How to protect second homes

Today we are going to touch on a topical issue that undoubtedly worries many owners of summer residences. There is a lot of interest in knowing how to protect second homes and for this we leave you with 5 tips that are sure to help you.

First of all, you should know the 112 telephone number for immediate assistance in case of emergency. On the other hand, you will also need to follow this link to the virtual police station.

The holiday lull

Despite the exceptional situation we are living through, due to the Covid-19 health emergency, a new normality has broken into our lives, but it is still essential to protect second homes.

Thanks to this, we have been able to enjoy a relatively normal summer and tourist trips are once again an option for everyone. That is why those who own a second home can enjoy it and take a well-deserved break, disconnect from the daily routine and return from the holidays with their batteries recharged.

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

5 Useful tips for protecting second homes

What can we do to prevent these unpleasant situations from occurring? Here are some tips that you can apply to make your holiday home safer when you are away from home.

1- Invest in a good security system

One of the first security measures you should consider is the installation of an alarm and video surveillance system. These systems allow continuous remote monitoring, giving you the option of being able to watch over your property 24 hours a day, every day of the year, wherever you are.

In addition, we recommend that you use video surveillance cameras with built-in infrared and night vision. This will ensure that any alerts you receive can be checked more accurately.

You can also install cameras that broadcast real-time video and send the signal directly to your mobile phone or other electronic device. You can even set it up to receive notifications when a clue or unwanted presence is detected.

The investment

Investing in a home security camera system is far more affordable and easier to do than you might think. Today, wireless technology makes installation easier by using smart security cameras that do not require the use of wires.

It is also important to make sure that you choose a security system that fits the size and location of your property. If in doubt, at Meridional Extra Services we can help you

Finally, the presence of security cameras often prevents burglaries before they occur. Provided they are visible, it is a good way to discourage any malicious intent on the part of a potential burglar.

2- Install a smart video door entry system

Although smart doorbells are sometimes incorporated as an additional add-on to security systems, they are not always implemented in standard security systems. Make sure you have one of these devices at the entrance to your property.

These types of smart video door entry systems are a great help in keeping your home well guarded, as they allow two-way audio interaction. They give you the ability to communicate with anyone who knocks on your door in real time, from maintenance personnel to delivery people.

Intelligent video door entry systems are a good way to increase the security of your second home, as they can deter intruders by making them think you are inside.

3- Secure your doors and windows

It is important to remember how important it is to keep all entrances to your home well protected, such as doors and windows. Changing the lock on your front door to a more modern and secure one is a good option if your house was built a long time ago. Any improvement in the locks is an extra guarantee of security for your home.

Ensure that all windows, especially those at ground level, have secure locks. It is also advisable to install alarms that are activated in the event that a door or window is forced.

4- Pretend that your home is inhabited

If a house looks occupied, most intruders and burglars will stay away. If your home has any green areas, 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 home look lived in, but the maintenance work will eliminate any potential blind spots or hiding places for a burglar to infiltrate your property unseen.

Lights

Another method of simulating that the house is inhabited is to switch on the interior lights.

Thanks to smart home technology, you can install automated lights that turn on and off at preprogrammed time periods. You can also install motion lights, use timers and add lighting to darker areas of your property. Use lighting to make it look like someone lives in your second home all year round.

5- Get to know your neighbours

Knowing your neighbours, especially those who live near your second home throughout the year, can be a great help. Trusted neighbours can help keep an eye on your home, as they are often aware of strange visitors or unusual noises. In this way, if they detect something strange in our home, they can alert us or even call the police.

I hope all these tips will help you to keep your holiday home safer all year round and prevent any unpleasant surprises in your absence.

As always, in Meridional Team we are at your disposal to advise you and help you in these matters, as your trusted property administrator. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. We are here to help you.

Too many holidaymakers have waited until a crime has occurred to start thinking about protecting their holiday property. The risks are too high to spend another day without securing their property.