Hosting an open house, or “Show Day”, remains one of the most effective ways to introduce a property to prospective buyers. However, it can also create opportunities for criminals to take advantage of the situation and target valuable belongings.
“It is essential for both buyers and sellers to prioritise safety and security on these important Show Days,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services.
She explains that there is safety in numbers, and a good place to start is by ensuring that someone is on duty with you to manage events on Show Day.
“It gives you the peace of mind of knowing that no visitors or prospective buyers are wandering through the home unmonitored, and that there is someone available to assist if something goes wrong.”
Homeowners and estate agents are encouraged to take proactive steps to ensure a safe and secure viewing experience for everyone involved. While it is impossible to plan for every eventuality, the following measures can help discourage opportunistic criminals from taking advantage of the situation:
- Inform your private security provider that your home will be on show and request occasional patrols or checks during the day
- If someone is standing in for your estate agent on Show Day, meet them beforehand to explain the arrangements
- Ensure the agent has access to any panic buttons and emergency contact details for your security provider
- Avoid leaving spare keys in visible or easily accessible locations
- Lock away valuables that can fit into handbags or pockets, remembering that drawers and cupboards can be quickly searched
- Store larger equipment that is not necessary for the viewing to prevent it from becoming a target for future theft
- Open curtains and blinds, or switch on lights in each room, to improve visibility and discourage suspicious activity
- Consider posting a security guard on the premises and providing the agent with access to a panic button.
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There are also several precautions that estate agents or homeowners supervising Show Day can follow:
- Do not leave the front entrance open while conducting a viewing. Ensure that intercoms, buzzers, and doorbells are functioning correctly
- Position yourself where you can observe arriving visitors and note vehicle registration numbers, makes, and models
- Ask visitors to remain with you during the walkthrough to prevent anyone from wandering off unsupervised
- Consider hosting viewings by appointment only to avoid overlapping groups
- Encourage visitors who arrive during an ongoing viewing to sign a visitor register or view the outdoor areas while they wait
- Inquire whether your security company offers mobile panic button services for use while conducting viewings.
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Searching for a new home can be an exciting experience, but it is important to remain security-conscious throughout the process. Hattingh says there are several important security-related questions prospective buyers should ask before signing an offer to purchase.
“Remember, as a prospective buyer, you are well within your rights to ask about crime in the area, the types of incidents that have occurred, and whether there are security providers operating in the neighbourhood. While these questions can be directed to the estate agent, it is also worthwhile speaking to people who live in the community to gain a broader perspective.”
She recommends consulting homeowners, neighbours, residents’ associations, domestic workers, and security personnel responsible for managing access points within the community.
“Ask whether there are monthly contributions toward neighbourhood security initiatives or community safety schemes,” she adds.
When inspecting the property itself, buyers should assess the condition of burglar bars, security gates, electric fencing, alarm systems, and outdoor detection beams.
“Check whether any security installations require upgrading or replacement and factor these costs into your offer. Additionally, perimeter security, including walls, fences, access gates, and intercom systems, forms the first line of defence and should be maintained in good condition.”
“Let’s prioritise safety on Show Days. By taking sensible precautions and remaining vigilant, sellers, buyers, and estate agents can help create a safe and successful viewing experience for everyone involved,” concludes Hattingh.
Issued by Fidelity Services Group – charnelh@fidelity-services.com
