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Keeping Shepherd’s Huts Warm in Winter: Insulation and Heating Options
Keeping Shepherd’s Huts Warm in Winter: Insulation and Heating Options 1000 750 James Hallam

With the right design, heating, and insulation, a shepherd’s hut can remain warm and toasty even through the coldest winter months.

In this post we will outline the best and most efficient ways to keep your shepherd’s hut warm in winter.

Insulating Your Sheperd’s Hut For Winter

If you invest in proper insulation for your shepherd’s hut, you can attain a steady and comfortable indoor temperature all year round. This means that, as well as keeping your hut warm in winter, good insulation can also keep your hut cool in the summer.

Insulation works through trapping warm air inside the hut. Without insulation, it will take much longer to heat your hut to a comfortable temperature, as a lot of the warm air will leak to the outside. Also, without adequate insulation, the hut will get cold again pretty quickly the moment you turn the heating off.

Ways to Insulate Your Shepherd’s Hut

You have a number of options for insulating your shepherd’s hut:

  • Foam – Rigid foam boards may offer the highest thermal resistance of any insulation. But this may cost more than other options.
  • Fibreglass – This may be the most affordable insulation choice, as well as the easiest to install.
  • Sheep’s wool – The most eco-friendly insulation option. Sheep’s wool is breathable, meaning it will retain moisture as well as heat. This can help prevent dampness in your hut, which can greatly improve your hut’s thermal performance.

Eliminating Heat Loss – Floor, Walls, and Roof

When it comes to insulation, most people will target the hut’s walls. This makes sense, as the walls have the greatest surface area, and thus may contribute the most to heat loss. But remember that heat rises, which is why it is equally important to insulate the hut’s roof.

Multi-layer insulation can help prevent heat from escaping through the hut’s roof. For a greener option that can also add a touch of character, you could consider applying a layer of sustainable turf to your hut’s roof.

Heat can also escape through the hut’s floor. A layer of underfloor insulation can help prevent this. But insulated mats, or even thick rugs or carpets, can also help.

Draught-Proofing Your Shepherd’s Hut

Your hut’s windows and doors will also contribute to heat loss. Insulated doors and double-glazed windows can make a huge difference.

If your hut is a new build, it may already have double-glazed windows fitted. But if it is an older model, it may still have single-glazed windows. These can let in drafts while allowing heat to escape, which can make it much harder to heat your hut and to keep it warm. Replacing single-glazed panes with double-glazed will make a noticeable difference.

How to Heat Your Shepherd’s Hut in Winter

You have a range of options for heating your shepherd’s hut:

  • Stoves – Many will choose the rustic charm of a traditional wood-burning stove. But for a more versatile option, choose a multi-fuel stove. This will give you the ability to burn a number of different fuels, which can help you manage your hut’s running costs.
  • Electric heaters – An electric heater can quickly warm your hut at the touch of a button. These are only really an option if the hut is connected to the grid, though. Plus, they can use up a lot of power, which means you might be looking at relatively high running costs compared to a stove.
  • Underfloor heating – This might be more difficult and expensive to install than other heating options. But an underfloor heating system is unobtrusive, which could help you make the most of the limited space inside your hut.

The combination of a heating system and good insulation will help keep your hut warm even on the coldest days of the year.

Whichever heating system you choose, make sure it is properly installed, with adequate ventilation where necessary. It is also important to keep on top of maintenance.

It’s also important to be aware that a number of insurance exclusions and conditions apply to the use of open fires and barbeques, and leaving a shepherd’s hut empty over the winter months.*

The Cosy Touch For A Cosy Shepherd’s Hut Experience

Finally, there are a few finishing touches that will make your hut feel extra cosy in the winter.

A heated towel rack can provide its own source of heat, while also giving you somewhere to warm your socks and other items of clothing, so that they feel extra toasty when you put them on.

If you rent your shepherd’s hut to guests, you could provide blankets, sachets of hot chocolate, and even jumpers and slippers.

Get The Insurance You Need For Your Shepherd’s Hut

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, whether you use it yourself, or you let it out to holidaymakers.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

*Insurance Exclusions and Conditions

Open Fires and Barbeques 

We will not pay any loss or damage as a result of you using a barbeque, wood or log burner, or any other form of open fire within 3 feet of the shepherd’s hut. You must ensure that all sources of ignition are removed from the shepherd’s hut whilst unattended.

 

Draining Down – Water 

From 1 November to 31March (both dates inclusive), when the shepherds hut has been unattended for more than 7 consecutive days, we will not pay for loss or damage unless the water has been turned off at the stopcock within the shepherd’s hut and the water system drained down.

 

Shepherds’ Huts Fire Protection 

  • We will not pay for any loss or damage to your building unless:
  • Wood / log burners are installed by a HETAS approved person.
  • Chimneys and flues are kept clean and well maintained as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Chimneys are to be swept at least twice per year by an approved person.
  • A fireguard is always used to protect against flying sparks and hot embers.
  • Logs are stored at least 6 feet away from the wood burner.
  • Wood burner is extinguished and left to cool for a period of 30 minutes prior to the building becoming unattended.
  • All clothing, fabric and other flammable items are always kept at least 3 feet away.
  • All shepherds huts have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket installed.

 

Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Tasks
Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Tasks 1000 667 James Hallam

If you own a quad bike or ATV, and you use it for agricultural purposes, then you may choose to carry out your own servicing and maintenance.

In this post we will outline some key quad bike and ATV maintenance tasks, to help you design and implement your own ongoing servicing and maintenance schedule.

Benefits of Regular Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance

There are a number of reasons why you should commit to regular servicing and maintenance:

  • Prevent breakdowns – Ongoing servicing and maintenance will keep your quad bike or ATV running at its best. You will spot potential problems as early as possible, which means you can fix them long before they cause you any real issues.
  • Boost safety – Regular maintenance will help prevent tyre blowouts, engine overheating, and other potentially dangerous issues that could jeopardise your safety as a rider.
  • Increase longevity – Staying on top of servicing and maintenance will help prolong the lifetime of your vehicle. You can enjoy years of reliable service while saving money on costly repairs and replacements.

How Often Should You Service Your Quad Bike or ATV?

There is no set period of time when you have to have your ATV serviced but there are some checks you should perform every day, or at least, each time you use your quad bike. There are other checks that you should perform monthly, quarterly, or annually.

But your specific servicing and maintenance schedule could vary depending on:

  • The specific vehicle you are using – an older model might require more servicing than a new model, for example.
  • How often you ride.
  • Your riding conditions – for instance, extreme temperatures, muddy fields, and inclement weather could make more frequent services necessary.

Daily Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Tasks

You do not necessarily have to perform these checks every single day. Rather, these are the sort of checks you should make every time you use your quad bike or ATV, before you set out.

  • Check the vehicle from every angle for any signs of wear and tear, paying particular attention to the tyres for punctures, gouges, or swelling.
  • Check the tyre pressure before every ride, and adjust it accordingly in line with the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Listen to the engine for any unusual noises, and monitor the exhaust fumes for any unusual emissions or smells.

Monthly Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Checks

  • Check the oil levels, and top them up if necessary.
  • Check the air filter, and aim to clean it or replace it every 500 miles or 25 hours of use.
  • Inspect all of the vehicle’s bolts and hinges, and tighten them where necessary.
  • Check the tension and lubrication of any of the vehicle’s chains and belts, and adjust and lubricate accordingly.

Quarterly Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance Checks

  • Lubricate all chains and cables.
  • Inspect the brakes for tension, and for any signs of wear.
  • Check the spark plugs, and aim to replace them after every 1,000 miles of riding.
  • Inspect the shock and suspension components, and look out for any leaks or cracks.

Annual Quad Bike & ATV Maintenance

  • Get a full oil change at least once a year. Oil can break down over time, which can increase the wear on your quad or ATV’s engine.
  • It is also a good idea to fully replace the vehicle’s transmission fluid at least once a year.
  • You should also aim to fully clean or replace the air filter and spark plugs at least once a year, if not sooner, depending on how often you ride.
  • Inspect the vehicle’s carburettor, and adjust the air-fuel mixture screw as necessary.

Get Specialist Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets.

If you use your vehicle in connection with agricultural work or shoots, we can provide specialist ATV insurance that will cover you for all risks at a competitive price. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.

Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.

 

Beach Hut Winter Maintenance Checklist
Beach Hut Winter Maintenance Checklist 1000 667 James Hallam

We recently published a guide to beach hut summer maintenance, which discussed how you can get your beach hut ready for the high season. In this post we will explore beach hut winter maintenance, with a checklist of tasks that will help you safely “close down” your hut for the winter months.

Why You Need to Winterise Your Hut

Taking care of any repairs or renovations now will make it less likely that you will have to make some more serious repairs in future. In winter, you could face:

  • High winds, heavy rains, low temperatures – unless you take the time to prepare, winter weather could cause some serious damage to your hut.
  • Risk of crime and theft – Remove any high value items that thieves may target while the area is less busy is an important part of winterising your hut.
  • Becoming a target of vandalism – Vandals may be more likely to target huts that look run-down and weatherbeaten.

Beach Hut Winter Maintenance Checklist

  1. Cleaning and Decluttering

You have heard of a spring clean? Well, now it is time for an autumn clean:

  • Remove all valuables, belongings, and perishables from your hut.
  • Give every surface a thorough clean. This will help prevent the build-up of mould and mildew over the winter, while also making next year’s spring clean a little easier.
  • Remember to secure any outdoor valuables too, such as furniture or BBQs.
  1. Repairing and Renovating

Prioritise small repairs now as it will help you avoid big repairs later:

  • Thoroughly inspect your hut for any potential issues
  • Look for leaks
  • Find and fix any loose fittings
  • Identify any signs of wear, tear, and rot
  • Oil hinges and other metal elements to help prevent rust
  1. Weatherproofing

Batten down the hatches! Look for ways to protect your hut from the harsh winter weather. This might involve:

  • Insulating the walls and ceiling, sealing any gaps in the windows and doors
  • Buying some shutters to protect any glass from sand and other debris.
  • Apply a fresh coat of weatherproof paint to the hut’s exterior, to protect it from the corrosive effects of sea salt.
  1. Security

Finally, think about ways you can keep your hut safe from criminals over the winter.

  • As we mentioned above, keeping your hut in pristine condition in itself could help deter vandals
  • Get extra locks for the exterior to make life harder for thieves
  • Remove any valuables to ensure that they will not find anything worth stealing even if they do break in
  1. Check Your Insurance

Your insurer may specify how you should care for your beach hut as a requirement of their specialist beach hut insurance policies. This might include taking certain measures to keep your hut safe from the elements, and from criminals, while it is unoccupied over the winter. It’s always recommended to:

  • Check your policy wording to make sure you are doing everything your insurer expects of you. If you do not, you may not be able to make a claim for damages should anything happen to your hut.
  • You could also use the end of the season as an opportunity to review your beach hut insurance. Are you getting all the cover you need, at a best price?

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your beach hut at a competitive price.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme and are experts in this market. We will endeavour to get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it, using our specialist beach hut scheme.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Leaving a House Unoccupied in Winter: Dos and Don’ts
Leaving a House Unoccupied in Winter: Dos and Don’ts 1000 667 James Hallam

Whether you are leaving your home unoccupied for a few days, a few weeks, or a few months, it is essential that you take steps to secure your property. This is particularly important over the winter months, when the low temperatures can make small problems escalate into major disasters.

In this post we will outline some of the things you should do when leaving your home unoccupied in winter, along with some things you should not do.

What To Do When Leaving Your House Unoccupied in Winter

DO Strengthen Your Security

Invest in home security solutions that will deter any potential thieves while making life difficult for them should they break in:

  • Get a safe or a strongbox for any valuables you will be keeping in your house while you are not around.
  • Get automatic floodlights for your exterior, along with visible CCTV cameras.
  • Also get a smart doorbell with an inbuilt camera. Some models can send automated alerts to your phone if they detect any suspicious activity.

DO Check Your Home Insurance

Take care to read your home insurance policy wording. Your cover may only apply if your home is occupied. So if you are leaving your home unoccupied for more than a month, or so, you could invalidate your home insurance policy.

If your home will be unoccupied for an extended period:

  • Check on the property as often as you can, and try to spend at least one night a month there. This will mean that your home was technically “occupied” that month, which could help you avoid invalidating your insurance.
  • If you are not around to check on or occupy the property yourself, ask a friend or a family member to do it for you. You could also hire a professional house sitter (though you may have to tell your insurer about this).
  • If you know your home will be unoccupied for a long-term period, but nobody will be around to check on or inhabit the property, then you will need some dedicated unoccupied home insurance.

What Not To Do When Leaving Your House Unoccupied in Winter

DO NOT Advertise That Your Home Will Be Empty

Thieves may specifically target your home if they know it will be unoccupied. So try not to make it obvious that you will not be around:

  • If you are going on holiday, avoid talking about it on social media. If you do so, do not mention the specific dates when you will be away.
  • Arrange for your post to get redirected while you are away, to prevent undirected mail from accumulating.
  • Ask your neighbours to keep an eye on your property while you are away. You could also ask them to put your bins out and take them in again, to make it look like you are still around.

DO NOT Turn The Utilities Off

You might think that you can entirely eliminate the risk of leaks, escape of water, and electrical fires if you disconnect all of the utilities while you are away. However, during the winter months, this is a bad idea.

If you do not heat your home over the winter, your pipes could freeze. When pipes freeze, they expand and crack. This could cause severe damage to your plumbing and your boiler, and could also make leaks and floods more likely.

Instead:

  • Set your thermostat to at least 12.5°C for as long as you are away, to prevent your pipes from freezing.
  • If you have a timer, set your heating to come on at around 14°C during the coldest parts of the day – the early mornings and late nights.
  • Keep your electricity running so that you will be able to power all of your essential home security systems.

You may resent running up utility bills while you are away. But the cost of your bills will be a lot less than the potential costs of fixing leaky pipes and damaged boilers.

Get Comprehensive Home Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in protecting your assets. Talk to us, and we can give you expert risk management advice on keeping your home safe while it is unoccupied over the winter. We can also help you get the specialist, comprehensive home insurance you need for as long as you need it.

Find out how we can help you today.

Where Can I Put My Shepherd’s Hut?
Where Can I Put My Shepherd’s Hut? 1000 666 James Hallam

If you buy a shepherd’s hut, are there any rules about where you can, and cannot, put it?

In this post we will outline the regulations, along with some best practices guidelines, for where you might put your shepherd’s hut.

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?

If you buy a shepherd’s hut and you intend to put it on your own land, there may be some scenarios when you do not need planning permission:

  • If the hut is just for garden use – If only you and your family will be using the hut, whether as storage space, as extra living space, or as a garden office, then you may not need planning permission.
  • If the hut is a temporary structure – If the hut is not fixed on the land – if it has wheels, for instance, or no permanent foundations – then it may be considered a temporary structure. Temporary structures typically do not require planning permission.

When Do You Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?

There are some occasions when you may need to get planning permission:

  • If the hut is a full-time dwelling – If the hut is to be used as a permanent or a main residence, then planning permission may be necessary.
  • If you will be letting the hut – Planning permission may also be necessary if you intend to allow members of the public to use your hut as a holiday let.
  • Boundaries and protected land – If you live in a conservation area, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, then you may need to get planning permission for any changes you make to your property. Similarly, you may need permission if you buy a larger hut, or if you intend to place it near your property’s boundaries.

In any case, whether or not you need planning permission may ultimately depend on the local authority’s specific rules.

Read our full guide to planning permission and shepherd’s huts.

Is It Legal to Put a Shepherd’s Hut on My Own Property?

If you want to put your shepherd’s hut on your own land, first make sure it is legal for you to do so. To do this, you need to consider:

Land Ownership
You must legally own the land you intend to place the hut. If you share the land, or if you are leasing it, you will first need permission from any other landowners. And as we said above, you may need to get permission if you wish to place the hut near your property boundaries. You may also need to consider access rights, particularly if you are placing the hut on agricultural land, or near somebody else’s property.

Shepherd’s Hut Size
Generally speaking, your shepherd’s hut must not exceed 2.5 metres in height if you are placing it within two metres of a boundary. Also, the hut should not fill more than 50% of the available land outside of your house. If the size of your hut means you do not meet these requirements, then you may need to get permission before you can install the hut.

Utility Connection
If your shepherd’s hut will have gas, electricity, and running water, then you will need to ensure that everything complies with all relevant safety standards.

Shepherd’s Hut Usage
Once again, if you intend to let the hut to holidaymakers, then you may need to register the hut for business use with your local council. As part of this, you may have to ensure your hut complies with all relevant business and tax regulations for your area.

Can You Put a Shepherd’s Hut on Agricultural Land?

You can put your shepherd’s hut on agricultural land. But depending on how you intend to use the hut, you may need to get permission first.

If you will be using the hut for agricultural purposes – to store equipment, for example, or as accommodation for agricultural workers – then you may not need any permission.

Yet if you intend to use the hut for any other purposes, even if it is just as a place for you and your family to hang out, then you may need to get change of land use approval. If you want to let your home to holidaymakers, for example, you will probably have to register the land for commercial use.

Finally, as we mentioned above, if the agricultural land is part of a protected area, there may be strict regulations in place for what you can and cannot do with the land.

Contact your local authority for more information about putting shepherd’s huts on agricultural land.

Getting The Right Insurance For Your Shepherd’s Hut

The way you use your shepherd’s hut – and where you put it – can affect the sort of cover you will need for your property.

If your shepherd’s hut is in your back garden, and it is for garden use only, then it is possible that your existing home insurance policy will extend to covering your shepherd’s hut. Check your policy wording to be sure, though.

But if you will be using your shepherd’s hut for agricultural or business purposes – such as to rent it out to holidaymakers – then you will need specialist shepherd’s hut insurance to cover the added risks you will face.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, wherever you build it, and however you use it.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Quad Bike (ATV) Farm Uses and Equipment
Quad Bike (ATV) Farm Uses and Equipment 1000 664 James Hallam

Quad bikes and ATVs have a range of agricultural applications. In this post we will outline some of the common quad bike and ATV farm uses, along with some of the equipment that might help you make the most of your vehicle.

Why Are Quad Bikes So Useful on Farms?

Farmers and other agricultural and land workers rely on quad bikes for a variety of reasons:

  • Affordability – They cost a lot less to buy, and to run, than many other vehicles. They are highly durable and very low maintenance, meaning they can cost less to service in the long-term too.
  • Versatility – Their small size yet high traction and manoeuvrability makes them robust and reliable for a range of farmyard tasks.
  • Ease of Use – Quad bikes are relatively easy to use, and the licencing requirements are not as stringent as they are for other vehicles.

Key Quad Bike and ATV Farm Uses

  • Transport – If you have a lot of land, your quad bike or ATV can help you get from one place to another quickly and easily. Their off-road capabilities make getting around even easier. Add a trailer, and you can use your quad bike or ATV to transport tools, supplies, and equipment, or to complete fencing projects.
  • Herding – Some farmers use quad bikes and ATVs to manage their livestock – for herding, or for catching cattle for tagging and vaccinations.
  • Crop management – With the right equipment, you can use your quad bike or ATV to spread seeds, to mow and rake grass, and to harrow and plough fields.

Farm Equipment For Quad Bikes and ATVs

Certain pieces of equipment are specifically designed to help you adapt ATVs and quad bikes for agricultural work. These might include:

  • Mowers – For maintaining lawns and fields. You can get mowers to mount to the front or the back of your vehicle, along with specialist strimmers for the edges of fields. You can also attach a rake or a collector to clear land of leaves and debris prior to mowing, or to collect mown grass afterwards.
  • Diggers – Small, independently powered diggers for digging trenches or ditches, or for moving earth or gravel. Depending on your requirements, the digger can have full 360 movement, and even a cab.
  • Harrows – Available in a range of sizes to help prepare your fields for seeding.
  • Spreaders and sprayers – For spreading salt, grit, or fertiliser, and for spraying crops.
  • Trucks and trailers – For transporting tools, equipment, and materials across your land. It is also possible to get specialist forestry trailers for ATVs, some of which are capable of carrying up to two tonnes of logs.

Make sure that any equipment you use is expressly designed for use with quad bikes and ATVs. If not, the equipment might not work like it should, or it could even compromise your safety.

Is Your Quad Bike Or ATV Covered For Agricultural Use?

If you ever take your quad bike or ATV on public roads, then you have a legal duty to get at least third party vehicle insurance. But even if you are strictly using your vehicle off-road, you should still get insurance to cover your vehicle for loss, theft, or damage.

You will have to tell your insurer about any additional attachments or equipment you get for your quad bike or ATV. Some attachments may fundamentally alter the way you use your vehicle, or they may expose you or others to additional risks. This may affect the amount you pay for your cover.

Read our full guide to quad bike insurance for farmers.

Get Specialist Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets.

We provide specialist ATV insurance if you use your vehicle in connection with agricultural work or shoots. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.

Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.

 

Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025
Beach Hut Buying Guide for 2025 1000 667 James Hallam

Growing numbers of Brits are buying beach huts across the country. If you are looking to buy your first beach hut, this post will provide a step-by-step guide to the process, from your initial research to the final sale.

Research Your Beach Hut Location

Where do you want your beach hut to be based? Somewhere close to you, so that you can escape to it every weekend throughout the summer? Or somewhere further away, so that you can base your full family holiday around your beach hut?

One thing to consider is that the prices of beach huts will vary across the country. So it might be worth deciding your budget before you pick your location.

Make a shortlist of possible locations, and be sure to spend some time in each location before you make any final decisions. Take in the local amenities, and try to get a feel for the atmosphere and the community in the area.

Finally, contact the local council. Certain councils might impose certain restrictions on beach hut ownership, and you may have to get their permission before you make any changes to the hut.

Should You Buy a Freehold or Leasehold Beach Hut?

You may have to choose between a freehold or a leasehold beach hut:

  • Freehold – You own both the structure and the land it is built on. This would give you the freedom to do essentially anything with the hut. However, freehold beach huts tend to be expensive, and comparatively rare.
  • Leasehold – These are managed by local councils, and there are often tight restrictions on how you can use the hut, along with lengthy waiting lists to get a hut. Some councils only allow local residents to purchase their leasehold beach huts, but others will be a bit more flexible. The upside is that leasehold beach huts tend to be a lot cheaper than freehold beach huts.

Choose Your Hut

Once you have a budget and a location in mind, it is time to choose your beach hut.

If you want to get a leasehold beach hut, you will have to purchase it through the local council.

If you want to buy a freehold beach hut, you will have to do so through other channels, such as:

  • Find an estate agent that specialises in beach huts in your target area
  • Get in touch with the local beach hut association
  • Check online marketplaces, such as Facebook and eBay
  • Look at local classified ads in newspapers and newsagents

Be sure to view any potential hut before you agree to buy it. Get an idea of its condition, and think about whether you would need to do any work before you could start using the hut. Also think about how close it is to the nearest facilities and amenities. And perhaps most important of all, does it have a good view?

Finalising the Sale

If you are looking to purchase a leasehold beach hut, then you will pay whatever price the council wants you to pay.

But if you are looking to buy a freehold beach hut, you might be able to make an offer. Just remember that the current owner might have a lot of interest in their hut, so they may be considering multiple offers alongside yours.

If they accept your offer, you can then agree on the terms of your sale. This mainly means agreeing on a completion date, but you may also be able to agree on including certain items in the sale, such as fixtures, fittings, and furniture.

It may be useful to hire a solicitor to ensure that all of the paperwork is in order, and that you are not overlooking anything major. After this, it will just be a case of making the payment on your agreed terms, and getting all the documents and the keys on your completion date.

Taking Care Of Your Beach Hut

Once you have bought your beach hut, you will have to commit to ongoing maintenance. There are a number of reasons to do this:

  • It will keep your beach hut in good condition, ensuring that it will always remain a pleasant place to spend time.
  • It will help to protect your beach hut from the elements. A fresh coat of paint now and then can form an effective barrier against wind and rain over the winter.
  • Thieves and vandals may be more likely to target beaten and weathered beach huts. Keep yours in good condition and it might deter them.
  • Your insurer may require you to perform certain maintenance as part of your beach hut insurance

Read our essential guide to beach hut maintenance.

Get The Right Cover For Your Beach Hut

Just like any investment, it is a good idea to get adequate insurance cover for your beach hut.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

 

Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties?
Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties? 1000 867 James Hallam

In most cases, you have to pay council tax on every property you own, even if the property is currently empty or unoccupied. However, depending on your local council, you may be able to get a discount on council tax for any unoccupied properties you own.

What is an Unoccupied Property?

Usually, when we talk about empty or unoccupied properties, we might be referring to:

  • Homes that have been left vacant after the owner passes away.
  • Rental properties that do not currently have any tenants. This might include commercial properties as well as homes.
  • Second homes and holiday homes, which are only occupied at certain times of the year.

Do You Pay Council Tax on Unoccupied Properties?

Yes, you usually have to pay council tax on all properties you own or rent, even if they do not currently have anyone occupying them.

If your property is classed as a “second home”, then you may have to pay a second home premium, which can be up to two times the ordinary council tax rate.

If your property is empty for a long period of time, your council maybe be able to charge you up to 300% on top of the standard council tax rate.

It all depends on the local council. For more information, contact your local council to see what rates apply in your area. You may also be able to apply for a discount.

Unoccupied Property Council Tax Exemptions

First, certain individuals are exempt – or “disregarded” – from paying council tax. You must apply for exemption even if you meet the criteria. Head here for a full list of people who are eligible for council tax exemption.

Beyond this, there are permanent exemptions for certain types of second homes and empty properties:

  • If the property is an annex – that is, it forms part of the same property, and is being used as part of the main residence.
  • If the property is supplied by your employer to use as accommodation when working in a different area.
  • If certain local planning restrictions mean that you cannot use the property as a permanent residence.
  • The property is currently uninhabitable due to major repairs or renovations. In this case, you may have to supply evidence of the property’s condition, along with a timeline for the work, to qualify for discount or exemption.

Also, you can get a 12 month exemption from paying the second home premium if:

  • You are currently marketing the property for sale or to rent.
  • You have received a grant of probate for the property, and are therefore managing it as part of your duty as a will’s executor.

Please note that these exemptions, whether they are temporary or permanent, only apply to the second home premium. You may still have to pay the standard council tax rate, even if you meet the criteria.

Long-Term Empty Property Council Tax Premiums

Some councils will apply significant premiums if a property is left empty for a long-term period:

  • If the property is left empty for two years, you may have to pay double the standard rate.
  • After five years, you may have to pay triple the standard rate.
  • After 10 years, you may have to pay quadruple the standard rate.

This is why it is a good idea to sell or lease properties as quickly as possible. If you are a landlord and you are struggling to find suitable tenants, enlisting a letting agent could help you fill the property quicker so as to avoid these hefty premiums.

You may also be able to avoid these premiums through converting the property for commercial use. Commercial buildings may be subject to business rates rather than council tax, for which you may be able to get some tax relief.

How to Keep Your Empty Property Safe

Empty properties are more vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Plus, if anything goes wrong in the property, if there is nobody around to address the issue, even a small problem could quickly escalate into a full scale disaster. A small leak, for example, could spiral into a major escape of water situation.

No matter what your circumstances are, there are certain steps you should take to keep your empty property safe:

  • Invest in extra security, such as CCTV, alarms, and locks.
  • Use timers and motion-activated lights to make it look like someone is home.
  • Check on the property as often as possible, to look for any potential issues. You could also collect accumulating mail and take care of the bins, again to make it look like the home is occupied.
  • Appoint someone to check on your property for you, if you can’t. Some organisations offer dedicated property guardian schemes for this very purpose.
  • Consider turning the utilities off whenever you are not using the property. There may be risks associated with this, though – such as no power to supply your security systems, and a lack of heating leading to frozen pipes in the winter. Be sure to weigh up the pros and cons first.
  • Get specialist insurance cover. Most home insurance properties will only cover occupied homes. Depending on your circumstances, you may have to get dedicated probate home insurance, second home insurance, holiday home insurance, or home renovation insurance.

Specialist Unoccupied Home Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your property at a competitive price.

We can help you get dedicated insurance to cover your unoccupied property, no matter what your specific personal circumstances are. We can also advise you on steps you can take to keep your property safe and secure.

Learn more about our insurance services and get a free quote today.

Beach Hut Maintenance Checklist for the Summer
Beach Hut Maintenance Checklist for the Summer 1000 667 James Hallam

Regular maintenance will keep your beach hut clean and pleasant all year round. Maintenance can also help to protect your beach hut from the elements, which is why some insurers specify how you should care for your beach hut as a requirement of their beach hut insurance policies.

In this post we will discuss an essential beach hut maintenance for the summer, which will help you enjoy your hut throughout the winter while keeping it safe through the colder months of the year.

Beach Hut Summer Maintenance For the Beginning of the Season

If you’re using your beach hut for the first time since last year, you might find that you need to do some essential maintenance before you can use your hut this summer:

  • Thoroughly clean your hut both inside and out. Sweep out any sand that may have accumulated, dust all the surfaces, and give the walls a scrub.
  • Open the doors along with any windows to air out your hut, and to help prevent mould and mildew.
  • Oil any hinges to help prevent rust. Also look for any signs of rust and corrosion on metal surfaces, and apply an anti-rust coating if necessary.
  • Consider decluttering your hut. Are there any items you don’t use, or don’t need, anymore? Is there anything you need to repair or replace?
  • If your hut has an outdoor deck, apply a fresh coat of wood stain or sealer.

Beach Hut Safety Checks For Summer

  • Check that all of the hut’s locks work, and replace or repair any components as necessary.
  • Look for any loose components and aim to get them repaired as soon as possible.
  • Consider stocking your hut with essential safety equipment, including sunscreen, a first-aid kit, and a fire extinguisher.
  • Consider installing a smoke alarm, and even a burglar alarm, to address the risks of fires or break-ins.

How Often Should I Repaint My Beach Hut?

If possible, give your hut a fresh coat of paint once a year – ideally in spring, before the summer season starts.

Beach huts can take a battering over the winter, as the temperatures drop and the likelihood of severe weather increases. But all year round, salty air can affect any paint job.

Regularly painting your beach hut will help keep it looking and feeling fresh, while also offering ongoing protection against the elements. Plus, thieves and vandals may be less likely to target a hut that looks colourful and pristine, as it can suggest that the hut is regularly used and regularly monitored.

Just note that the local council may set certain requirements for the colours you can use for your hut.

As well as refreshing your hut with a coat or two of paint, you could also look for ways to revitalise the interior. This could be with a new rug, new cushions, or new curtains.

Specialist Beach Hut Insurance From James Hallam

As we mentioned above, you may be required to carry out certain annual maintenance tasks as part of your beach hut insurance.

The summer might be a good opportunity to review your beach hut insurance. Are you getting all the cover you need, at a best price?

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your beach hut at a competitive price.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme and are experts in this market. We will ensure you get full cover for your beach hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance and get a free quote today.

 

How Do I Insure an Unoccupied Property?
How Do I Insure an Unoccupied Property? 1000 667 James Hallam

Most home insurance policies will only cover “occupied” properties. If a property is unoccupied for a certain period of time, the policy may no longer provide the cover you need.

In this post we will discuss how you can insure an unoccupied property, to give you peace of mind that you will be fully covered even when there is nobody currently occupying the property.

Unoccupied Property vs. Vacant Property

An unoccupied property is one that was previously inhabited, but which does not currently have any inhabitants. This could be as a result of a homeowner passing away.

A “vacant” property, is a property that is completely empty with no current occupants. For example, a new build home that is yet to be bought, or a rental property that is seeking tenants, will be classed as a “vacant” property rather than an “unoccupied” property.

Read our full guide to the difference between unoccupied and vacant properties.

When Does a Property Become Unoccupied?

As we mentioned above, a property might become unoccupied when its owner passes away, and when there is nobody else currently living at the house.

Yet insurers will also consider a property to be unoccupied if it is left empty for a certain period of time. This could be as little as 30 consecutive days.

For this reason, if you have a second home that you only use at certain times of the year, or if you leave your main property for an extended period, your property may eventually be considered “unoccupied”. At this point, your home insurance will no longer cover you.

How Do I Insure an Unoccupied Property?

You can get specialist unoccupied home insurance if your property will be unoccupied for an extended period of time, for reasons such as:

  • You are travelling for an extended period, or you need long-term residential healthcare.
  • You are moving in with your partner, but you have not yet sold your own home.
  • When selling your home, or getting renovations done, you choose to live elsewhere.
  • You buy a new home, but you are unable to move into it for the time being.
  • You own a second home or holiday home, which you only use for certain months of the year.

What If My Property Will Be Unoccupied for Not Much Longer Than 30 Days?

If you will be leaving your home unoccupied for a shorter period of time – longer than 30 days, but not so long as to justify a dedicated unoccupied home insurance policy – then you may be able to get an extension on your current policy’s absence period. Contact your insurer, or check your policy wording, for more information.

What Does Unoccupied Home Insurance Cover?

Unoccupied home insurance will usually offer the same cover as you would get with a standard home insurance policy. However, there may be some exceptions to the cover.

For example, if you will be leaving your home unoccupied while renovations take place, then unoccupied home insurance may not cover you for damages that arise from the renovations, or for damages caused by contractors.

And while unoccupied home insurance will cover you for break-ins and theft, it may not cover you for “unforced entry”. So if you accidentally leave a window or door open, you will not be able to claim for any resulting theft.

Probate Home Insurance

When someone passes away, if they leave a will, an executor will work to ensure that the deceased’s estate is settled. This process is known as probate.

If there is any property in the will, the executor may choose to sell it. Alternatively, the will may stipulate that a relative, or another beneficiary, shall inherit the house.

In any case, nothing can proceed until the probate process is complete. This means that the property may remain unoccupied for as long as it takes to complete probate. As the entire process can take up to a year, this can cause some issues with the home insurance.

A dedicated probate home insurance property can cover the unoccupied property throughout the probate process. The policy might specify that you take certain steps to secure the property throughout the process, and it may also require you to periodically check on the property.

Get Specialist Insurance For Your Unoccupied Property From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your property.

Whether you need to cover a property throughout the probate process, or you need to dedicated cover for your property throughout an extended period of absence, we can help you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price. We can also help you secure comprehensive cover for a second home or a holiday home.

Learn more about our expert private insurance services here.

 

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