Unoccupied properties vs vacant properties – what is the difference?

Although we might use the terms ‘vacant’ and ‘unoccupied’ interchangeably, they are not the same from an insurance perspective – and you need to know the difference if you own or manage any empty building!

In this article we look at the difference between an unoccupied property and a vacant property for landlords and insurance providers, why insurance for empty commercial properties is so complicated and the security steps you need to take to maintain insurance compliance for those empty premises.

Rental properties, both commercial and private, will inevitably be empty between tenancies. Still, you need to consider the furnishings, access and condition of the building to understand what category your asset falls into.

What is an Unoccupied Property?

An unoccupied residential home is simply one where nobody is living at that moment in time. Perhaps you own a holiday property, and you are between visits, or you’ve inherited a home and haven’t yet decided what to do with it. Both constitute an unoccupied property – it can be fully furnished, temporarily unused, or empty because you’re travelling, as a few examples.

You may need to consider your buildings and contents insurance if you have a home that will be unoccupied for more than 30 days, such as planning a hospital stay that is expected to last a few weeks.

Landlords may also have unoccupied properties where the building is not categorised as vacant. Student accommodation often falls into this group since the rental could be empty outside term time.

What is a Vacant Property?

A vacant property is a different consideration and is entirely empty, without personal possessions or people living there. You can read more about the definition of vacant properties here. 

Unfurnished rental homes between tenants can be deemed vacant. However, your existing insurance may cover you for a specific period between one tenancy and another, so it’s worth checking your policy.

Examples of vacant property scenarios include:

• Empty homes waiting to be sold.
• New builds that do not yet have a tenant.
• Commercial properties that have been cleared.
• Unused warehouse, storage or studio spaces.

Business premises are a little trickier because the building will normally be treated as vacant unless a proportion remains in use.

If you manage a complex with several units, and 31% of the total floor space is occupied, then you may be able to demonstrate that the property has unoccupied rental units but isn’t, in fact, vacant. In that case, the trade carried out in the rest of the building needs to match the intended property use.

The Difference Between Unoccupied and Vacant Property

Exact conditions vary between insurers, but they usually want to see a few basic appliances and furnishings in a property to consider it unoccupied rather than vacant.

That might include:

• A bed
• Fridge
• Kettle
• Cooking equipment
• Furniture

We recommend speaking to your insurance provider if you have doubts about whether they will cover your building for loss or damage because requirements depend on the company you use. Usually, if the building is unoccupied for 30 days or more, it will be an exclusion. Still, some insurance policies have a much shorter coverage period, and others will protect your building for longer.

Why is Insurance for Empty Commercial Properties so Complex?

There is a market for empty property insurance, but it’s much harder to come by if you have vacant business premises. Although a commercial rental unit will likely have gaps between tenants, unoccupied commercial insurance is very limited and tends to carry strict requirements for security to remain valid. Empty commercial buildings are not an easy prospect for an insurer, given the increased risk levels, and it can be hard to secure a policy. Read more about our security risk management services here.

Standard buildings insurance for a business premise normally lasts for 60 days as a maximum from the first day of vacancy, and after that, it will not pay out for water leaks, theft, damage or vandalism.

You may also find that if you have a commercial policy that includes vacant property insurance, the payable values drop by 15%. If you lose £10,000 of fixtures following a break-in, your provider may pay you £8,500, minus any excesses.

The Importance of Understanding Vacant vs Unoccupied Buildings for Landlords

There are over 172,000 empty commercial properties in the UK as of 2019, making unoccupied or vacant properties, making the need for appropriate insurance crucial for landlords. Any building that isn’t in use carries a long list of hazards and risks because if there isn’t a tenant or a homeowner on site most of the time, there is a far higher likelihood of fire, flooding, damage, theft or vandalism.

As the risk to the insurer increases, so too do the policy premiums and the security requirements you must comply with to remain within the terms. As one of many possible issues, fire incidents affect 9,000 empty properties every year in the UK alone, so preventative measures are often mandatory. It can cost as much as three times more to insure a vacant property than an occupied building, so it’s essential to be clear about which category your assets fall into and to what extent your insurance policy applies.

What Might Insurers Cover in Unoccupied or Vacant Commercial Properties?

The specifics will vary between insurer, but some examples of cover that commercial property insurers could provide include:

• Buildings insurance
• Property owners liability
• Fire
• Lighting
• Explosion
• Earthquake
• Subsidence
• Accidental damage
• Terrorism
• Loss recovery

Insurance policies can also have exclusions, which are more relevant to vacant properties than those with a short-term empty period, such as:

• No coverage for broken windows or vandalism.
• Limited cover for water damage or theft.

Gideon Reichental

Vacant Property Security Consultant
Clearway

Gideon Reichental

The distinction between unoccupied and vacant properties is critical because insurers assess risk differently for each-a property left empty for 30 days versus one intentionally unoccupied with maintained utilities and security will have vastly different premium implications and coverage conditions.

Insurance Security Requirements for Empty Commercial Properties

Once you have determined whether your building is unoccupied or vacant, you’ll also need to identify the right measures to reduce the potential for an insurance claim. Failure to safeguard the building properly will usually mean the insurance policy becomes void, so you must take all the necessary precautions and might be asked to provide evidence of compliance.

Although insurance terms vary depending on whether the building is residential or commercial, vacant or unoccupied for the short-term, you may need to:

• Turn off or isolate all services to the building, including gas, water and electricity.
• Remove all contents, inside and outside, particularly higher value items, fly-tipped water, flammable liquids, or gas cylinders.
• Secure the building with locks compliant with BS3621, security shutters or screens, sealed letterboxes and one controlled access point.
• Drain the water supply.
• Arrange periodic inspections according to your policy requirements or property risk assessment.
• Hire a vacant property management company.

Enhancing empty property security safety with security surveillance, video verfied alarms, mobile patrols or commercial CCTV cameras can also be a requirement. It provides an added layer of protection to keep the building covered until it is brought back into use.

If you need assistance with property clearance, security, utility checks or insurance compliance talk to us. Clearway is one of the UK’s leading vacant property security, environmental and property services companies, trusted to secure, monitor and protect vacant properties, sites and their associated assets since 1992. Our extensive portfolio of solutions ensures your critical assets are protected with minimal hassle.

We look after residential and commercial buildings, working directly with property managers, landlords, estate agents, local authorities, retail businesses and some of the largest hotel and leisure groups and housing associations in the UK.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it more expensive to insure an unoccupied/vacant property?

Yes, it is generally more expensive to insure an empty property than one is occupied, as there is more risk for the insurer and properties are generally exposed to less risk when there is someone occupying the property.

What happens if my property transitions from being unoccupied to vacant during the insurance policy period?

If your property transitions from being unoccupied to vacant, it’s essential to notify your insurance provider. Depending on your policy terms, coverage may change, and additional security requirements may apply. Failure to update your insurer about changes in occupancy status could invalidate your coverage, leaving your property vulnerable to risks.

Are there any specific security measures required for empty commercial properties to maintain insurance coverage?

Yes, insurance providers often require specific security measures for empty commercial properties to maintain coverage. These could include installing security alarms, surveillance systems, and physical barriers such as locks or security shutters. Regular property inspections and maintenance of these security measures may also be necessary to comply with insurance requirements.

Can I rent out my unoccupied property on a short-term basis without affecting my insurance coverage?

Renting out your unoccupied property on a short-term basis may affect your insurance coverage. Some insurers may allow short-term rentals with prior approval, while others may consider it a change in occupancy status requiring adjustments to your policy. It’s essential to consult with your insurance provider to understand any implications and ensure adequate coverage.

What should I do if my property becomes unoccupied or vacant unexpectedly?

If your property becomes unoccupied or vacant unexpectedly, it’s crucial to take immediate action to safeguard it and protect your insurance coverage. Notify your insurance provider as soon as possible to update them on the change in occupancy status and inquire about any additional requirements or coverage adjustments. Contacting vacant property security specialists such as Clearway can also help mitigate risks and maintain insurance compliance.

Written by Gideon Reichental

Vacant Property Security Consultant

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Gideon is an experienced property specialist with almost ten years dedicated to the field of vacant property security and services. With a strong commitment to customer service and operational support, he has built extensive expertise in protecting vulnerable and unoccupied buildings through practical, risk-based security solutions.

His experience includes directly managing portfolios of more than 200 vacant properties, alongside senior management responsibility for wider portfolios exceeding 2,000 properties. This has given him a detailed understanding of the challenges involved in securing vacant assets, from preventing trespass, theft, vandalism, and arson to helping clients maintain compliance, reduce liability, and protect long-term property value.

Gideon has strong technical knowledge of the measures used to secure vacant properties, including steel security screens and doors, monitored alarm systems, CCTV, mobile response, site inspections, and temporary fire and life safety solutions. At Clearway, he supports the delivery of tailored protection strategies designed around the specific risk profile of each property, helping clients secure and manage unoccupied assets with confidence.