Plenty of the homes we sell across Devon are already empty by the time they come to market. You might have moved for work, bought your next home before selling this one, or be selling a parent’s house after they’ve moved into care or passed away.

An empty home isn’t a problem in itself, and some buyers like the flexibility of a vacant property. But it does need a bit more looking after, especially in winter. Dark evenings make an unoccupied house easier to spot, and a dripping pipe or blocked gutter can go unnoticed for weeks.

Here’s what we’d suggest, based on the empty homes our teams in Bovey Tracey, Exeter, Newton Abbot and Teignmouth help to sell every year.

 

Speak to your insurer first

Many home insurance policies limit cover once a property has been empty for a set period, often 30 or 60 days, and some won’t pay out for things like escape of water or theft after that point.

Call your insurer before you move out, or as soon as you can if you already have. Ask whether you need specialist unoccupied property cover, and check any conditions, such as how often the property has to be inspected or whether the water should be turned off. It’s far easier to sort now than after something has gone wrong.

 

Make it look lived in

Post piling up, bins left out, curtains drawn for weeks and a lawn that hasn’t been cut all tell passers-by that nobody’s home. A few small habits make a big difference:

  • Put a couple of lamps on timer switches or smart plugs so lights come on in the evenings.
  • Ask a neighbour to clear the post, put the bins out and back, and park on the drive now and then.
  • Set up Royal Mail Redirection so post doesn’t build up behind the door.
  • Keep the garden tidy and sweep fallen leaves from paths and the front step.

 

Check your security

Before you leave, walk around and make sure every window, door, garage and shed is locked, and take valuables and any spare keys with you. Motion-sensor lights at the side and back of the house are well worth having on long winter evenings.

If you live further away, a video doorbell or camera can give you peace of mind. Just position it so it doesn’t overlook your neighbours. Police.uk has a useful home security checklist if you’d like more ideas.

 

Get ready for the Devon weather

Winter here usually means heavy rain, strong winds and the odd hard frost. When nobody’s living in a house, small problems can become big ones before anyone notices.

  • Clear gutters and drains before the worst of the weather arrives.
  • Store or tie down garden furniture, bins and anything else that could blow about.
  • Keep the heating on low or on a frost setting to help stop pipes freezing and keep damp at bay.
  • Know where the stopcock is, and check your policy before turning the water or heating off completely.

 

Arrange regular checks

If you’ve moved away, ask someone you trust to look in at least once a week, and again after any storm. They should check for leaks, damp, storm damage and any signs of a break-in, and open a few windows now and then to let some air through.

Let us know who has keys, and we’ll agree with you how viewings will be handled and how keys are kept safe. That way you always know who has been in the property and why.

 

Keep it looking its best for buyers

Empty rooms can feel colder and smaller than furnished ones, and buyers pick up on a chilly or musty house the moment they walk in. A home that’s warm, aired and clean photographs better and makes a much stronger first impression. If you can, turn the heating up a little before viewings and leave a few lights on.

Worth knowing: if a home stays empty and unfurnished for a long time, your local council may charge extra council tax, so check with them if you think the sale could take a while.

 

Selling an empty home in Devon

An empty property doesn’t have to be a worry. A few sensible steps will keep it safe, dry and ready for the right buyer.

If you’re selling a vacant home, whether you’ve already moved on or you’re handling a family property, our local teams can talk you through the practical side as well as the sale itself. Book a free, no-obligation valuation here or call into your nearest Complete office – find your nearest branch below: 

 

Bovey Tracey

Emlyn House, Fore Street, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9AD

01626 832 300

bovey@completeproperty.co.uk

 

Newton Abbot

79 Queen Street, Newton Abbot, Devon, TQ12 2AU

01626 362 246

newton@completeproperty.co.uk

 

Teignmouth

13 Wellington Street, Teignmouth, Devon, TQ14 8HW

01626 870 870

teignmouth@completeproperty.co.uk

 

Exeter / Cranbrook

141 Younghayes Road, Cranbrook, Exeter, Devon, EX5 7DR

01392 422 500

exeter@completeproperty.co.uk