Can I Insure a Partially Empty Block of Flats in the UK?

If you own a block of flats with vacant units, you might be wondering whether standard property insurance will cover you. In the UK, insuring a partially empty block of flats is possible, but there are important factors to consider.

Why Does Vacancy Affect Insurance?

Empty properties pose higher risks, including:

  • Security concerns – Unoccupied units are more vulnerable to vandalism, break-ins, and squatting.
  • Maintenance issues – Leaks, dampness, or structural problems may go unnoticed.
  • Fire risks – An unoccupied space can become a target for arson or suffer unnoticed electrical faults.

Because of these risks, many standard building insurance policies may not fully cover an unoccupied flat for extended periods, typically beyond 30-60 days.

Can I Insure a Partially Empty Block of Flats in the UK?

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What Type of Insurance Do You Need?

If some of the flats in your block are empty, you should consider:

  1. Unoccupied Property Insurance – Covers individual vacant flats within the block against risks like fire, flooding, and vandalism.
  2. Block of Flats Insurance with Unoccupied Cover – A tailored policy that protects both occupied and vacant flats within the same building.
  3. Loss of Rent Cover – If a flat becomes uninhabitable due to an insured event, this can help compensate for lost rental income.

Ways to Reduce Insurance Costs

  • Improve security – CCTV, alarms, and secure entry points can lower risk.
  • Regular inspections – Some insurers require vacant units to be checked every 7–14 days.
  • Utilities maintenance – Keeping heating on low in winter can prevent burst pipes.

So yes, you can insure a partially empty block of flats in the UK, but you may need specialist cover. If you’re unsure, consult a broker or insurer experienced in property management to ensure you’re fully protected.

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Independent advice by approachable staff online or by phone

Access to a wide range of insurers to source suitable insurance cover for your needs

Bespoke Insurance Schemes & Portfolio Policies available

We can tailor your policy to suit your exact needs to give you complete peace of mind

Competitive Premiums

Cover available for the buildings while the property is being converted, renovated or extended

Over 40 years experience working with the best insurers in the UK

Excellent communication so that you understand what risks you are insured against

Why choose the Property Insurance Centre

Independent broker with staff you can speak to by phone or online

Access to a wide range of insurers to source suitable insurance cover for your needs

Bespoke Insurance Schemes & Portfolio Policies available

We can tailor your policy to suit your exact needs to give you complete peace of mind

Competitive Premiums

Cover available for the buildings while the property is being converted, renovated or extended

Over 40 years experience working with the best insurers in the UK

Excellent communication so that you understand what risks you are insured against

Why choose the Property Insurance Centre

Independent broker with staff you can speak to by phone or online

Access to a wide range of insurers to source suitable insurance cover for your needs

Bespoke Insurance Schemes & Portfolio Policies available

We can tailor your policy to suit your exact needs to give you complete peace of mind

Competitive Premiums

Cover available for the buildings while the property is being converted, renovated or extended

Over 40 years experience working with the best insurers in the UK

Excellent communication so that you understand what risks you are insured against

Specialists in Commercial & Residential Insurance

We have over 40 years experience as Residential and Commercial Insurance Brokers. We find the right policy to suit your needs and understand the risks that a property owner can face in the course of ownership. We work closely with our Insurers to get the best rates and our experience and excellent relationships with them mean that we can provide cover for even the most difficult to place risks.

Whether you have an adverse claims history, a high value property or a large portfolio of properties, we can source suitable cover for you. Whatever your requirements, we can tailor a specialist property insurance policy to suit your exact needs and provide you with a range of quotes to choose from. Established in 1976, we are not a call centre but a specialist insurance broker with a traditional office mentality, where the client comes first.

Looking for a quote now? Give us a call on 0800 085 3761 or complete one of our quote request forms.

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