How to Prepare Your Spanish Holiday Home Before Flying Back to UK
There’s nothing quite like a Spanish holiday home. Sunshine, tapas on the terrace, maybe even a cheeky dip in the pool. But as the time comes to swap sangría for shepherd’s pie, there’s a checklist you really shouldn’t ignore.
Leaving a house in Spain unattended is a bit like leaving a teenager home alone; if you don’t set some ground rules, chaos will probably ensue.
Here’s how to make sure you don’t return to find leaks, squatters or a family of pigeons setting up shop in your absence.
1. Turn Off the Water (Unless You Like Surprise Indoor Pools)
Spain does many things well, olive oil, fiestas, flamenco but plumbing isn’t always top of the list. One leaky joint can become a full-on fountain when you’re not around. So,before you lock up, shut off the mains water. Your plants may sulk but it’s better than discovering your living room has reinvented itself as a lagoon and caused damage to your property and your neighbours’.
2. Power Down (But Keep the Fridge Friendly)
Switch off anything that doesn’t need to be on. That means TVs, microwaves and the air-con that likes to hum along even when nobody’s home. You can leave the fridge and freezer running if you will be returning shortly and have things in it, otherwise turn it off.
Pro tip: chuck out anything that won’t survive a few months — no one needs to return to milk that’s aged into a new cheese.
3. Make Friends with Your Neighbours
Nothing deters burglars or squatters faster than nosy neighbours. In Spain, neighbours are practically professionals at keeping tabs. Leave them your number, let them know when you’ll be gone and maybe bribe them with a bottle of Rioja. They’ll water your plants, collect your post, and most importantly notice if strangers start moving furniture in.
4. Security Matters (and Not Just the Shutters)
Yes, shutters are great; very Spanish, very “holiday mode” but don’t rely on them alone. Good locks, an alarm system and even a simple timer for the lights can make your home look lived-in. Remember: squatters love an empty-looking house. Don’t make yours an open invitation. It is highly advisable to take out an insurance policy against this eventuality as the homeowner will have to pay utility bills etc., for the squatters as well as alternative accommodation for themselves. Policies start from 24 euros a year so this is a no brainer.
5. Tidy the Garden Jungle
Overgrown weeds are basically a billboard saying: “Nobody lives here!” Keep the garden trimmed before you go or hire someone local to pop by. It’ll not only keep appearances up it’ll also stop your bougainvillea from attempting world domination.
6. Paperwork: The Boring but Essential Bit
If you have home insurance, double-check the policy covers your absence. Some policies sneak in small print about how long a property can be left empty. Don’t be shy in contacting your insurance company to go over exactly what coverage you have in case any modifications need be made.
7. Leave It Like You’ll Love It
Finally, a tip for your future self: clean the house before you go. Because there is nothing more depressing than coming back to paradise and realising you left it looking like a teenager’s bedroom.
The Bottom Line
Leaving your Spanish holiday home doesn’t have to feel like abandoning a helpless pet. With a few simple steps such as water off, power down, neighbours on side and insurance in order, you can head back to the UK knowing your slice of the sun will be safe and sound.
After all, the only surprise you want on your return is how quickly you can get back to the beach.
