The real risks of an empty house

A second home that stays unoccupied for weeks or months concentrates several simultaneous risks worth understanding before choosing what technology to install:

  • Intrusion: unauthorised entry, theft or vandalism.
  • Water leak: an undetected leak can cause damage worth tens of thousands of euros.
  • Power outage: disables cameras, router and alarms.
  • Heating problems: frozen pipes in winter.
  • Unawareness of status: simply not knowing if everything is fine.

Three levels of protection

Basic

Essential surveillance

€150–280

  • 1 outdoor WiFi or 4G camera
  • 1 indoor camera
  • Main door sensor
  • 4G router if no broadband
  • Mobile alerts
⭐ RecommendedComplete

Full protection

€350–550

  • 2 outdoor cameras
  • 1 indoor camera
  • Door and window sensors
  • Water sensor (sink/washing machine)
  • UPS for router and cameras
  • Smart plug for heating
Premium

Total security

€700–1,200

  • 4 outdoor PTZ cameras
  • Alarm with siren
  • Smoke and CO sensors
  • Flood sensor
  • 1,000+ Wh backup battery
  • Smart lock

Each product explained

Outdoor camera

The most important element. For a second home, prioritise models with person detection (not just motion) to reduce false alarms. If there's no broadband, choose a 4G model. Minimum IP65 certification for outdoor use.

Water sensor

The most underrated and potentially the most valuable. An undetected water leak for weeks can cost €20,000–50,000 in repairs. A €15–25 sensor under the sink, washing machine or dishwasher can prevent that disaster.

UPS / Backup battery

If the power goes out, the router shuts down and the entire system loses connection. A €40–80 UPS keeps the router and cameras active for 4–8 hours during a power cut — more than enough time for the power to return.

Key products explained

Water sensor

The most underrated and potentially most valuable device. A €15–25 sensor under the sink, washing machine or dishwasher can prevent €20,000–50,000 in damage.

UPS

If the power goes out, the router shuts down and everything loses connection. A €40–80 UPS keeps router and cameras active for 4–8 hours.

Recommended installation order

  1. 4G router first — without connection, nothing works.
  2. UPS connected to router.
  3. Outdoor cameras at main entrances.
  4. Water sensors under risk points.
  5. Indoor camera for general house state.
  6. Door and window sensors.
  7. Configure all app alerts.
Shop the kit

The empty-house kit, part by part

Everything in the checklist above. Links open your local Amazon store and help fund the site at no extra cost to you.

  • No WiFi required
  • No building work
  • Phone alerts
See 4G camerasSee backup power
Prices and availability change. We check the picks above regularly, but always confirm the current price before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

A system of 3–4 cameras in motion detection mode (without continuous streaming) uses between 5 and 15 GB per month depending on activity. With frequent mobile streaming, it can rise to 20–30 GB.
Yes. Most camera and alarm apps allow you to add additional users with configurable permissions. You can give access only to outdoor cameras, or full access, depending on what you need.