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Alarm for your second home
Looking for an alarm for your second home? We explain what you should consider and the best alarm options for your second residence.
Owning a second home is a privilege. A place to disconnect, relax, escape for a few days, or spend your holidays. But precisely because it’s empty most of the time, a second home needs protection. And not just any protection: a good second-home alarm that lets you feel at ease even when you’re miles away.
Installing an alarm in your second residence is no longer a luxury or an overreaction. It’s a necessary measure against break-ins, squatting, or emergencies. Here’s everything you should know before deciding which alarm to choose.
Why install an alarm in your second home?
Second-home alarms have a clear purpose: to watch over your property when you can’t. Homes that remain unoccupied for long periods are more vulnerable to burglaries and illegal occupation.
According to a Netatmo study, in almost 70% of residential burglaries no one was home at the time of the crime, and those properties lacked protection systems such as alarms or surveillance cameras.
As for illegal occupation, data from Spain’s Ministry of the Interior shows that in 2023 there were 15,289 reported cases of home occupation, representing around 0.06% of all homes in Spain. Most of these cases affect unoccupied properties. The longer a home is left empty, the more vulnerable it becomes.
There are more reasons:
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You can receive mobile alerts if movement or an intrusion attempt is detected.
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Some alarms detect smoke, water leaks, or temperature changes.
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In an emergency, the ARC (Alarm Receiving Center) contacts the police directly.
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You can access live video to see what’s happening in real time.
In areas like the Costa del Sol, where many second homes are located in quiet developments or low-traffic buildings, having a second-home alarm really makes the difference.
What type of alarm do you need for your second home?
Not just any system will do. A good second-home alarm must be designed for a property where you’re not present most of the time. That means it needs to be autonomous, reliable, and protected against power or connectivity outages.
Ideally, the system should include:
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Door/window opening sensors and motion detectors
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A camera with night vision
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A mobile app for remote control
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4G backup communication
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24/7 monitoring by an ARC
If you’re unsure whether your property has a good enough connection to support a modern alarm, you may want to check whether you have fiber at home and consider connectivity alternatives.
Best alarms for second homes
You don’t need an overpriced system packed with features you won’t use. The best second-home alarm is the one that gives you full coverage and peace of mind without complicating your life.
Many homeowners choose wireless systems because they’re easy to install, require no building work, and need less maintenance. These systems usually include intrusion detection, environmental sensors, and the ability to arm and disarm remotely. Ideally, you should be able to set schedules or automations that match your routine.
It’s also important to be able to integrate the alarm with other systems—such as electric blinds or smart lighting—to simulate presence when you’re away. If you want to go a step further, you can turn your second home into a secure smart home without a major investment.
Prices for second-home alarms
The price of an alarm for your second residence depends on factors like the type of property, its size, the number of access points, and whether you want extras such as video surveillance or environmental sensors.
In general, you can find alarms starting at €25–€30 per month, with installation included if you commit to a minimum term. More complete systems—with cameras, 4G backup, and annual maintenance—can reach €50–€60 per month.
If you’re looking for a reliable system with no fine print, avoid rigid bundles and always ask for personalised advice. That way you’ll know exactly what you’re paying for and what you’re getting.
Olin Protect: protect your second home from break-ins and occupation
With Olin Protect, we’ve created an alarm designed for you. If you own a second home on the Costa del Sol, we know exactly what you need: reliable connectivity, instant alerts, simple installation, and real support. No complications.
We install sensors where they’re needed, connect your alarm to the ARC, set up the app so you can control everything from your phone, and—if you want—combine the service with our high-speed broadband or a broadband + mobile bundle. One provider, zero hassle.
Because if your second home is your refuge, keeping it protected shouldn’t be a headache.
Very Satisfied
The service is excellent, and we always pay the same amount. We’ve been customers for three years. The staff at the store are very professional and serve us in three different languages!