway, commercial squatting and metal theft incidents are rising across the UK. These are serious issues for vacant building owners. Having an on-site presence can be the difference between a small fix and a major repair bill.
5. Stay In The Loop With Regular Inspections
Even with guardians in place, regular inspections are key. A good provider will do this for you. At City Guardians, we carry out scheduled checks and send full inspection reports straight to you.
This means you still get full transparency while your property sits empty.
If you’re not using guardianship, make sure you visit the site regularly or hire a trusted service to do it. Insurance providers may expect proof that you’re checking in, especially if the building is vacant for long periods.
Secure Your Vacant Property
Every empty building is different. But the risks are always real, and the costs of doing nothing can be steep. A good vacant property security plan keeps intruders out, protects your investment, your reputation and your peace of mind.
Start with a risk assessment. Keep your paperwork in order. Secure the building properly. But more importantly, look at smart, long-term options like guardianship. This is not just about safety, but about making the most of a space until you need it again.
Want help figuring out the best option for your property? Secure your property with live-in guardians.
