Why Key Holding Matters For Vacant Buildings

Arguably one of the most important aspects of security for vacant properties is how well it can fit around a challenging industry. That’s why so many property owners opt for an adaptive, professionally organised keyholding service, and why it’s an integral part of so many packages designed to help keep the UK’s growing population of vacant residential and commercial properties safe.

What Is A Key Holding Service?

A professional key holding (also called keyholding) service means that a licensed company or provider will hold a spare copy of the keys to access your building. This company should always be licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for Key Holding services, as this means they’re legally licensed to carry a copy of your keys.

Keys aren’t limited to those we’d associate with traditional access, and can include:

• Physical, “toothed” keys
• Access fobs and badges
• Codes and passwords
• Biometrics and facial recognition
• Specialist access measures for specific locks (like Maglocks)

These keys can either be stored in a secure, off-site location (often the Head Office or base of operations for your chosen keyholding provider), at a secure location at your property, or a copy can be stored in both spaces.

A keyholding provider will also be able to provide interconnected services that help your keyholding go a step further. This usually comes in the form of either an alarm response service or a lock-and-unlock service – both of which typically require your chosen security provider to hold a copy of your keys.

That’s where one of the main benefits of a keyholding service for a vacant property lies, and why it’s often a service we’d advise for those on a tighter budget.

How Does A Keyholding Service Work For A Vacant Property?

Your chosen security provider will securely store a copy of the property’s keys (as well as any additional access requirements, like gate codes or access fobs), and use these to access your property when you need them to. This may be as a direct result of an issue (such as an alarm activation or property damage), or as part of a routine inspection.

They may also perform routine visits to check for any possible issues, like pest access, water ingress, or routine wear and tear that could present an issue for selling or renting out the property.

A keyholding service can also function as that additional support that many insurers look for in providing the right policy for your property. As we discussed in our recent exploration of the importance of security in insuring a vacant property, insurers often stipulate that regular visits and documented inspections need to happen to secure (and maintain) a lower premium.

Opting for a provider who offers a keyholding service delivered by trained professionals means you’re able to outsource that responsibility to a trusted partner – essential if you’ve got an expanding portfolio of empty properties, or you’re planning to rent or sell the property soon and so it’s in full working order.

That could include checking for:

• Signs of forced entry, including damaged hinges, windows or other access points
• Structural or roof damage
• Traveller encampments in the neighbouring areas
• Issues with water ingress or potential flooding
• Potential structural issues (cracking, early warning signs of subsidence, etc.)
• Possible issues with invasive species (weeds or pests, for example)

These will then be fed back as part of a pre-agreed reporting process, feeding back as part of a pre-agreed reporting process gives you confidence that your property is in safe hands, and provides supporting evidence to reduce insurance premiums further.

Why Would I Choose A Keyholding Service For My Vacant Property?

The biggest reason to choose a keyholding service for your premises is, understandably, cost. It’s perhaps one of the most budget-friendly services that you can implement for your empty property, but that lower entry point doesn’t mean it lacks the effectiveness or professionalism of more premium services (like a manned guarding package).

As a trusted partner for a range of different vacant sites, ranging from city-centre demolition projects to more out-of-the-way premises, we’re acutely aware of the challenges that face owners of vacant properties. Budgeting is so often top of that list, and investing in professionally delivered keyholding services helps keep costs down without compromising on quality.

Of course, it’s not the only concern, and it’s equally not the only reason why you’d choose a keyholding solution for your vacant property. Opting for a provider who’s licensed by the Security Industry Authority (SIA) for their keyholding services means that you’ve got a trustworthy solution.

That’s the baseline, and augmenting that with additional qualifications that relate to your sector or the concerns you have is another way to confirm that keyholding is the right service for you, and that you’re partnering with a provider who understands the risks that face your vacant premises. 

Constructionline Gold, for example, is a must-consider for vacant construction sites. It’s the ideal option for demonstrating that you understand the importance of health and safety even at a vacant site, and for choosing a supplier who’s got prior experience in supporting that industry.

Ultimately, though, one of the hidden benefits of a keyholding service is the convenience and peace of mind it offers. Knowing that your site visits are in hand on a schedule that suits you, and that you’re able to demonstrate that whenever you need to, can’t be overstated. While it’s budget-friendly, it’s always conducted by experts in the field, and that’s where ProFM Group excels.

Trusted, Professional Vacant Property Keyholding From ProFM Group

One of the things we’ve emphasised throughout this guide to keyholding for vacant property is the importance of trust in choosing your keyholding provider. A proven track record of service delivery, the right accreditations, and past experience in securing vacant properties all contribute towards a provider you know you can place your trust in.

ProFM Group tick all of those boxes, alongside being the UK’s official leading security provider according to the latest Approved Contractor Scheme (ACS) audit under the SIA. That’s independent proof that we lead the way in our field, and that we’re the ideal choice for essential keyholding and alarm response services.

It’s a service we’ve delivered  for vacant premises nationwide, including long-standing industrial facilities, listed buildings, retail units, and the iconic Royal Papworth Hospital after its decommissioning in 2019. Every new vacant site we secure is a new project, and we design our solutions with those risk factors in mind.

We analyse the challenges your site faces through a detailed risk assessment process, identifying how our keyholding, alarm response and wider suite of services can most effectively be deployed. It’s all included in the package we provide, and contributes towards our accreditations across security, construction and safety.

Looking to outsource your keyholding to the leaders in the security industry? Reach out to our team today on 0808 175 2516 to find out more about why we’re a trusted solution for dozens of vacant premises across the UK, and to receive a free, no-obligation quote for your keyholding services.