How to spot an empty flat in your neighbourhood (without looking suspicious)

A flat that has been empty for months usually means one of three things: an unresolved inheritance, an owner living elsewhere or a property in the process of being sold. All three are opportunities. But you need to know how to recognise the signs.

The 6 signs that give away an empty flat

1. Shutters always down

The most obvious sign, and the first one you'll notice. But be careful: you need to see it over several weeks. Some owners lower the shutters for holidays or temporary building work.

Watch for 2-3 consecutive weeks. If they never move, something is going on.

2. A full or overflowing letterbox

Go up to the entrance and look at the letterbox. If it is crammed with junk mail, old letters or Correos (post office) delivery notices, the flat has gone a long time without anyone emptying it.

3. No lights at night

Walk down the street between 9 pm and 11 pm on several nights. If the flat stays completely dark, consistently, it is a very strong sign that nobody lives there.

Watch out for timer lights: some owners use them to make it look as if someone is home. If the light always switches on and off at exactly the same time, it's a timer.

4. Dead plants on the balcony

If there are plants on the balcony but they are dry or dead, it is a very clear sign. People who live there water them. People who don't, let them die.

5. Dust and grime building up on the windows

Windows with months of dried rain marks, panes that are cloudy on the inside, balconies with leaves from several autumns. All of that means time without anyone there.

6. Neighbours who confirm the suspicion

The final step. Talk to the concierges of neighbouring buildings, the owners of ground-floor shops, the neighbours on the landing. Ask without hurrying:

• “Do you know if anyone lives in 3A?”
• “That flat on the corner has been shut up for a while, hasn't it?”
• “Is it still the same owner?”

Any neighbour who has been there a while has that information. And they will usually share it without a problem if you ask naturally.

What to do once you confirm a flat is empty

You have a potential off-market opportunity. This is not the time to call the owner directly (you don't know the context: is it empty because the owner has died? because they are in a care home? because they have emigrated?).

The right thing to do is share the information with La Llave. Our team checks the Land Registry, contacts the owner or their heirs professionally, assesses whether there is any intention to sell and, if the deal closes, you receive your commission.

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Ethics and discretion

Important: never approach the owner directly without going through La Llave, and never spread information about the property on social media or public groups. The value of off-market lies precisely in its discretion.

If you share the information with us, we guarantee that the owner is treated with respect and professionalism. And your commission is recorded and traceable.