Leaving house empty?

junglejame911

My wife and I are thinking of buying our first house (before property prices get even more crazy).

Problem is we will both be temporarily living elsewhere for the next year or so.

We aren't keen to let out what would be our family home as we would be leaving a lot of our belongingins in it. We were therfore contemplating leaving it unoccupied. We will probably be "home" every few months for a few days.

Are there any major drawbacks to this idea? I appreciate security is one but we have family quite near by.

Do mortgages have certain stipulations about occupying a property etc?

Anyone left their primary residence unoccupied for a period of time?

BigAunty

House insurance will generally have clauses about non-occupation.

At least, its much easier to get squatters out of properties in England now.

benjus

Wouldn't have thought it would affect the mortgage - other than the fact that the mortgage will require you to have suitable insurance in place.

There are specialist insurance policies available for unoccupied properties - but even these normally require someone (doesn't have to be you) to inspect the property every 2 weeks or so. Expect to pay more than you would for a standard home insurance policy.

[Deleted User]

What about getting a house sitter?

moromir

You'll struggle to get contents insurance, I just about got buildings insurance on an unoccupied property but I have to go and check it weekly.

TBagpuss

As others have said, your main problem would be insurance. There are specialist insurers but excesses may be higher. If you have family near by who will be able to check on the property on a regular basis this will make it easier.

Also think about upkeep - if the property has a garden, that will need some care.

mufi

moromir wrote: »

You'll struggle to get contents insurance, I just about got buildings insurance on an unoccupied property but I have to go and check it weekly.

I got contents and buildings cover from Saga - probably doesn't help the OP, as you have to be over 50, but may help others needing cover on an empty property. The property had to be checked weekly, they didn't require me to drain down/disconnect services, just keep the heating on low during the winter months.


They were most helpful and not outrageously expensive.

pawsies

Why not buy somewhere that you are temporarily living and then sell and buy somewhere 'home'?

It could turn out that actually you stay there for longer, plans get altered etc and it would still give you a step on the ladder?

Newly_retired

For unoccupied , unfurnished houses, I recommend a specialist company , eg Towergate, Adrian Flux etc.
Either you or your representative needs to visit the property on a frequent basis, as specified.
Not sure how this works if furnished, sorry.