The Two Most Expensive Mistakes When Managing Void Properties

A vacant property—whether it’s a high-street shop, a large warehouse, or a residential flat—represents a significant liability, not just lost rent. The period between tenants, often called a "void period," is when your asset is most vulnerable to costly damage, insurance invalidation, and legal headaches.

At Solent Void Solutions, we specialise in the complete lifecycle of vacant properties across Hampshire and Bournemouth, offering a unified service that handles both risk mitigation (security) and rapid turnaround (maintenance). We've seen owners make two critical, expensive mistakes that derail their readiness for a new tenant.

Mistake #1: Treating Security as a Boarding-Up Job, Not a Proactive Strategy

Many property owners view security simply as putting up timber boards or padlocks. This reactive approach is often too little, too late, and can lead to devastating consequences:

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• The Squatter Risk: Squatting in commercial properties (like warehouses and shops) is a civil matter that requires lengthy, expensive court orders to resolve. Proactive security measures are the only true defence.

• The Insurance Trap: Most commercial and residential insurance policies become void if the property is left unsecured or if required inspections are not logged weekly. Failing to comply can leave you uninsured against fire, theft, or weather damage.

The Solent Solution: Intelligence-Led Void Security

We go beyond simple physical barriers. Our strategy focuses on making your property an undesirable target and providing verifiable proof of protection:

• Steel Security Screens: Professionally fitted steel doors and screens provide a robust, police-recommended deterrent against forced entry.

• Regular, Documented Inspections: Our team conducts mandated internal and external checks across Hampshire and Bournemouth, providing auditable proof for insurance compliance.

• Targeted Surveillance: We advise on cost-effective, temporary CCTV or motion-activated alarms designed specifically for vacant sites (from single homes to large industrial units).Mistake #2: Separating Security from Maintenance, Causing Costly Delays

The second most expensive mistake is hiring one company for security and a separate contractor for maintenance and clear-out. This disconnect creates delays, communication errors, and drives up your void turnaround time.

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• The Time-is-Money Principle: Every extra day a property sits empty is a day of lost rental income. Delays caused by waiting for one team to finish before the other can start are avoidable.

• Undiscovered Issues: A security inspector might note a broken fence, but they won't fix the leak that is starting to cause mould, leading to a much larger repair bill later.

The Solent Advantage: End-to-End Void Readiness

Because Solent Void Solutions is both a security and maintenance provider, we deliver a seamless, fast transition from vacant liability to tenant-ready asset:

• Single Point of Contact: Simplify your management by dealing with one local, reliable partner for everything from site clearance to re-glazing and minor repairs.

• Rapid Handover: Our security and maintenance teams work together. As soon as a site is secured, our multi-skilled tradespeople can immediately begin essential void relet works (e.g., small repairs, cleaning, painting) to minimise downtime.

• Targeted Repair: We focus on getting properties ready for tenancy sooner, addressing critical issues like plumbing, electrical faults, and ensuring the property is in a lettable condition, compliant with all safety standards.

Conclusion: Stop Losing Money in the Void Period

The profitability of your property portfolio hinges on securing your assets and minimising the days they sit empty. In the competitive Hampshire and Bournemouth markets, you need a single partner capable of delivering both high-level security and fast, quality maintenance.

Solent Void Solutions provides the streamlined, local expertise you need to protect your investment and ensure it is ready for its next tenant as quickly and efficiently as possible.

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Protect your asset and cut your void time. Contact Solent Void Solutions today for a free, no-obligation consultation on your vacant property in Hampshire or Bournemouth.