How to Close Down a Holiday Let for the Winter Season

Closing down a holiday let for the winter season is an essential task for UK property owners. Whether your property sits on the windswept Cornish coast or in a rural Cumbrian village, the transition from high-season occupancy to winter dormancy requires careful planning.

Freezing temperatures, heavy rainfall and high winds can expose vulnerabilities that go unnoticed during the busier months. This is especially important for owners whose property experiences seasonal periods without bookings, something to factor into the wider decision between a second home, holiday let or investment property.

Taking preventative action before winter helps protect your investment, minimise emergency repairs and ensure the property is ready to welcome guests when the new season begins.

Conduct a Thorough End-of-Season Inspection

Start with a comprehensive inspection of the property’s interior and exterior.

Walk around the building and check roof tiles, guttering, downpipes and flashing for signs of damage. The Met Office recommends checking roofs, clearing guttering and preparing properties ahead of winter weather. Leaves and debris can obstruct gutters and drainpipes, potentially allowing water to overflow into roofs or external walls.

Inspect doors, exterior woodwork and window frames for peeling paint, damaged seals or deterioration. Small defects can become significantly worse after months of driving rain and fluctuating temperatures.

Exterior lighting, security cameras, gates, garden furniture and outbuildings should also be checked and secured. Strong winds can turn unsecured outdoor furniture and other items into hazards, another risk highlighted by the Met Office.

Protect Plumbing From Freezing

Frozen and burst pipes are among the most damaging winter problems a vacant property can experience.

The Met Office’s guidance on frozen and burst pipes recommends leaving heating on at a low level when going away, insulating pipes in lofts and other vulnerable areas, and ensuring the boiler is serviced.

Pay particular attention to exposed pipes in lofts, garages, utility rooms and outbuildings. Suitable pipe lagging can provide additional protection during freezing temperatures.

Make sure you know where the property’s internal stop tap is located and that it works. If a pipe does burst, being able to shut off the water supply quickly can significantly limit damage. For properties that will be unoccupied for a prolonged period, owners may wish to discuss draining vulnerable parts of the plumbing system with a qualified plumber.

Smart thermostats and temperature sensors can provide additional reassurance by allowing owners or property managers to monitor conditions remotely.

Having reliable local contractors available is also worthwhile when managing a property that is not continuously occupied. Our guide to buying and managing a second home in the UK covers why establishing relationships with local plumbers, electricians and property managers can make ongoing ownership considerably easier.

Check Security and Insurance Requirements

Before closing the property, review your holiday let insurance policy and pay particular attention to conditions relating to extended periods of vacancy.

Different insurers impose different requirements, so check whether your policy specifies regular inspections, heating requirements, water-system precautions or limits on how long the property can remain completely unoccupied.

Owners in England can refer to the Government’s official guidance for self-catering holiday homes, which recommends dedicated holiday let insurance alongside suitable public liability, buildings and contents cover.

Check window locks, deadbolts and patio-door security mechanisms. Garden furniture, barbecues and valuable guest equipment should be stored securely indoors or in locked outbuildings.

Electrical appliances that are not required during the shutdown can be switched off and unplugged where appropriate. Smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms should also be tested. Government guidance for holiday accommodation in England includes specific responsibilities around fire, gas, carbon monoxide and electrical safety.

Prevent Damp, Condensation and Mould

Reduced heating, ventilation and occupancy can leave holiday properties more susceptible to damp and mould.

Remove all perishable food before closing the property. Refrigerators and freezers that are being switched off should be emptied, cleaned and defrosted, with their doors left slightly open to discourage mould and unpleasant odours.

Store bedding, cushions and other soft furnishings carefully, particularly if the property has experienced damp previously. Avoid tightly packing wardrobes and cupboards, as maintaining some airflow can help prevent moisture accumulating in enclosed spaces.

Humidity monitors or smart environmental sensors can also be useful in properties with a history of condensation. Dehumidification may help in some circumstances, but it should not replace fixing leaks, improving ventilation or tackling other underlying causes of moisture.

Don’t Forget Outside Spaces

Winter preparation should extend beyond the building itself. Secure garden furniture, remove fragile pots from exposed areas and inspect trees or branches that could cause damage during storms.

If you want to reduce the amount of work needed when spring arrives, choosing hardy and easy-to-manage planting can also help. Our guide to the best plants for a low-maintenance, year-round garden includes options suited to providing structure and interest throughout the colder months.

Prepare for Spring Reopening

A careful autumn shutdown makes reopening considerably easier.

Photograph each room before closing and maintain a record of inspections, maintenance work and contractors used during winter. Arrange another full inspection before the first guests return.

Run the heating and water systems, check taps and toilets, inspect for leaks or signs of damp, test appliances and alarms, and make sure gardens, paths and external areas remain safe.

Taking a structured approach to winter maintenance can help prevent avoidable damage, reduce unexpected costs and protect the long-term value of your holiday let. More importantly, it means that when bookings begin again, your property can reopen quickly, safely and in the condition guests expect.