How can you watch over your second home when you live abroad?

Introduction

Owning a second home on the French Riviera is a privilege. But when you live in Paris, London, Geneva, Brussels or on the other side of the world, it is often hard to know what is really happening in your property over several months.

A water leak, a damaged shutter, a power cut or simply a problem in the garden can quickly become costly when they are not detected in time. Regular, documented visits help to limit these risks.

The limits of alarms and cameras

Technology is useful but does not replace a human presence.

A camera can report a problem but cannot:

• enter the house;
• check for water damage;
• let a tradesperson in;
• restart an installation.

Effective monitoring relies on a combination of:

• connected devices;
• a local contact;
• regular visits.

What to check during a visit

• inside the property;
• shutters and openings;
• collecting the mail;
• looking for signs of damp;
• checking the meters;
• checking the garden, pool and outdoor equipment;
• taking photos and writing a visit report.

Conclusion

The best way to watch over a second home from a distance is not just to install an alarm, but to have a trusted person on site who can act quickly when needed.