The neighbourhood of Palaio Psychiko is unique in its own way, not because of its size, nor its population, but due to the quality of life that its residents enjoy. Its leafy streets lined with detached homes, some of which belong to ambassadors, and long-standing families all contribute to this neighbourhood’s reputation for being peaceful, organized and safe. However, it is precisely this character that leaves it more vulnerable to types of threats that other Athenian neighbourhoods do not experience; specifically threats associated with leaving homes vacant for extended periods of time.
Thus, while the risk of burglary in Palaio Psychiko is greater for affluent homes that are vacant for extended periods of time, the threat is not limited to the risk of burglary. Extreme weather events, and flooding in particular, are becoming more frequent throughout northern Athens and threaten all of the neighbourhoods located in that region, including those like Psychiko, that have traditionally been considered low-risk zones.
Consequently, the need for a comprehensive local home watch and property check service has never been more relevant. This document will explain why Palaio Psychiko requires special attention, what can realistically occur when a home remains vacant for extended periods of time, and how a structured home watch service can protect your property, your investment, and your peace of mind.
Why Palaio Psychiko Requires Special Attention
An attractive target for thieves and burglars
High-value residential areas attract more attention from would-be burglars than low-income areas. Palaio Psychiko is characterized by the following factors:
• Large villas and detached homes
• Expensive fixtures and appliances
• Vehicles that cost tens of thousands of dollars
• Residents that spend extended periods of time away from their homes (travel)
• Quiet streets with predictable schedules
All of these characteristics combine to provide burglars with the information needed to determine whether a home is occupied or vacant.
Vacant homes are easily identified by signs such as:
• Closed shutters for weeks
• Mail boxes full of unread mail
• Dark homes at night
• Overgrown gardens
It is rare for criminal activity related to vacant homes to be violent or dramatic. More commonly, the crimes committed against these homes begin innocently, and grow worse with each passing day:
• A small break in a wall or fence
• An unlocked side door
• A broken window
When a vacant home is not regularly inspected, these small breaches in security may eventually result in the burglar breaking in, vandalizing the property, or returning repeatedly.
Increased vulnerability to severe weather and recent flood damage
Extreme weather phenomena continue to increase in intensity, and are now overwhelming the drainage systems of northern Athens, causing major flooding in Psychiko and other nearby municipalities. As a result, residents of Psychiko and surrounding areas have experienced the following damages:
• Flooding in basement or semi-basement levels
• Water entering the home through:
o Balconies
o Garages
o Lightwells
• Backflow in plumbing systems
• Moisture accumulation and resulting mold growth
Even residents of well-maintained neighborhoods, such as Psychiko, have seen evidence of the dangers of heavy rain and poor drainage.
A clogged drain, an open window during a storm, or a small problem with the roof can cause significant damage to a home if the homeowner does not respond promptly.
Additionally, if homeowners wait too long to address water damage, they may find that their insurance company refuses to pay for repairs.
Hidden Dangers of Not Inspecting a Vacant Home
Many homeowners believe that locking their doors and installing an alarm system is sufficient to protect their vacant home. However, most property issues begin quietly, and grow worse with time.
Some common issues that develop in vacant homes include:
• Leaks in pipes, boilers, and appliances
• Excessive humidity and mold development, particularly during the winter months
• Electrical issues or tripped circuit breakers
• Pest infestation in gardens, storage spaces, and basements
• Vulnerabilities in security systems following a storm or attempted intrusion
• Neglect of gardens, which indicates prolonged vacancy
Unless regular physical inspections of the home take place, these issues typically remain undetected until extensive damage has already occurred.
What a Professional Home Watch Service Provides
A properly managed home watch service is not simply a casual walk-through of a home, nor is it a favour asked of a neighbour. A home watch service should be a well-planned and documented process performed by knowledgeable, trained local professionals.
Scheduled interior and exterior inspections
With each visit, a trained inspector systematically reviews all of the home’s key risk points, including:
• Doors
• Windows
• Shutters
• Locks
• Balconies
• Terraces
• Drainage points
• Interior rooms
• Bathrooms
• Kitchens
• Plumbing fixtures
• Visible pipe work
• Electrical panels
• Status of appliances
• Evidence of moisture
• Leaks
• Unusual odours
Each of the inspectors performs the same set of checks each time they inspect a home. Any differences in the results of the checks are immediately apparent to the inspectors.
Identifying issues early prevents costly damage
Finding a small leak early can mean the difference between repairing a small issue for a fraction of the cost of replacing the damaged portion of the home.
Similarly, identifying a security issue early will minimize the damage caused by a thief or vandal, and finding a weather-related damage issue early will reduce the amount of money required to repair the damage.
A home watch service functions as an early warning system for issues with a home. Issues are identified and documented, and then communicated to the homeowner.
Documenting issues
Following each visit, the homeowner receives a brief photo report documenting the state of the home. The documentation provides:
• Transparency about the condition of the home
• Proof of inspection
• Peace of mind for owners living overseas
• Documentation useful for submitting insurance claims or arranging for repairs to the home
You are always aware of what is occurring within and around your home.
Why “Local” is Important in Palaio Psychiko
A home watch service must be truly local to effectively serve the needs of the homeowner.
Quick Response Time
There is usually a direct relationship between the speed at which an issue is identified, and the speed with which a decision is made regarding a course of action. For example, if a burglar is spotted near a home, or if a severe weather event occurs, immediate action must be taken to prevent further damage to the home. A local team can:
• Return to the property as soon as possible
• Coordinate with local contractors (plumbers, electricians, gardeners etc.)
• Secure the property as quickly as possible after a severe weather event
Waiting for a non-local team to respond to the property could potentially allow the burglar to enter the home and cause additional damage.
Knowledge of the Neighborhood
Local teams are familiar with:
• Typical floor plans found in Psychiko
• Common issues related to the age of the homes
• How weather patterns affect different streets and elevations
• What appears “out of the ordinary” compared to the norm
This knowledge cannot be replicated by a general service.
Who Should Consider a Home Watch Service in Psychiko
Home watch services are not just for one type of homeowner. Increasingly, individuals from the following groups use home watch services:
• Owners of vacation homes that they intend to occupy for only a short period of time
• Families with second homes in Athens
• Greeks who reside abroad and inherit properties in Greece
• Staff members of foreign embassies and diplomats who own homes
• Investors who purchase homes for resale or rental
If a property will be vacant for more than a week or two, a home watch service is necessary.
Enhancing Insurance Coverage and Legal Rights
Many insurance companies include provisions in their contracts that require homeowners to take reasonable care of their property when it is unoccupied. Documented inspections will assist in demonstrating that reasonable care was exercised.
In the event of damage, theft, or a dispute, having a record of the inspections completed on the property will greatly enhance the homeowner’s position.
Protecting Property Value
Properties in Palaio Psychiko represent long-term investments. Taking steps to maintain the home, and thereby prevent long-term damage, will protect the resale and rental values of the property.
Well-maintained homes:
• Are less susceptible to humidity damage
• Will retain a higher market value
• Can be prepared for resale or new occupants much quicker
• Create trust for prospective buyers or renters
Home watch is an asset protection strategy, not an expense.
A Safer Approach to Protecting Your Home
Palaio Psychiko offers its residents a private, beautiful, and a high-quality lifestyle. However, it is also important to recognize that the neighbourhood requires attention, primarily due to an increasing number of extreme weather events, and an increased level of crime targeting vacant homes.
A local home watch service:
• Conducts scheduled, structured inspections
• Identifies issues prior to them developing into larger problems
• Responds quickly to issues
• Communicates clearly and provides documentation
• Provides homeowners with ongoing peace of mind
Regardless of whether your home in Palaio Psychiko is vacant for a month or a year, knowing that a reliable local team is monitoring your property will make a world of difference.
If your home in Palaio Psychiko is going to be vacant for an extended period of time, the best course of action is not to hope that nothing happens. The best course of action is to ensure that your home is being monitored by a trusted local team.
