Hypothetical 'what if' question about mortgage/insurance/empty house

aliasojo

During a chat about our options, this hypothetical got thrown into the ring....

IF we move and leave son staying on in family home, the mortgage company is fine with that (I checked with them) but I never thought to ask what the situation would be if son wanted to move himself before we were either ready to move back in or were ready to sell or rent the house out.

So what happens with regard to the mortgage and also insurance if the house still had furniture etc in it but no-one actually lived in it and we were just spending the odd weekend there? Does it matter? Is this a problem? Is there some sort of specific mortgage / insurance type we should be changing to that covers partly lived in houses?

Just wondered if anyone had any experience of this kind of thing?

BugglyB

You need to check with the insurance company as policies will vary. Generally you will have to live in the house for a certain number of days per year for it to be 'inhabited' and if you are away more than that you may not be covered under your current buildings/contents.

Sensible_Jess

Hi
I know when a relative of mine died and we were trying to sell the house the insurance company were happy if someone stayed there occaisionally overnight so the house wasn't occupied for more than 60 days in a row. This was for about 6 months or so.

Best check with your insurance to make sure.

S_J

G_M

An unoccupied property is a greater risk. Vandals, burglaries, fire, water damage from leaks etc etc.

So most insurance policies say the insurance is invalid if the property is 'unoccupied' for more than.... 30 days? 45? 60? .... check your insurance as they are all different!

If someone stays overnight every so often, that is probobly fine, but read the policy.