Properties end up empty for all kinds of reasons — after a death, a move into care, a relocation, the end of a tenancy, or an inheritance nobody’s quite sure what to do with. An empty home can be easier to sell in some ways, with no one living there to work around. But it also costs money every month and needs looking after.
The costs of an empty property
- Council tax — you’ll usually still pay it, and many councils charge more for homes left empty long-term. Some exemptions apply, such as after the owner’s death or a move into care, so check with your council.
- Insurance — standard policies often restrict cover after a home has been unoccupied for a set period. You may need specialist unoccupied property insurance.
- Utilities — standing charges continue, and you may need to keep some heating on to protect the property.
- Mortgage payments, service charges and ground rent, if they apply.
- Maintenance — gardens, gutters and small repairs don’t stop.
Looking after it
Empty homes are more vulnerable to damage that goes unnoticed. A few simple steps help a lot:
- Visit regularly, or ask a neighbour or key holder to check it and let you know about problems.
- In cold weather, keep the heating on low or have the water system drained down.
- Redirect the post and cancel deliveries so it doesn’t look unoccupied.
- Use timer switches for lights, and keep the garden tidy.
- Make sure all doors and windows are secure, and keep a list of who has keys.
- Remove anything valuable, and take meter readings each visit.
Does an empty house sell differently?
It can. Empty rooms show up every mark and can feel cold, so some sellers leave a little furniture or pay for light staging. On the other hand, viewings are easy to arrange, and a buyer can move quickly because there’s no one to wait for. If the property has been empty a long time, a mortgage valuer may note condition issues such as damp or neglect, which can affect the buyer’s lending.
Your options
Estate agent
If the property is in reasonable condition and you’re not in a hurry, an estate agent will usually get the best price. Ask how they handle viewings for empty homes — some agents hold the keys and accompany every viewing, which saves you travelling.
Letting it out
Renting the property brings in income but makes you a landlord, with all the legal duties that involves — safety certificates, deposit protection, repairs and, in some areas, a licence. It may also need work before it can be let.
Auction or direct sale
If the property needs work, you’re a long way away, or the monthly costs are adding up, an auction or direct buyer can offer a quicker, more certain route. Expect a lower price than a well-presented open-market sale. It’s worth working out what the property costs you each month, so you can compare a lower but quicker offer with a higher price that might take longer to achieve.
Squatters and unauthorised occupation
Squatting in a residential building is a criminal offence in England and Wales. If you think someone has moved in, contact the police. Keeping the property visibly cared for and checked regularly is the best prevention.
If you’re looking after an empty home and want to know your options, see how we buy vacant properties, or read our guide to selling an inherited property.