Homeowners and estate agents agree that open house or show days play a vital role in selling properties by introducing homes to prospective buyers. However, opening your home to potential buyers can also create opportunities for burglars to take advantage. It is essential for both buyers and sellers to prioritise safety and security on these important Show Days.

“It’s important to keep in mind that hosting an open house or ‘Show Day’ unfortunately means you could unknowingly be opening your doors to potential burglars,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity Services Group.

“Safety in numbers is key, and a good starting point is to have someone on duty to manage events during Show Day. This ensures no visitors or prospective buyers wander through the home unmonitored and provides immediate assistance should any issues arise. Estate agents must be security conscious and consider installing security systems prior to Show Day,” she adds.

Taking precautions to protect your home and valuables from theft helps ensure a successful outcome for both agent and homeowner. While not every scenario can be anticipated, the following tips will help deter criminals from exploiting the situation:

• Inform your private security provider that your home will be shown and request occasional checks during the day
• If someone stands in for your agent on Show Day, meet them beforehand to explain the arrangements
• Ensure the agent has access to any panic buttons and emergency contacts for your security provider
• Avoid leaving spare keys visible or easily reachable
• Lock away valuables that can fit into handbags or pockets; remember that drawers and cabinets can be quickly rifled through
• Store away larger equipment not necessary for showing the home, so criminals won’t target them later
• Open curtains and blinds or switch on lights in each room to discourage suspicious activity
• Consider posting a security guard on the premises and provide the agent with panic button access.

Agents and homeowners supervising Show Day should also observe these precautions:

• Do not leave the front entrance open while conducting a viewing. Ensure intercoms, buzzers, and doorbells function correctly
• Position yourself to observe arriving visitors’ vehicles and note registration numbers, makes, and models
• Ask visitors to stay with you during the walkthrough to prevent anyone wandering off unsupervised
• Consider “by appointment” viewings to avoid overlapping groups.
• Encourage visitors arriving during an ongoing viewing to sign a visitor book or view outdoor areas to buy time
• Inquire whether your security company offers mobile panic button services for use while on duty.

Hattingh advises prospective buyers to ask critical security questions before accepting an offer. “You have every right to inquire about local crime rates, types of incidents, and the presence of security providers in the area. While estate agents can provide this information, speaking directly with residents offers valuable insight,” she says.

She recommends consulting homeowners, neighbours, residents’ associations, domestic workers, and security personnel managing access points in the community.

“Ask if there are monthly contributions toward neighbourhood security schemes,” she adds.

It is also important to assess security features such as booms, road enclosures, officers, patrol officers, and access controls to the suburb. “When considering a property in a complex, pay attention to security procedures for entering and exiting, and observe how easily pedestrians can access the complex,” says Hattingh.

On inspecting the home itself, evaluate the condition of burglar bars, security gates, electric fences, alarm systems, and beams.

“Check whether any security installations need upgrading or replacement and factor these costs into your offer. Additionally, perimeter security—walls, fences, access gates, and intercoms—forms the first line of defense and should be in good condition.”

She recommends engaging a security professional to assess the property and identify potential vulnerabilities.

“Buying a home is a significant investment and commitment. Taking security seriously, and budgeting for necessary improvements, is essential for peace of mind,” concludes Hattingh.

References/ sources:

https://www.primepropertysa.com/news/top-safety-tips-for-sellers-on-show-days/