Home watch is generally a scheduled visual check of agreed, accessible parts of a property while the owner is away. The useful question is not simply whether someone visits, but what they look at, what they record and what happens next.
Agree the scope in writing
- Which rooms, outbuildings and exterior areas are included?
- Will the visitor look for visible water escape, unusual conditions, signs of forced entry and apparent loss of heat?
- Which readings or photographs will be recorded, if agreed?
- How are inaccessible areas, snow, ice or unsafe conditions reported?
- Who receives each report and how quickly are urgent concerns escalated?
What a useful report records
A report should identify the visit date, areas checked, observations, limitations and any action taken. For a problem, record the location, when it was observed, photographs where appropriate and who was contacted. Describing an observation accurately is more useful than guessing at its cause.
Understand the limits
A visual visit cannot establish the condition of concealed pipes, wiring or the building structure. Ask separately about specialist inspections, testing and repairs. A visit does not provide continuous surveillance or guarantee that a loss will not occur between visits.
Choose a suitable schedule
Base frequency on your insurance policy, the property and the season. There is no single inspection interval that satisfies every insurer. Ask a prospective provider to explain access arrangements, reporting and emergency escalation before you book.
Official resources
Related advice
Need a local contact while you’re away?
Discuss property check-ins, seasonal monitoring or coordination of agreed work with Annapolis Royal Property Care. Confirm the scope and availability for your property.
Prepared 21 October 2026. General information for property owners; official sources and individual policy or professional advice govern specific decisions. External links are independent of ARPC.