Moving in weeks after completion

james_37

We are looking to move into our new property some weeks after completion. I will be in there each day stripping walls and decorating, but no-one will be sleeping there initially.

I understand we will take out buildings insurance on the property from the day of exchange, and will also want contents and possibly legal going forwards on the same plan. But what are the implications of not residing in the property for those first few weeks? I am thinking squatters, or high insurance premiums in this period. Would it be better if I do sleep there while the work is being done? It's absolutely liveable but I feel it will be easier doing the work without moving the family in first, and we are under no pressure to leave our current home immediately after completion.

Thanks

HouseBuyer77

Read the policy documents of the insurance you intend to take out. Your standard buildings/contents insurance assumes generally occupied residential property so I suspect it may be invalid if you're not actually living there at least some of the time

HouseBuyer77

It's often worth phoning an insurance broker to discuss options when you want something slightly non-standard.

nimbo

Mine states I can be out of the property for up to 28 days at a time? Not sure if not moving in would count.

Id think you'll be fairly safe from squatters if you're in and out regularly and keep the property secured etc.

Unless squatters are a big issue in the local area? There was an empty house on my road for over 6 years - a double glazed window was. Done. At around year 5.3/4. This was boarded and then the address renovated as a salon. But no issues for a LONG time.

Newly_retired

Definitely check house insurance. We were in a similar situation and used a broker. Had to pay a bit extra for suitable insurance but it was worth it. Also we could cancel the policy without notice.

seven-day-weekend

We didn't move into ours properly for about four months, but were there all day every day . Didn't think it was a problem to not be there at night.

Miss_Samantha

I have nothing to back it up, but I am expecting that squatters are much less of an issue now that it is a criminal offence.

james_37

Thanks for the replies. I will look into buildings insurance on a comparison website to get an idea of prices and then speak to a broker to explain my particular situation.

Does anyone have any recommendations from experience of reliable house insurance companies?

pinkteapot

I would do comparison quotes online as usual. Pick the top few companies you want to use. Then phone them (before taking the policy out) to ask if they'd cover the house as empty. Know exactly how many weeks you're talking - this will matter. If it's 3-4 you might be alright with a 'normal' policy, as they usually allow for the property to be empty for up to X weeks, and they'll just make a note on your policy that it's happening. If it's actually a few months, then it'll become a non-standard empty building policy.

I moved into my first place just over two weeks after completion and it was no problem for my insurer, and I didn't pay extra.

If you find that you try a few and they're saying no, then use a broker.

Personally, I don't use the very cheapest companies on comparison sites when they're ones I've never heard of with ropy reviews. I tend to stick to the big names and choose the cheapest of those, simply because cheap insurance is all well and good but what you want is good customer service IF you need to claim. I've had good claim experiences with Admiral for a car claim and Nationwide Home Insurance for household.

getmore4less

I Would would do an overnight anyway to give it a lived in look

if working on the place just plan a late session followed by an early session work sleep work, have a few beers check out the local pubs and takeaway no need to drive

Mind you if you have just moved round the corner...

mattk_180

I don't think it will be much of a problem. It's only usually an issue when it's completely unoccupied for an extended length of time in which a leak, burglary, fire etc. won't be picked up quickly leading to more damage than if someone was actually in the property.


Considering you're in and out most/all days, I don't think they would consider this as "unoccupied" but as others have said, just give whichever company you choose a quick call before taking it out to make sure they are happy with the situation so you know there won't be any comeback.