Void property secure in Exeter
Professional void property secure services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£85-160
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Void property fully secured against break-ins and squatters. All access points checked, locks verified, vulnerable areas protected.
Empty Properties Are Targets
Property between tenants? It's at risk. Squatters move in. Thieves break in for copper and lead. Kids smash windows for fun.
Once someone's inside, getting them out legally is a nightmare. Prevention is everything.
I secure every access point, fix dodgy locks, identify vulnerabilities, and make the property look occupied. Insurance-compliant security that actually works.
💡 Pro tip: Securing a property BEFORE you have a problem is much cheaper than dealing with squatters, theft, or vandalism after. An hour of work now saves weeks of legal hassle later.
Proper Security vs Quick Lock-Up
| ✅ Professionally Secured | ❌ Just Locked Front Door |
|---|---|
| Every door and window checked and secured | Only obvious access points |
| Locks tested and repaired if needed | Assume locks work |
| Loft hatch secured (common squatter entry) | Forget loft access |
| Back gates/sheds locked, vulnerable areas blocked | Focus on front only |
| Property looks occupied (curtains, timers) | Obviously empty |
| Regular checks arranged if needed | Lock it and forget it |
Standard Security Check
🔧 The Security Process
| Stage | What I Do |
|---|---|
| Assessment | Walk perimeter checking all access points, note vulnerabilities |
| Locks | Test every door/window lock, repair or replace if needed |
| Vulnerable Points | Secure loft hatch, basement access, weak gates, damaged panels |
| Appearance | Position curtains, remove obvious empty signals, set timers if wanted |
| Documentation | Photograph security measures for insurance records |
🔐 Common Vulnerabilities Fixed
- Broken window locks replaced/repaired
- Damaged door locks fitted with new secure locks
- Loft hatches secured with padlocks or bolts
- Back gates locked and reinforced
- Accessible windows boarded if necessary
- Damaged door panels repaired or secured
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Security check and basic fixes | 1 hr | £85-110 |
| Above + lock changes/repairs | 1.5 hrs | £110-135 |
| Full secure including boarding/major repairs | 2+ hrs | £160+ |
New locks, boarding materials, or specialist security hardware quoted separately.
Why This Matters
✅ Prevent squatters - once in, legal eviction takes months
✅ Stop theft - copper, lead, appliances all vulnerable in empty properties
✅ Insurance compliance - many policies require securing void properties
✅ Protect your investment - vandalism and break-ins cause expensive damage
Why Choose Us for Void property secure in Exeter?
All access points secured properly
Vulnerable areas identified and protected
Squatter and break-in prevention
Insurance-compliant security measures
What to Expect
Step 1: Security Assessment
I walk the property perimeter checking every possible entry point. Windows, doors, gates, loft access, cellar doors, damaged panels. Note what's secure and what's vulnerable.
Step 2: Securing Work
Fix or replace broken locks, secure vulnerable access, board anything that can't be properly secured otherwise. Check from inside that everything's tight - sometimes locks work from outside but can be opened from inside.
Step 3: Final Check & Handover
Complete security walk-through, demonstrate all locks work, hand over keys (new ones if I've changed locks). Photograph security measures for your records.
🔧 DIY Tips
Landlords securing their own void properties:
🔐 Access point check
- Test every single door and window lock
- Don't assume it's locked - physically check it
- Check loft hatches (squat common entry point)
- Look for damaged panels, broken panes, weak spots
- Check sheds, garages, outbuildings too
🔧 Quick security improvements
- Replace broken window locks (£5-15 each, huge security boost)
- Fit barrel bolts to gates and shed doors
- Secure loft hatch with padlock if accessible
- Board any broken windows immediately
- Check mortice locks actually engage (not just Yale)
👀 Make it look occupied
- Close curtains (not wide open screaming "empty!")
- Put lights on cheap timers (£10, makes huge difference)
- Cancel post redirection or collect regularly
- Keep front garden tidy (overgrown = empty)
- Park a car there occasionally if you can
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Only securing front, forgetting back/side access
- Not checking if locks actually work properly
- Leaving ladders or bins that help access windows
- Making it obviously empty (no curtains, post piled up)
- Assuming previous tenant returned all keys
💡 Pro trick: Squatters look for obviously empty properties. A few simple tricks make them move on to easier targets - lights on timers, curtains closed (but not removed), regular visible checks. They want easy and unnoticed, not somewhere someone's clearly monitoring.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎯 High-risk areas? Some parts of Exeter have higher squatter/break-in risk. If your property is in St Thomas, Heavitree, or other known trouble spots, extra security measures make sense. I know the local areas and what typically needs doing.
Lock changes? If you're worried previous tenants still have keys, or there were lots of people with access, changing locks gives peace of mind. For standard Yale and mortice locks, it's straightforward and not expensive.
Boarding windows? Usually last resort for properties that'll be empty for months or are in very rough areas. Most Exeter rentals just need proper lock security and looking occupied. I'll advise what's proportionate.
Insurance requirements? Check your policy - many specify security requirements for void properties. Usually "all locks secured" and "regular inspections". I can provide documented proof we've met these requirements.
Long-term empty? Property going to be void for 6+ months? Consider additional security - alarms, CCTV, or more extensive boarding. Also need regular inspection contracts. I can set this up.
Already had problems? If you've already had a break-in or squatter attempt, securing properly NOW prevents repeat visits. Opportunists target properties that are easy - make it hard and they move on.
Neighbourhood Watch? If property is in an area with active neighbours, ask them to keep an eye out. Combination of physical security and social surveillance works best.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a void property vulnerable?
Broken locks, dodgy windows, damaged doors, accessible loft hatches, weak back gates. Empty properties attract opportunists - squatters, metal thieves, kids looking for somewhere to mess about. I check every access point and secure anything that's weak.
Do you board up windows and doors?
If needed, yes. But usually it's about making existing security actually work - fixing locks, securing windows properly, blocking vulnerable access points. Full boarding is for properties in rough areas or that'll be empty for months. Most Exeter rentals just need proper securing.
Can you change the locks?
Yes. If previous tenants had keys and you're worried they'll come back, or if locks are damaged, I'll fit new ones. For standard Yale/mortice locks, it's quick and straightforward. Get you a new set of keys, property is secure.
What about preventing squatters specifically?
Squatters target obviously empty properties. I make it look occupied - curtains drawn (not wide open), post cleared, lights on timers if you want. Physically, I secure the loft hatch (common entry point), check all door/window locks work, and ensure no easy access. Regular checks help too - my van outside shows someone's watching.
How long does it take to secure a property?
Check and secure a typical house with working locks - about an hour. If I need to fit new locks, repair damaged doors, or board windows - could be 2-3 hours. I'll assess on arrival and let you know what's needed.
Void property secure Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your void property secure job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Void property secure in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your void property secure job in Exeter today.