Speak to our vacant management team

Are you aware of the risks to a vacant property?

For overseas investors, landlords and homeowners who use their London property maybe two to three times a year, there are financial and serious health risks that can cause significant damage and cost.

Insurance Voids

Standard property insurance does not cover losses from threats such as vandalism, burglary, squatting or leaks if a home is unoccupied or empty for more than 30 days..

Damage to contents and belongings

Leaks caused by damaged or unattended plumbing, electrical or gas boilers or appliances can lead to thousands of pounds worth of damage.

Legionella and other health risks

Unattended empty properties are breeding grounds for hazardous bacteria and fungi, including legionella, which causes Legionnaires' disease, which build up in sitting water.

Pests and rodents

Rubbish, especially food, left for periods and not disposed off outside the home will attract pests like ants, mice and even rats. Once you have pests its both unhygienic, but the damage caused and costs of extermination can be excessive.

How can Benham and Reeves help you?

Our comprehensive one-stop Vacant Property Management Service includes a full range of services to keep your property clean, safe, and in good condition all year round.

Weekly and monthly checks

Frequent, documented visits to satisfy insurance terms and maintain high quality.

• Checking for leaks
• Complete deep-cleaning as required, whether that’s regularly to keep dust down when unoccupied, before and after stays and even during stays
• Exterior window cleaning
• Running taps and flush WCs to ensure smooth working and no unsightly odours

Plumbing and sewage

Proactive measures to prevent stagnant water and structural issues.

• Drain and plughole cleaning
• Seasonal cleaning of gutters and removal of debris
• Prevention of water stagnation
• Legionella Checks
• Boiler checks
• Electrical checks

Air filtration system cleaning

Specialised care for complex heating and air flow systems like HVAC, FCU, MVHR air systems to maintain warranties.

• Filter cleaning of air systems as required
• Annual replacement of the filter and other parts as needed
• Compliance with warranty protection guidelines
• Preserving indoor air quality for comfortable and safe living

Health and safety checks

Thorough checks to ensure a safe, bacteria-free environment.

• Annual Legionella checks
• Prevention of bacteria and mould build-up
• System flushing of appliances to remove rust, sludge and sediments
• Creating a safe and healthy space for occasional property use

Gas and fire safety protocol

Complete due diligence for compliance with gas and fire safety systems.

• Quarterly checks of smoke and CO2 alarms
• Annual servicing of boiler units
• Assessment and report on fire safety hazards

Security and Burglar Alarm responses

We offer a 24/7 keyholding service and are able to act as the primary responder to security threats.

• Keyholding service for owners, whether overseas or in UK
• Annual maintenance of burglar and theft alarms
• 24/7 alarm and emergency response coordination
• Prompt response to emergencies

Insurance management and validity

Lenders require buildings insurance and as such complying with an insurer’s terms or policy requirements is essential. Failure to comply could lead to a lender calling in their loan! If your home is within a larger building or development with onsite porters then while the building will take out buildings insurance, they still require the property to not be left unoccupied or visited every month and the fact there is a 24 hour porter does not cover you. Someone needs to visit your home every month.

• Documented property visits to ensure insurance validity
• Support with renewal and management of buildings and contents insurance
• Meeting lender requirements for insurance (namely regular visits)
• Complete peace of mind with insurance policies starting from only £200 per annum

Maintenance of gardens and outdoor space

All-season maintenance and upkeep of gardens to retain curb appeal throughout the year.

• Weekly grass cutting in the summer
• Monthly maintenance routines in winter
• Odour and blockage prevention
• Foam cleaning of exterior drain systems

Housekeeping or Maid Service during stays in your home

We will make sure your home is ready when you or your guests arrive.

• Arranging for a cleaner prior to arrival
• Stocking up on groceries and other household supplies
• Maid service and cleaning services during your stay
• Cleaning and shutdown post departure

Upgrades or refurbishment while property is unoccupied

Over time tastes change and homes need to be updated whether that’s simple things like decorating, flooring (tiled floors, carpets or wood floors) or furniture. Bedding and towels with regular laundry do become tired over time and will need replacing.

Of course something a little more major is required like a new kitchen, or upgraded bathrooms or even a re-design for example to add an extra bathroom, then we can assist with every aspect from design to recommendations to works.

Our service includes assisting with the arrangement and oversight of any works required while you’re not staying there..

• Arranging quotes for works
• Managing the contractors and checking the works are done

Why choose Benham and Reeves to manage your vacant home?

Our unoccupied property management service starts at just £275 plus VAT a month and includes everything from arranging cleaning and maintenance to security, health and safety checks, and insurance management. Our comprehensive approach, supported by 65 years of experience and a strong network of 21 London branches, ensures that your home is cared for in the same way as you would for your primary residence, even when no one is living there.

Completely tailored: We can tailor our management services to your personal and your property's needs.

One-stop service: We take care of everything for you, from routine maintenance and repairs to emergencies.

Transparent and fair: No hidden costs or extra charges for our Vacant Management service.

Here’s how we go about managing vacant properties

We follow a simple, transparent and professional process so that remote homeowners and landlords can rest easy knowing their properties are in top condition.

Property assessment

We personally visit your property to assess potential risks, check indoor and outdoor systems and also understand your insurance requirements.

Create a tailored plan

Based on the assessment report provided by our experts, we create a bespoke plan that covers compliance, cleaning and maintenance.

Seamless execution

Our management team carries out weekly, bi-weekly or monthly inspections, as required by the owner and coordinates all service requirements.

Vacant does not mean vulnerable

Remove the risk of insurance voids and damage to both your property and its contents by securing it with our professional high quality end-to-end Vacant Management Service.