How to protect second homes

Today we’re going to discuss a topical issue that is undoubtedly a cause for concern for many owners of holiday homes. There’s a great deal of interest in finding out how to protect second homes, so here are 5 tips that are sure to help you.

First and foremost, you should make a note of the telephone number 112, so that you can get immediate assistance in an emergency. You may also find this link to the virtual police station.

The holiday truce

Despite the exceptional circumstances we are currently facing due to the Covid-19 health emergency, the ‘new normal’ has become a part of our lives, but it remains essential to protect our second homes.

Thanks to this, we have been able to enjoy a relatively normal summer, and holiday travel is once again an option for everyone. That is why those who own a second home can enjoy it and take a well-deserved break, switch off from their daily routine and return from their holidays feeling re-energised.

But the return to normality brings us back to reality. There is a risk that our second home might be burgled or squatted in once the holiday period is over.

5 Useful Tips for Protecting Second Homes

What can we do to prevent these unpleasant situations from arising? Below, we set out a series of tips you can follow to make your holiday home safer whilst you are away.

1. Invest in a good security system

One of the first security measures you should consider is the installation of an alarm and CCTV system. These systems allow for continuous remote monitoring, giving you the option to keep an eye on your property 24 hours a day, every day of the year, wherever you are.

Furthermore, we recommend that you use CCTV cameras fitted with an infrared and night-vision system. This will ensure that any alerts you receive can be verified more accurately.

You can also install cameras that stream live video and send the feed directly to your mobile phone or any other electronic device. You can even set it up to receive notifications when any suspicious activity or unwanted presence is detected.

The investment

Investing in a home security camera system is far more affordable and easier to set up than people usually think. These days, wireless technology makes installation much simpler, as it uses smart security cameras that do not require any cables.

It is also important to ensure that you choose a security system that is suited to the size and location of your property. If you have any doubts, at Meridional Extra Services We can help you

Finally, the presence of security cameras often prevents burglaries before they happen. Provided they are visible, they are a good way of deterring any malicious intent on the part of a potential burglar.

2. Install a smart video doorphone

Although smart doorbells are sometimes included as an extra feature in security systems, they are not always fitted to standard systems. Make sure you have one of these devices at the entrance to your property.

These types of smart video doorbells are a great help in keeping your home well monitored, as they allow for two-way audio communication. They enable you to speak to anyone who rings your doorbell in real time, from maintenance staff to delivery drivers.

Smart video doorbells are a good way to improve security at your second home, as they can deter anyone attempting to break in by making them think you are at home.

3- Secure your doors and windows properly

It’s worth remembering how important it is to keep all the entry points to your home well secured, such as doors and windows. Replacing the lock on your front door with a more modern and secure one is a good option if your house was built a long time ago. Any improvement to your locks provides an extra layer of security for your home.

Make sure that all windows, especially those at ground level, have secure locks. It is also advisable to install alarms that are triggered if a door or window is forced open.

4- Make it look as though your home is occupied

If a house looks lived in, most intruders and burglars will steer clear. If your property has any green spaces, such as gardens, hedges, etc., hire a maintenance company to carry out regular work on your property.

Maintenance can be as simple as mowing the lawn or trimming the hedges. This way, not only will your house look lived-in, but these maintenance tasks will also eliminate any potential blind spots or hiding places that a burglar might use to sneak onto your property unnoticed.

Lights

Another way of making it look as though the house is occupied is to switch on the lights inside.

Thanks to smart home technology, you can install automated lights that switch on and off at specific, pre-programmed times. You can also install motion-activated lights, use timers and add lighting to the darkest areas of your property. Use lighting to make it look as though someone is living in your second home all year round.

5- Get to know your neighbours

Getting to know your neighbours, especially those who live near your holiday home all year round, can be a great help. Trusted neighbours can help keep an eye on your home, as they are often aware of strangers visiting or unusual noises. That way, if they notice anything suspicious at your property, they can let you know or even call the police.

I hope all these tips will help you keep your holiday home safer all year round and prevent any unpleasant surprises whilst you’re away.

As always, at Meridional Team We are on hand to advise and assist you with these matters, as your trusted property manager. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries in this regard. We are here to help you.

Far too many holidaymakers have waited until a crime has been committed before they start thinking about protecting their holiday home. The risks are far too high to let another day go by without insuring your property.