Keeping your Holiday Home Safe and Secure

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Keeping your holiday home safe and secure may not be at the forefront of your mind: it’s easy to think that an idyllic, rural location is virtually crime free.  However, this could be a costly mistake – both financially and emotionally, as a burglary can cause a great deal of distress.

This time of year, when it gets dark earlier, the risk of a break-in tends to increase as thieves take advantage of the darker evenings.  Holiday homes can be an obvious target for a burglar as they may be empty for extended periods of time.  Here are some helpful tips that you may want to consider to protect your property.

Locks on your doors and windows

Make sure you have good quality locks on your doors and windows to increase your security, and make sure that they are closed and locked properly.   Although closing windows sounds like the most obvious thing to do, some holiday home owners leave them slightly open to avoid damp throughout the winter, when the home is left empty.  Not only is this a bad idea, it could also invalidate your holiday home insurance.

Even a small opening could be enough for a burglar to gain access. Pay particular attention to ground floor windows, front and back doors, which is where a typical burglar will gain entry.

Alarms

Having an alarm can be a good deterrent for burglars, but it will not stop them from getting in.  However, they may try to find an easier target, and it will give your holiday home that added level of security to help put your mind at ease when you’re not around.  If your home is in a very rural location with no homes close by, then an alarm may not be as effective as it would be in a more populated area. In this case, you may want to consider other options, such as shutters.

Keys

You may want to leave your keys nearby when your property is empty, so buying a key safe could be a good option for you. Try and secure your safe somewhere discreet, so it is not obvious to a passer-by.  Do not leave your keys above door frames, under mats or plant pots, for guests or workman to access them.  This is likely to be where a burglar will look first and could invalidate your holiday home insurance.

Secure the outside of your property

If you own any outbuildings or sheds, make sure you have quality locks on them to protect the contents. Do not leave any tools lying around, such as garden forks or spades, and put away any ladders, as these can all be used to gain access to your property.

External lighting

If you can put in motion-detecting lights, or have lights on a timer for a couple of hours each evening, this could be enough to deter a burglar.

CCTV cameras

A burglar may be less likely to break into your property if CCTV is visible.  There are some types of technology that will allow you to monitor your property in real-time from a PC, iPad or phone, so it could be worth the investment for more protection.

Regular checks

Having a neighbour or housekeeper visit your home regularly would be useful so they can alert you if there are any signs of damage or suspicious activity. This may also help to deter thieves if the property looks as though it is occupied more often.

Thieves are opportunists, so if you try to make it as difficult as possible for unauthorised entry into your property, the thief is more likely to find an easier target.  If you have guests, ask them to make sure they secure all windows and doors before leaving the property.

These helpful tips could help minimise the stress of a burglary, and can make your holiday home a lot more safe and secure.

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Buying a Holiday Lodge

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Are you thinking about buying a holiday lodge?  Owning your own holiday lodge and having a beautiful retreat away from the normal everyday life, sounds like a tempting idea.  However, buying a holiday lodge could be a confusing and daunting task, especially if this is your first time, so we’ve put together some helpful tips about what you need to consider before making your final purchase.

What will your holiday lodge be used for?

Do you just want somewhere to relax for the weekend?  Are you looking for a second home, which you can enjoy in the summer months?  Are you looking to buy a lodge as an investment to generate rental income?

These are important questions to ask yourself, as this will ensure you find the right location for your lodge.

How far would you like to travel?

Having a holiday lodge in Devon or Cornwall, sounds nice, but you need to think about how long the drive will take and whether you could face it.  You could be travelling a distance with perhaps pets, elderly relatives or children. It would be good to set a travel limit, making sure that your holiday lodge is situated in an area where you will be able to do the things that you love to do in your leisure time.  If you are thinking about the rental potential of your property, a location close to beaches, tennis or golf clubs, sailing or even walking trails would be an advantage. There are beautiful parks in coastal locations throughout the country, so you will have plenty to choose from. If you already know where you would like to be located, speak to the parks in the area so they can give you guidance throughout the buying process.

What costs are involved?

The cost of a holiday lodge will depend on the size, number of bedrooms and the specification, just like if you were buying a house.  If you are buying a lodge on a park, you may be given a turnkey price, which can include the lodge, fixtures and fittings, parking space, a garden and sometimes even decking.  This all really depends on the park, so be sure to check what you will get with your purchase.  Where your park is located will also affect the price.  If your lodge offers fantastic views, is on a popular park or located near the coast, lakes or rivers, then it could cost you more than one that does not have these spectacular views. Also, remember that there is no stamp duty to pay when buying a lodge!

So, you have found the perfect park, what next?

You need to consider the times during which the park is open and closed and whether there are any restrictions in place about how long and when you can use the park.  Some parks are open all year round, while some close for up to three months in the year.

Another consideration should be the additional annual costs you will be expected to pay.  With every park being different you need to think about annual ground rent and maintenance charges. You may also need to set aside money for the utility charges and holiday lodge insurance. Consider how long the licence or lease is and what type of warranty the park is offering. Each park should be able to estimate the charges for the year.

Can I sub-let my lodge?

This really depends on the individual park.  If you want to maximise your rental income, then you should consider a park that encourages sub-letting and has good facilities. Some sites do not allow this as they are looking to maintain a neighbourly and secure family environment.  If you are looking for a quiet location then it would make more sense not to purchase on a sub-letting park.

There are many advantages to owning a holiday lodge: it offers a cost-effective way to enjoy holidays all year round without the need for check-in or check-out. Finding the right location is essential, if you intend to spend a lot of your leisure time getting to know the area.

Before you make your final decision, take some time to speak to other lodge owners on the park and find out how their experience has been.

This is a marketing article from My Holiday Home Insurance, a specialist provider of insurance for holiday homes, leisure homes, holiday lodges and static caravans. Our team of experienced advisers are always happy to help, so for more information call our Northampton office on freephone 0800 988 0890.

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