1 July 2025

Keeping your listed property safe while on holiday this summer

By Jim Sales Account Executive
Medieval fortress with stone walls next to a calm, blue harbor with several docked boats under a partly cloudy sky.

When planning a holiday, it’s essential to ensure your listed property remains safe and secure. Whether you’re away for a long weekend, or taking a longer break, it’s important to do all you can to ensure your home is well-protected whilst you’re away.

Here are some tips to help you protect your listed property:

1. Home security

If you don’t already have an intruder alarm, consider fitting one. Alarms can be installed with minimal impact on the structure of your listed property as not every alarm requires extensive wiring. If you do have an alarm, ensure it’s maintained and set whilst you are away. For Grade I or II listed properties, it’s important to use security measures that do not detract from the building’s historic character.

Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before you leave. For listed properties, you may need to use specific types of locks that are in keeping with the building’s character. Consult with a conservation officer or a specialist locksmith to find suitable options.

2. Smart technology

Use technology to stay connected to your home. Smart home devices enable you to remotely monitor your property. You can receive alerts if there is any unusual activity and even control certain aspects of your home, such as lighting and heating, from afar.

Lighting Timers: Use smart plugs or timer switches to turn lights on and off at varied times in different rooms. This mimics natural household activity and can deter opportunistic intruders.

3. Maintain the exterior

A well-maintained exterior can deter burglars. Ensure that any gates, fences, and garden walls are in good repair. Overgrown plants and shrubs can provide cover for intruders, so keep your garden tidy. If you have any outbuildings, make sure they are also secure.

Listed property with lights on at night
Old house in the Cotswolds

4. Inform a trusted neighbour or friend

Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to check your home when you are away and pause any online delivery subscriptions.

Bins and Curtains: Ask them to put your bins out and bring them in on collection day. They can also open and close curtains or blinds occasionally to give the impression of occupancy.

Lighting Timers: Use smart plugs or timer switches to turn lights on and off at varied times in different rooms. This mimics natural household activity and can deter opportunistic intruders.

Emergency Contact: Leave your contact details and the number of your home insurer with your neighbour in case of emergencies. If your property is listed, quick action is essential to prevent further damage and comply with conservation requirements.

5. Consider professional house-sitting services

Hiring a professional house-sitting service can be an excellent way to ensure your property is looked after while you’re away. House sitters can also take care of daily tasks.

6. Undertake a maintenance checks

Before you leave, conduct a thorough check of your property. Look for any potential issues, such as leaks or structural problems, that could worsen in your absence. A water leak detector can reduce the risk of water damage should you have a burst pipe. These work in two ways, with the more advanced devices automatically shutting off the incoming water mains supply. Other devices text an alert to your mobile phone.

Old house with many windows

7. Extended holidays

If you’re listed property will be unattended for more than 30 days, you may need to tell your insurer, as many policies will include an unoccupancy condition. We can access short-term (and long-term) unoccupied property insurance, so if you’re planning an extended holiday and want to make sure that you have the right level of cover in place, please contact us.

The Importance of specialist listed property insurance

At Abode, we understand the unique needs of listed properties and offer tailored insurance solutions to protect historic homes. We ensure that each policy is customised to address the specific characteristics and requirements of your listed property. Having the right listed home insurance is crucial, as it covers the costs of reinstating your home using traditional construction methods and materials, ensuring that any repairs maintain the building’s historical integrity.

To speak to a specialist adviser today, for free advice or a quote call us on 01622 476 433.

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