The problem, in numbers
Millions of properties stand empty. Insurers know it.
Unoccupied homes are one of the highest-risk categories in property insurance — which is why your policy demands regular, documented inspections.
Empty homes around the world
Official census and government figures show just how widespread unoccupied property is:
Japan
9 million empty homes
13.8% of all housing — an all-time high (2023 Housing and Land Survey).
Source: https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jyutaku/index.html
United States
15.1 million vacant homes
10.3% of the housing inventory (Census Bureau, 2024).
Source: https://www.census.gov/housing/hvs/
Italy
9.6 million non-occupied dwellings
27.2% of dwellings are not occupied by residents (2021 census).
Source: https://www.istat.it/statistiche-per-temi/censimenti/popolazione-e-abitazioni/
Spain
3.8 million empty homes
14.4% of the housing stock (2021 census).
Source: https://www.ine.es/censos2021/
France
3.1 million vacant dwellings
Around 8% of housing (INSEE).
Source: https://www.insee.fr/fr/statistiques/
Germany
1.9 million empty dwellings
4.3% vacancy rate (2022 census); over half empty for a year or more.
Source: https://www.zensus2022.de/
Portugal
723,000 vacant dwellings
12.1% of the housing stock (Censos 2021).
Source: https://censos.ine.pt/
England (UK)
676,000 empty homes
Empty homes per council-tax data (2023), including 261,000+ long-term empty.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistical-data-sets/live-tables-on-dwelling-stock-including-vacants
All figures come from official national statistics offices; each card references its primary source. Definitions of vacancy vary by country.
Empty means exposed
An unoccupied property deteriorates fast: burst pipes and water damage go unnoticed for weeks, and empty homes attract theft, vandalism and squatters. That's why standard home insurance typically stops covering a property left unoccupied — usually after 30 or 60 days — and specialist unoccupied property insurance takes over.
Your policy demands proof
Unoccupied property policies almost always contain an inspection condition: the property must be visited at a fixed interval, and you must be able to prove it. A verbal assurance isn't enough — insurers expect a dated log, ideally with photographs, made at the time of each visit.
What insurers typically require
Every 7 days
High-frequency clauses on standard or higher-risk policies.
Every 14 days
The most common interval with specialist unoccupied home insurers.
Every 30 days
Lower-frequency cover, for example holiday homes.
Miss the interval or fail to document a visit, and your insurer can reduce or refuse a claim entirely — often leaving tens of thousands in damage uncovered.
How Inspection Record keeps you covered
Never miss a deadline
Automatic push and email reminders before an inspection falls due, and again if it becomes overdue.
Time-stamped photo evidence
Attach photos to every inspection so each visit is backed by dated visual proof.
An insurer-ready record
One click produces a formal, print-ready inspection record you can hand straight to your insurer or loss adjuster.
AI risk analysis
Optional AI review of your inspection photos flags emerging issues — damp, damage, security risks — before they become claims.
Protect your cover today
Set your inspection interval, get reminded, log each visit with photos — and always have the proof your insurer demands.
Start your 14-day free trialCancel anytime during the trial and pay nothing.