The True Cost of Vacant Properties

The true cost of vacant properties: How empty high-street units are becoming Britain’s next security crisis

With one in five high-street units sitting empty in certain parts of the UK, vacant properties are quickly becoming a national security challenge, affecting businesses, insurers and local communities alike.

In 2025, data from the think tank Centre for Cities revealed that in cities such as Bradford and Newport, close to one in five commercial units were vacant. In southern urban centres like London and Cambridge, figures were lower but still concerning, with one in twelve high-street properties standing empty.

This high proportion of empty units isn’t just alarming for landlords and business owners; it has a ripple effect on surrounding businesses and local communities.

Last year, insurance for AXA warned that an increase in vacant commercial properties was fuelling a rise in crime. AXA commercial’s Director of Customer Risk Management Dougie Barnett, highlighted the seriousness of the issue “Thefts from these properties include valuable building materials such as copper pipe and electrical cabling, which are usually ripped out, causing considerable damage. This can render the building unhabitable until it is repaired, with significant financial repercussions for the owner”

Why vacant buildings attract crime

So, why do vacant properties attract crime? Charlotte Simpson, Head of Sales at Argenbright Security Europe Ltd (ASEL), explains “Vacant properties are often more vulnerable than occupied buildings, and we’re seeing a marked increase in callouts to vacant sites where damage has already occurred. The pattern is consistent : properties that appear unmonitored become targets within days, and once a building is compromised for the first time, it’s likely to be hit again”

When buildings show visible signs of neglect – broken windows, graffiti, unsecured doors – it often starts a hard-to-break cycle of repeated damage and escalating costs. For businesses and property owners, the impact extends well beyond the initial crime incident. Repair and clean-up costs can far exceed the value of stolen materials ; neighbouring businesses suffer reduced footfall as perceptions of safety decline; insurance premiums rise, and redevelopment plans are delayed by months or even years.

All this comes on top of the ongoing costs of retaining an empty property. Landlords and business owners are still liable for business rates, council tax, utilities, insurance and maintenance, yet are unable to generate any income. The mathematics are stark; the cost of one serious incident often exceeds several years’ worth of security investment.

A proactive approach to vacant property protection

The good news is that vacant property crime is largely preventable.

“Whether the property is awaiting sale, renovation, or new tenants, installing security measures, especially temporary CCTV – can significantly reduce these risks,” says Charlotte Simpson. “Security systems also help with health and safety. Empty buildings can contain hazards like exposed wiring, broken glass, or  unstable structures. CCTV and alarms can alert owners if someone enters the property, helping prevent accidents and allowing a quick response if someone else does gain access.”

Professional vacant property protection enables property owners,, business developers, and portfolio managers to:

• Reduce break-ins and vandalism through visible deterrents and rapid response
• Maintain insurance compliance with documented security measures and regular inspections
• Protect asset value by preventing deterioration and maintaining property condition
• Safeguard redevelopment timelines by eliminating delays caused by criminal damage
• Reassure neighbouring businesses and communities by demonstrating responsible ownership

The approach doesn’t need to be complex or prohibitively expensive. Even basic measures such as rapid deployment CCTV and alarm systems can dramatically reduce risk. The key is speed: implementing protections before a property becomes a known target.

From liability to protected asset

Effective vacant property security does more than prevent crime; it protects investment, maintains business continuity, and safeguards a company’s professional reputation in an increasingly challenging market. With a strategic security approach in place, vacant premises can be transformed from soft targets into protected assets, giving owners peace of mind while helping communities stay safer and more resilient.

As Britain grapples with the future of its high streets and the growing challenge of long-term vacant properties, the security question is becoming impossible to ignore. For property owners and portfolio managers, the choice is increasingly clear: proactive protections or escalating liability. One thing is certain: leaving vacant properties unsecured is no longer an option.