When does a home count as unoccupied?
Policies define it, but commonly a home is unoccupied when nobody has lived in it for more than a set number of consecutive days, often 30 or 60. After that, cover for risks such as escape of water, theft, malicious damage and accidental damage may be removed or reduced. Read the definitions section of your policy.
Common situations
- Between tenancies on a buy-to-let.
- A home inherited during probate.
- Renovations that make a home uninhabitable.
- A long stay abroad or in hospital or care.
- A home that hasn’t sold after a move.
What unoccupied cover involves
Specialist unoccupied property policies are available for homes and commercial buildings. They often offer restricted cover (for example fire, lightning, explosion and aircraft only) with options to add more, and come with conditions such as regular inspections, draining the water system and securing doors and windows. Keep inspection logs.
Last updated: 2 October 2026
