Property guardians housing
Our property guardian scheme provides affordable housing for young professionals and key workers in warehouse loft spaces, empty houses, former care homes, retail and business premises. Guardianships can vary in length, from as little as three months to over a year, depending on the circumstances.
As of November 2022, there were 257,331 empty homes in England classed as long-term empty.
In London alone, there were 19,845 homes sitting idle for over six months.
Benefits of our scheme
The scheme unlocks a vital stream of affordable housing for key-workers and young professionals. It also helps tackle the blight of decaying, boarded up properties filling our towns and cities. These factors combine to improve community cohesion and tackle the housing crisis.
Scroll down to read our selection criteria, and find out what to expect from becoming a live in guardian.
Property guardian requirements:
- Over 21 years of age
- In full-time employment or a mature student
- Non-smoker
- Do not have household pets
- Do not have a criminal record
Additional requirements prior to move-in:
- Photographic ID (Passport or driving licence)
- Proof of address (current utility bill or bank statement)
- Employment reference (if you have been in your current role for at least 12 months)
- Character reference (from someone you have known for at least 3 years)
- CRB check
“Property Guardians is helping a generation of young
professionals get on the housing ladder”.
Steve – property owner, London
What to expect as a property guardian
Our guardians always tell us that one of the things they love the most about their experience is the opportunity to live in varied properties and build friendships with people they might have otherwise connected with. Individuals become property guardians because they share values around community, bringing empty buildings back to life, and enjoying different experiences.
The experience of being a property guardian is rewarding, and the experience is sure to open your eyes to an alternative way of living. Guardians housing opportunities are available at locations across the UK, both in towns and more rural areas. Before commencing a property guardianship, you are required to sign a code of conduct to maintain standards of respect for the property and fellow guardians.
If you’d like to discover more about property guardianship, feel free to get in touch through our contact page.