Owning a holiday home is a dream for many, but if you let it out to guests, keeping it safe and secure becomes essential - especially if you manage your holiday let remotely.
Good security in your holiday home can protect your investment and also provide peace of mind for your guests, helping them feel safe and relaxed throughout their stay.
In this blog, we’ll explore the importance of holiday home security and share some practical tips to help keep your property protected. We’ll also look at how choosing a luxury development like Silverlake in Dorset can reduce your worries, thanks to its gated access and dedicated on-site security.
Why holiday home security is important: The risks
Holiday homes face unique security challenges. Whether you let your property year-round or just during peak seasons, there are certain risks to be aware of:
- • Holiday homes are often left unoccupied, especially during the off-peak season, which can make them susceptible to unwanted attention
- • Homes located in rural areas can be particularly vulnerable due to limited visibility from neighbours
- • Holiday lets in villages and towns often stand out, making them easy targets for opportunists
- • A constant flow of guests can make it harder for neighbours or local staff to spot suspicious behaviour
- • Holiday homes often contain high-quality devices such as TVs, outdoor kitchens and tools
- • Guests often bring expensive gadgets, such as smartphones, laptops and tablets, as well as jewellery and sports equipment
- • Guests expect a secure and safe environment during their stay - it's part of delivering a great experience.
Keep your holiday home secure and safe: Top tips
Visible and well-maintained security measures can be one of the best deterrents against crime. By implementing a few of these holiday home security tips, you can make a big difference in protecting your property:
- • Ensure all external doors and windows are sturdy and fitted with modern locking systems
- • Secure garages, sheds and outbuildings with quality padlocks
- • Regularly check that all locks are functioning properly
- • Replace any locks immediately if keys go missing
- • Lock away all equipment when not in use
- • Never leave spare keys under things outside — use a secure key safe
- • Install a reliable alarm system
- • Consider a video doorbell to monitor who comes and goes
- • Fit motion-activated exterior lighting to deter unwanted visitors
- • Install a safe for storing valuables
- • Inform trusted neighbours of guest bookings
- • Use automatic or timed lighting when unoccupied
- • Maintain the garden and keep the lawn neat to give the impression of occupancy
- • Mark tools, equipment and garden furniture with your postcode using a UV pen
- • Take photographs of expensive gadgets or equipment for insurance purposes
- • Remind guests to lock doors and windows when leaving or checking out
- • Always ensure your holiday home is covered by comprehensive insurance.
Cameras and the law
While CCTV and video doorbells can be excellent deterrents, you must respect the privacy of your guests. Security cameras must never be installed in private areas.
To avoid legal issues or complaints, make sure you're familiar with the regulations. You can view up-to-date guidance on camera use in rental properties on the government website.
Security at Silverlake
One of the benefits of owning a property in a luxury development like Silverlake Dorset is the added peace of mind that comes with enhanced security.
Silverlake is a gated and secure development with on-site staff, overnight security and a close-knit community, which all help to deter criminal activity and keep residents and guests safe.
For property owners, Habitat Escapes - Silverlake’s official in-house fully managed lettings service - provides expert knowledge and professional support with holiday home security, so you can relax knowing your property is in safe hands and that it will be regularly monitored and checked.
Discover how Habitat Escapes can take the hassle out of managing your holiday let at Silverlake. Contact us today to find out more!