Don’t Buy a House If It’s Been Empty for 3 Months — It Could Cost You
Written by
Martin Dasko
Edited by
Zuri Anderson
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New-home sales went up 6% on an annual basis in March 2025, according to a Census Bureau report. Analysts believe that the addition of affordable new inventory helped with sales.
While many homebuyers are looking into new properties, some still would like to enter the market by purchasing an older place as a starter home. However, being cautious about buying an existing property is more important than ever. If a home has been empty for about three months or so, it’s almost guaranteed that there will be neglect and issues you won’t immediately notice.
If a home has been empty for about three months already, here’s why you shouldn’t buy it.
A Vacant Home Could Have Damages That Are Difficult To Spot
If a home has been empty for three months or longer, there could be expensive problems that you may not notice instantly. While a vacant home could have clear issues like broken windows or poor landscaping that anyone can spot, the real problems could come from the damages that can’t be spotted at an initial glance.
“The most important of these is the deterioration in the physical condition of the property due to neglect,” warned Alexei Morgado, a realtor and founder at Lexawise.
Undetected leaks and structural issues could arise when a property is vacant since there’s nobody around to notice this.
“Undetected leaks can lead to mold growth, compromising both the structural integrity of the home and the health of future occupants,” Morgado continued.
Jeremy Smith, a real estate advisor at Engel & Völkers Atlanta, added, “Prolonged disuse of water systems could result in buildup in the water heater, sediment in pipes or issues with appliances like refrigerators and ice makers.”
You also have to consider that stagnated water in unused plumbing could lead to corrosion or the blockage of pipes. These are all damages that can be difficult to spot.
Smith added a warning: “Check whether the house has been winterized and address any general maintenance concerns during your inspection.”
There Could Be Issues With the HVAC
Morgado pointed out how a long-term vacancy can also cause mechanical system failures.
“Systems like HVAC, plumbing and electrical networks operate best when in use,” Morgado added. “Without occupancy, these systems may deteriorate, making it very costly to repair or replace them when the system is turned on again.”
HVAC systems that have not been used could develop costly problems, such as rust, refrigerant leaks or electrical issues. An idle HVAC system could also develop issues that can go unnoticed for many years until damages occur that you’re stuck dealing with.
“If the HVAC system hasn’t been running, there’s a risk of mold or poor air quality due to a lack of air circulation,” remarked Smith. “Trust your instincts: Consider mold testing and remediation if necessary.”
A Vacant Unit May Experience Security Concerns
“Vacant properties can be easily subjected to vandalism and or illegal tenancy, which, in the long term, could result in property damage or legal problems,” remarked Morgado. “These vandals may break windows, graffiti or steal expensive fixtures.”
The biggest problem with these safety concerns is that thieves could steal costly items or destroy the home to the point that the cost of re-developing the property could be not worth it.
If a home has been vacant for years, there’s also that chance that there could be illegal occupants housed in the place, which could be a much bigger problem.
The Roof Could Be Damaged
A roof might look normal from the street, but if it has been wrecked by wind or weather conditions and is unrepaired, it could have severe issues. Possible problems include hidden mold and structural challenges.
To make matters worse, you could be responsible for a full roof replacement if you don’t spot the damages in an inspection report. If a home has been empty for an extended period of time, you can’t ignore a variety of possible roofing issues that have gone unnoticed.
Pest Problems
“Vacant properties may also be prone to rodent or pest activity, particularly in areas like the attic or crawlspace, as these issues are often caught sooner in occupied homes,” noted Smith. “If no one has been around to monitor the property, you could discover some uninvited guests.”
A pest infestation is a serious issue and common possibility for a vacant home. You may be able to spot the bugs through an initial viewing, but there could be rodents and pests in the attic or basement that have been there for a long time.
“A thorough inspection, whether the property is occupied or not, is always strongly recommended to ensure you’re fully aware of its condition,” Smith concluded.
Buying a place that has been empty can come with a fair amount of risks, so you’ll want to be extra diligent about making a decision.
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