A lot of students take a gap year before heading off to university. It’s a chance to explore the world, challenge themselves, and learn more about themselves. But why should teenagers have all the fun?

More and more older adults are feeling the urge to step off the treadmill and take some time out. When you’re older, there’s more to think about. One of the biggest decisions if you’re a homeowner is what to do with your house while you’re away.

In this article, we’ll take a quick look at some of your options and the kind of questions you should be asking yourself.

The rise of the adult gap year

In the age of peak communication and information overload, it’s no wonder a lot of us feel like we need a break. Burnout and exhaustion are increasingly common, and we’re finding it hard to switch off. Research last year showed 42% of employees were keen to take a long-term sabbatical.

Many people are finding that their career path isn’t what they expected anymore, either. Technology is shifting the way we work, and we need to figure out how to adapt.

Options for homeowners heading abroad

Most of us wouldn’t be able to afford to leave a house empty for a whole year, and there are other good reasons not to do this. As well as the safety angle, over a third of af adults don’t realise that most home insurance contains a clause that invalidates the cover if the property is left unoccupied for 30 days. If you’re financially able, consider asking friends or family to housesit, or looking for long-term pet sitters if you have animals.

Sell up before you go

This could work if you’re already considering a move or are keen to come home to a new area. Start by using a house value calculator by postcode to see what your property could realistically be worth. With an instant free valuation on your home, you can do the sums to figure out whether that’s enough to fund your time away and leave you in a good position when you come back.

Long-term let

Finding tenants for the whole period you’re away is ideal if you’re keen to come back to the same house and want a reliable income. Using a local letting agent to manage any issues is recommended, as you won’t be on hand. You will need to consider the implications for tax, insurance and your mortgage. It’s also more complicated if you need to come home early for any reason, as you may have to find somewhere else to live temporarily.

Short-term let

If you don’t want to commit to a long-term let, using Airbnb is an option. It’s a little more hassle to manage bookings, cleaning and handovers, but you can find a local agent to help with this. The advantage is that Airbnb can be a lot more lucrative, especially if you live in a popular city, but do check council or mortgage restrictions, as well as additional rules if you’re in a leasehold property.

However you do it, don’t let age and responsibility put you off having an incredible experience – the world is your oyster after all!