There is no single schedule for every home
A scheduled visit cannot remove every risk and does not replace an alarm, a technical inspection or appropriate maintenance. Its purpose is to observe the visible condition of the property, record changes and help the owner respond sooner when something unexpected appears.
Two properties in the same area may need very different routines. A recently built home with no garden, closed for a few weeks, does not have the same needs as an older country house with outbuildings, land and active equipment.
- The length of the absence.
- The age and condition of the property.
- The season and exposure to severe weather.
- Gardens, pools or irrigation systems.
- Equipment that remains switched on.
- A history of damp, water ingress or electrical faults.
- Any requirements in the property insurance policy.
When a monthly visit may be enough
One visit per month may suit an occasional absence or a property with relatively few elements requiring attention.
The visit can confirm the visible condition of access points, look for apparent signs of water or damp, observe agreed indicators and collect post.
This provides a regular reference, but it leaves a relatively long interval between observations. A shorter interval may be sensible when the property has a history of problems or is exposed to adverse weather.
When two visits per month make sense
Two monthly visits provide closer care and are a common choice for second homes or extended absences.
The shorter interval makes records easier to compare and reduces the time during which a visible change can remain unnoticed. It also supports more regular observation of exterior areas, accumulated post and active systems.
- The home remains empty for several months.
- There is a garden, pool or irrigation system.
- The property has a history of damp or minor water ingress.
- The owner lives in another region or country.
- A more regular photographic record is important.
When to consider a weekly visit
A weekly visit offers a more frequent presence and may suit properties requiring closer attention.
It can be particularly useful during periods of heavy rain, after building work, when equipment needs to be observed or when the owner wants the property prepared gradually before returning.
A weekly schedule is not permanent surveillance. Unexpected situations can still happen between visits, so alarms, suitable sensors and maintenance by qualified professionals may also be appropriate.
The schedule should be able to change
The chosen plan does not need to remain unchanged throughout the year. A home may justify monthly visits during a short absence and temporarily move to weekly visits during winter or after a storm.
Always check whether your insurance policy sets specific requirements for periods when the property is unoccupied.
- After heavy rain or strong wind.
- Before and after a tradesperson enters the property.
- When a neighbour reports something unusual.
- Before the owner returns.
- After a known electricity or water interruption.
- When an earlier visit revealed a change that needs monitoring.
What matters most is knowing what was observed
A visit is most useful when it is consistent. The same points should be observed in a similar way, and every visit should leave a clear record.
A simple report can include the date, completed checklist, current photographs and a short description of any change. The owner should be contacted immediately when something is urgent.
This history makes visits easier to compare and helps owners make informed decisions even while they are abroad.
