You can keep the property empty and available for occupation when you are ready, however, we strongly recommend you take certain steps to minimise the risk of your property falling into disrepair, becoming a nuisance to neighbours or suffering vandalism:

• Make sure the structure is watertight;
• Make sure it is adequately insured;
• Fit a security light to dimly lit areas;
• Fit good quality locks to the windows and doors;
• Consider turning off the water at the stop cock and draining the radiators;

Make the property look like it is occupied by

• Fitting timer switches to lights so they come on in the evening;
• Hanging net curtains or blinds in the windows so that it is not as easy to see inside;
• Maintaining the gardens and the outside environment.
• Make regular checks on your property and remove accumulations of post;