“We are only away for a few weeks. Do we really need to take extra measures?”
We hear that question often from second home owners. Yet, a lot can happen even during a short absence: a small leak goes unnoticed, mail piles up, or a malfunction disables the security system.
Anyone who wants to properly protect their home during an absence in Spain should therefore not only think about burglary, but also about water, electricity, weather conditions, maintenance, and the conditions of the insurance policy.
In this practical guide you will discover step by step which measures are really important and which common mistakes you better avoid. This way you can protect your home while away in Spain without taking unnecessary measures.
In this article
1. Start with the terms of your insurance
Not every Spanish Home insurance treats long-term absence in the same way. The policy conditions may state when a home is considered temporarily unoccupied or not regularly occupied. Certain coverages may also depend on preventive measures, such as shutting off the water supply or having the home inspected regularly.
Therefore, pay attention to the following points before departure:
- How is temporary vacancy or joblessness described in the policy?
- Is there a maximum period of consecutive absence?
- Are theft, water damage, glass breakage and electrical damage fully covered?
- Should the main water shut-off valve be closed?
- Does someone need to inspect the property on a regular basis?
- Are outbuildings, terraces, patio furniture, solar panels, swimming pool installations, and outdoor kitchens also insured?
- What security requirements apply to doors, windows, and alarm systems?
Terms of, for example, 30 or 60 days are sometimes mentioned, but are not universal. The exact definition and obligations are stated in your own policy. Therefore, never assume a general internet rule.
Do you have a second home or do you spend a large part of the year outside of Spain? If so, have it checked whether the use of the property is correctly stated on the policy.
2. Limit the risk of water damage
Water damage does not only occur due to heavy rain. A worn supply hose, leaking water heater, defective coupling, or slowly leaking toilet can cause major damage when no one is present.
Shut off the water supply
In case of extended absence, it is preferable to shut off the main water valve, unless a system requires water or a professional advises otherwise. Think of automatic irrigation, pool equipment, or certain heating systems, for example. In that case, shut off individual pipes to high-risk appliances where possible.
Also check:
- flexible hoses of washing machine and dishwasher;
- faucets, toilets and visible connections;
- boiler, water filter, and pressure regulator;
- drainage points on terrace, balcony and patio;
- caulking and areas where moisture was previously visible.
A smart water detector can provide early warnings, but it does not prevent leaks. Place sensors near the water heater, washing machine, kitchen, and other vulnerable points. Before leaving, test whether alerts actually reach your phone or a contact person.
3. Think carefully about electricity and gas
Turning everything off seems safe, but is not always wise. A refrigerator, freezer, alarm system, router, moisture control system, irrigation computer, or pool pump may need power.
Therefore, make a deliberate choice per group:
- turn off devices that are not needed;
- unplug sensitive electronics from the wall outlet to protect against power surges;
- leave only necessary groups active;
- Check whether the alarm, router, and cameras automatically restart after a power outage;
- Consider surge protection or an uninterruptible power supply for essential equipment.
Does the house have a gas installation? Shut off the gas supply according to the instructions of the installation and insurer. Always have maintenance and technical interventions carried out by a qualified professional.
4. Prevent moisture, mold, and poor ventilation
In coastal areas and other humid zones, a completely sealed home can quickly become musty. On the other hand, it is not wise to leave windows ajar when that allows rain, insects, or intruders to enter.
A safe solution depends on the home and the climate. Possible measures include:
- use safe ventilation grilles;
- leaving interior doors and cabinet doors partially open for air circulation;
- do not store textiles damp or packed closely together;
- using a dehumidifier with drainage and auto-restart;
- operate the air conditioning only with a controlled schedule and appropriate settings;
- install a remote humidity sensor.
Always check whether equipment is suitable to operate without direct supervision. A separate moisture trap can help in a small cabinet, but is not a solution for a structural moisture problem.
5. Make intrusion difficult and visible
The Spanish National Police advises, among other things, to fully lock doors, properly secure windows and access points, not publicize absences, and have someone empty the mailbox.
Would you like your protecting your home while away in Spain? Then these measures in particular are practical:
- lock exterior doors completely; just pulling them shut is not enough;
- check sliding doors, basement windows, patio and garage doors;
- never leave keys outside or in a predictable place;
- repair defective outdoor lighting, gates and locks before departure;
- do not leave valuables in plain sight;
- prevent all shutters from having the exact same position for weeks;
- use lighting with varying schedules instead of a single fixed pattern;
- Do not publish your trip publicly on social media.
Certified locks and properly installed security are more important than a flashy device that is easy to bypass. Have vulnerable entry points assessed by a certified security specialist if necessary.
6. Use alarms and cameras as part of a plan
An alarm system is especially useful when it is clear what happens after a notification. Who receives the warning? Can someone safely go and check? Is there a monitoring center? Who has the keys and your insurer's details?
Test before departure:
- all sensors and batteries;
- internet and mobile backup;
- notifications to the correct phone numbers;
- the key holder's access;
- visibility of cameras by day and night;
- automatic restart after power or internet outage.
Cameras must also comply with privacy regulations. For common areas of an apartment complex, additional conditions apply. The Spanish privacy regulator AEPD explains that cameras in a homeowners' association must be approved and, in principle, may only film common areas. View the AEPD rules on video surveillance in residential complexes.
7. Ask a trusted person for real checks
Anyone who wants to properly organize the protection of their home during their absence in Spain would be wise to have a neighbor, key holder, or professional property manager carry out regular inspections.
A good check includes, for example:
- search for moisture, leakage, odor or mold;
- check that windows, doors, and roller shutters are intact;
- test whether power, alarm, and internet are functioning;
- empty mailbox and remove junk mail;
- inspect terrace, garden, swimming pool and drains;
- send photos of specific details;
- immediately report who to call in case of damage.
The correct frequency depends on your policy, the home, the season, and the installations. Record visit dates and save any photos or messages. This helps with maintenance and, in the event of damage, can show which checks were performed.
8. Prepare the outdoor area for wind and heavy rain
Loose garden furniture, parasols, awnings and flower pots can cause damage in strong winds. Clean gutters and drains, bring loose objects inside or secure them firmly, and prune branches that could hit windows, the roof or cables.
Check just before and during your absence the official weather warnings from AEMET. If heavy rain or wind is expected, ask your contact person to carry out an additional inspection after the severe weather.
Continuity is important for a pool or garden installation. Agree on who checks the water level, filters, pump, irrigation, and any leaks. Also, record what that person is authorized to have repaired independently and when your permission is needed first.
9. Make an inventory of your belongings
After theft, fire, or major water damage, it is difficult to reconstruct from memory what was present. Therefore, take photos or a short video of each room and store invoices and serial numbers of valuable items in a secure digital location.
Include in the inventory, for example:
- electronics and household appliances;
- jewelry, art and collectibles;
- bicycles, tools and garden machinery;
- furniture and special finishes;
- installations such as solar panels, air conditioning, and swimming pool technology.
Check at the same time whether the insured amounts still match the actual rebuilding value and value of the contents. Underinsurance can mean that an insurance payout is lower than expected.
10. Create an emergency plan that works without you
Who are protecting your home while away in Spain seriously organizes, ensures that a trusted person not only has a key, but also knows what to do.
Store in an accessible place:
- policy number and emergency number of the insurer;
- contact details of your intermediary or broker;
- numbers of the emergency center, property manager, and reliable professionals;
- location of main valves, utility meter cupboard, and shut-off valves;
- instructions for alarm, gate and technical installations;
- your accessibility and that of a second contact person.
Does your contact person suspect a break-in? If so, the following applies: do not go inside, do not touch anything, and call the police immediately. In Spain, it is emergency number 112; for the Policía Nacional it is also possible 091 are used. Report the incident to the insurer as soon as possible afterwards and keep photos, the police report and other evidence.
Anyone who wants to properly organize the protection of their home during an absence in Spain can summarize the main risks, preventive measures, and points of attention as follows:
| Risk during absence | What can you do in advance? | Why is this important? |
|---|---|---|
| Water damage | Turn off the main water valve and check vulnerable pipes | A small leak can go unnoticed for a long time and cause major damage |
| Power outage | Keep only necessary groups active and test alarm/router | Security, cameras, or technical systems can fail |
| Moisture and mold | Provide safe ventilation and, if necessary, moisture control | A closed home can quickly develop problems in humid regions |
| Burglary | Close doors and windows completely, test the alarm, and have the mail collected | Visible prolonged absence increases the risk of unauthorized access |
| Storm and heavy rain | Secure loose outdoor objects and check drainage systems | Wind and water can also cause considerable damage outside the home |
| Undetected damage | Organize periodic checks by a trusted person | The sooner a problem is discovered, the smaller the ultimate damage often remains. |
| Damage claim | Store inventory, photos, policy details, and contact information | Good documentation makes claims handling easier |
Common mistakes
Most problems do not arise because someone did nothing at all, but because a measure was incompletely implemented. Common mistakes are:
- assuming that every period of vacancy is automatically covered;
- leaving the water tap running without supervision or a leak detection system;
- cut off all electricity, causing the alarm or pump to fail;
- to have one lamp turn on every day at the exact same time;
- installing a camera without respecting privacy or common areas;
- leaving a key without clear instructions;
- do not store recent photos and serial numbers;
- report damage only after return, while someone else could have discovered it earlier.
Departure checklist: How can you protect your home during absence in Spain?
Use this short list right before you leave:
- Policy conditions and any reporting obligation checked
- Water, electricity and gas safely set
- Alarm, accesses and security checked
- Terrace, garden and swimming pool prepared
- Periodic inspection arranged by a trusted person
- Emergency data and instructions shared with the key holder
Frequently asked questions about protecting your home during absence in Spain: how do you handle this?
How can I protect my home while I am away in Spain without leaving everything permanently powered on?
Only keep the groups active that are necessary for, for example, the alarm, router, refrigerator, moisture control, or pool technology. Switch off other devices and have a professional assess whether the meter cupboard and surge protection are suitable. Also test whether essential devices automatically start working again after a power outage.
Do I always have to shut off the main water valve?
In the event of a prolonged absence, this is often sensible and sometimes a condition in the policy. There may be exceptions when a system requires water. Therefore, check your policy and, if in doubt, consult your insurer, installer, or intermediary.
How often does someone need to inspect the property?
There is no universal term for that. Follow the policy conditions first. Anyone who wants to properly organize the protection of their home during an absence in Spain should also take into account the season, the type of home, previous leaks, and installations that require supervision. Have each inspection briefly recorded.
Is an alarm mandatory for insurance?
That depends on the insurer, the risk, the value of the contents, and the chosen coverage. If the policy makes an alarm or certain locks mandatory, they must function correctly and be used.
Does standard home insurance also cover illegal occupancy?
A standard home insurance policy may include legal assistance, but coverage and services vary per policy. If you specifically want to know what help is available for squatting, please view our information about the squatter insurance.
No home insurance through GrupoXandra yet?
Protecting your home during your absence in Spain starts with home insurance that suits the use of your property. Do you not have insurance yet or are you currently insured elsewhere and would you like to compare the options?
We help Belgians and Dutch people find suitable insurance, taking into account their home and the periods when they are not in Spain.
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