CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR VACANT HOME IN LONDON?
With the ongoing national lockdown and travel restrictions preventing families from visiting their second homes, we are operating as usual, ensuring that vacant properties are protected and not vulnerable to threats. The past year has been challenging for most, and amidst the magnitude of difficulties and stresses that those around us have experienced, worrying about property shouldn’t be one of them.
Part of our commitment is to ensure that the properties we look after receive the same level of care when they are vacant, as many of us are familiar with horror stories such as undetected water leaks causing horrendous damage to property and possessions, or clients returning from overseas to find their air conditioning to be broken.
Our vacant property management service is designed for international clients with residential property in London that remains unoccupied for part(s) of the year.
Over the past few months, we’ve seen a large increase in enquiries, so we’ve put together our main reasons why prime properties require regular visits during periods of vacancy.
Year-round peace of mind
Being based overseas with property in London can provide international owners with logistical challenges, particularly when problems occur.
Our team on the ground will check that your property is secure and protected during their regular visits, easing unnecessary worry. We’ll oversee contractors, run errands, organise (and supervise) cleaning, pay household bills and will be on call for any unexpected emergencies such as power failures, or where there are security concerns such as trespassing. Our dedicated team is available around-the-clock in all time zones, with services including a 24/7 emergency phone number for any urgent matters.
Having regular visits in place can also significantly reduce insurance premiums.
Regular maintenance reduces costly repairs
Ongoing, regular inspections and maintenance reduces the need for repairs, prevents damage and lessens costs overall.
Frequent maintenance also ensures that properties are kept in good working order so that they aren’t affected by seasonal changes (or unexpected pandemics), particularly if a given property is not the owner’s main residence. It is standard practice for vacant properties to run heating and cooling systems on a reduced but steady mode – often called ‘vacancy mode’ – which keeps the property running efficiently throughout the year. This is recommended, as the effects of making drastic temperature changes to heating and cooling systems can create problems which may not always be easy to resolve. This also applies to any seasonal upkeep, such as maintenance of underfloor heating in the winter months.
Flushing of taps regularly is essential
Flushing taps and water outlets to prevent water bacteria developing is essential if kitchens and bathrooms are not used on a regular basis. It is paramount that this process is completed regularly in order to avoid any bacteria build-up within pipes, which can be extremely harmful if ingested and a costly headache to eradicate.
Ready for your arrival
Arriving in the night or on the weekend? We’ll make sure your property is ready and ‘turned on’ for your arrival – this includes getting your home comforts ready, setting the heating to your preferred temperatures and stocking the fridge with your favourite items.
Personal assurance
Giving our clients peace of mind is at the heart of everything we stand for. We know how important it is to have a responsive and attentive service that you can rely on, delivered by a team of people who understand the intricacies of estate management. We take away the hassle and stress of maintaining a home and property and look after it as if it were our own. We ensure that each aspect is taken care of and that you’ll only ever liaise with the same trustworthy personnel.
To hear more about our management services, please get in touch with one of the team, please contact us by calling +44 (0) 20 3457 2857 / +44 (0) 7904 607136 or emailing info@somersetestates.com
