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Quick Answer
Garden maintenance for second homes and empty properties: arrange fortnightly visits during the growing season, monthly visits in winter, secure the property, monitor for problems, and have a key holder for emergencies. Cost: 1,500 to 4,000 pounds per year for a typical second home in the Chilterns. The biggest risks are burglary, vandalism, and the garden becoming overgrown.
The Challenge of Second Home Gardens
Second homes and empty properties present a unique garden maintenance challenge. The owner is not there to spot problems, the garden can become overgrown between visits, and the property can be a target for burglary and vandalism. A regular maintenance schedule is essential to keep the garden looking cared for and the property secure.
In the Chilterns, second homes are common in Marlow, Henley, Beaconsfield and the surrounding countryside. Many are owned by London-based professionals who visit at weekends. The garden can become overgrown between visits, and an overgrown garden signals that the property is empty. This guide explains how to maintain the garden of a second home or empty property.
The 5 Key Issues for Second Home Gardens
1. The Garden Becomes Overgrown
Without regular maintenance, the garden becomes overgrown within weeks. Lawns grow long, weeds set seed, hedges get out of shape. An overgrown garden signals that the property is empty, which is a security risk.
2. Security Risks
An overgrown garden hides the property from passers-by, making it a target for burglary. A tidy garden signals that the property is cared for, even if the owner is not there.
3. No One to Spot Problems
If a fence blows down, a tree falls, or a pipe leaks, no one is there to spot it. A regular maintenance visit checks for these problems and reports them to the owner.
4. Access for Emergencies
If there is a fire, a break-in, or a flood, the emergency services need access. A maintenance gardener can be a key holder and provide access.
5. Compliance with Insurance
Many home insurance policies require that the property is checked regularly (usually every 7 to 30 days) if it is empty. A maintenance visit can serve as this check.
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The Maintenance Schedule for Second Homes
| Season | Frequency | Key jobs |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (March to May) | Fortnightly | Mow, weed, check for problems |
| Summer (June to August) | Fortnightly | Mow weekly, water containers, check for problems |
| Autumn (September to November) | Fortnightly | Mow, leaf clearance, check for problems |
| Winter (December to February) | Monthly | Quick tidy, check for problems, security check |
What a Second Home Maintenance Visit Includes
- Mow the lawn and edge
- Weed paths, borders, and driveway
- Check for problems: broken fences, fallen trees, leaks, signs of break-in
- Water containers (if applicable)
- Sweep paths and patio
- Check the property: windows, doors, gutters
- Security check: gates locked, outbuildings secure
- Report: WhatsApp photos and notes to the owner
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How to Secure an Empty Property
- Install a key safe for emergency access
- Install timer lights to make the property look occupied
- Lock all gates and outbuildings
- Trim hedges so the property is visible from the road
- Remove valuables from sheds and outbuildings
- Install a security camera or alarm
- Have a key holder who can respond to emergencies
Insurance Requirements
Most home insurance policies require that an empty property is checked regularly. The typical requirements are:
- Check every 7 to 30 days (varies by policy)
- Turn off the water (or keep the heating on to prevent frozen pipes)
- Lock all doors and windows
- Remove valuables
- Notify the insurer that the property is empty
A maintenance visit can serve as the regular check. Always check your policy for specific requirements.
The Cost of Second Home Maintenance
| Garden size | Annual cost |
|---|---|
| Small (100 sqm) | 1,000-2,000 pounds |
| Medium (300 sqm) | 1,500-3,500 pounds |
| Large (500+ sqm) | 3,000-6,000 pounds |
This includes fortnightly visits in the growing season, monthly visits in winter, and emergency call-out cover.
Common Mistakes
- Not having a maintenance schedule. An overgrown garden signals that the property is empty.
- Not having a key holder. If there is an emergency, no one can provide access.
- Not checking insurance requirements. Most policies require regular checks. Failure to do so can invalidate the policy.
- Not securing the property. An empty property is a target for burglary and vandalism.
- Not communicating with the owner. The owner needs to know what is happening at the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should a second home garden be maintained?
Fortnightly in the growing season (March to October), monthly in winter. This keeps the garden looking cared for and the property secure.
How much does second home maintenance cost?
1,500 to 3,500 pounds per year for a typical second home. This includes regular visits and emergency call-out cover.
Can I use a neighbour to check the property?
Yes, for basic checks. But a professional maintenance gardener is better for keeping the garden under control and spotting problems.
Get Help with Second Home Maintenance
If you have a second home or empty property in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire or Bedfordshire and want help with garden maintenance, send us a WhatsApp with photos and we will aim to respond within 12 to 36 hours, Monday to Sunday.
Further Reading
Mature gardens benefit from a planned approach rather than reactive maintenance. Keep records of what was done and when, so future work builds on previous seasons rather than fighting against them.
Put this advice into practice
Use the relevant CGM tool or follow a related guide, then send us a few photos if you would like a tailored plan.
Sources and citations
This article draws on the following sources. Specific claims are cited inline where relevant.
- CGM field records (2026-07. Site observations from gardens across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
- Royal Horticultural Society (2024). RHS Gardening Advice and Plant Finder. Available at rhs.org.uk.
- Met Office (2024). Regional climate averages, South East England. Available at metoffice.gov.uk.
- British Geological Survey (2024). Soil parent material data for the Chilterns and Thames Valley. Available at bgs.ac.uk.