Can You Purchase an Unoccupied Property?

Unoccupied or abandoned properties are not as uncommon as you may think, according to government reports, in 2025 there was a total of 754,264 dwellings classed as empty in England. a figure that has been steadily rising over the past five years.

With all these vacant houses, does this mean you can purchase an unoccupied abandoned property? The answer is yes; you can. However, purchasing an unoccupied and abandoned property may not be as straight forward as purchasing an occupied residential or commercial property.

What to watch out for

When considering purchasing an unoccupied property, it’s important to note some of the potential issues you could face, including:

  • Special permission to be granted for renovations, extensions, or demolition of the unoccupied property. Listed buildings or properties of historical significance can often carry tighter restrictions.
  • Major work may not be able to be carried out on the unoccupied property until the land has had an environmental survey.
  • Before the property can be habitable for residential or commercial tenants, the property must meet the legal requirements for it be rented or leased.
  • A restrictive covenant could be in place, which can prevent property owners from doing certain things to the property.

Checklist before purchasing

Buying a vacant property can have its risks.

Some important questions to ask before purchasing an unoccupied property could be:

  • How long has the property has been vacant for?
  • Is the property weather and watertight?
  • Is the property connected to utilities such as water, gas and sewerage and are there any restrictions on renovating or demolishing the property?

Other factors to consider before purchasing an unoccupied property are:

  • Budgeting
  • Researching legal and building restrictions (as mentioned above)
  • What utilities are available?
  • Investing in the appropriate inspections
  • Future maintenance costs
  • Unoccupied and general buildings insurance

    Further nuisances with unoccupied properties

    Because of the lack of human presence, unoccupied properties are prone to other common problems, which should be factored when considering purchasing an vacant property. These include:

  • Unwanted leaks
  • Pest
  • Squatters
  • Ground heave or subsidence
  • Asbestos

Insurance

Many home insurance providers will only cover an unoccupied property for up to 30 or 60 consecutive days, however, it is possible to buy specialist unoccupied property insurance that will offer protection for a longer period of time. There may be conditions attached with the insurance policy, such as the requirement to visit the property on a regular basis or keep heating on at a  minimum.

If you do not plan on living in your new property or will not have it ready for habitation for a while, consider researching what insurance is available for you and your unoccupied property, and exactly what it covers you for to, ensure it’s right for your needs.

Contact Us:

Guard cover is one of the providers that offer unoccupied property insurance to find out more visit their website: https://www.guardcover.co.uk/Unoccupied-property-insurance or contact their team for a quote on the following details.

Phone: 0800 316 9842

Email: unoccupied@guardcover.co.uk

This article is for general information only and does not constitute advice or a recommendation. It does not take into account your individual circumstances. if in doubt, you should seek appropriate professional advice before acting on any of the information provided.

Guardcover is a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Firm Reference Number 310419. Registered in England No. 00338645. Registered office: Rossington’s Business Park, West Carr Road, Retford, Nottinghamshire, DN22 7SW. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is part of the PIB Group.