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Property Guardians blog
News and opinion on property guardianship, the cost of living, affordable housing and property security.
housing crisis London
Housing crisis in London: how Property Guardians can provide a solution
The housing crisis in London has been an ongoing problem for years. One of the major contributors to this crisis is the high number of empty homes in the city. According to recent statistics, there are over 22,000 empty homes in London, many of which have been vacant for years. This is a huge waste of valuable housing space, particularly when there are so many people in the city in desperate need of affordable housing.
The issue of empty homes in London has become even more pressing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the rise in remote working, many people are now looking to move out of the city in search of more affordable housing. However, for those who still need to be in the city for work, the lack of affordable housing options is a major problem.
How Property Guardianship works
Property guardianship is an innovative solution that has been gaining popularity in recent years. Essentially, it involves placing people in vacant properties to live in and look after them, in exchange for affordable rent. This not only provides much-needed housing for people who would otherwise struggle to find a place to live, but it also helps to bring empty properties back into use.
The benefits of property guardianship are clear. For property owners, it provides a secure way to protect their empty properties from damage or vandalism, while also generating income from rent. For the guardians themselves, it offers a way to live in the city at an affordable price, while also contributing to their local community by looking after the property and keeping it in good condition.
Government attempts to tackle the housing crisis are ineffective
In recent years, the government has started to take notice of the issue of empty homes in London. In 2019, they launched a £55 million fund to help bring empty homes back into use, and there have been various media campaigns to raise awareness of the issue. However, these efforts have so far had limited success, and the problem of empty homes in London continues to grow.
This is where property guardianship can step in and provide a solution. By placing people in these vacant properties, property guardianship can help to ensure that these homes are no longer sitting empty and going to waste. It is an innovative and cost-effective solution that has the potential to make a real difference in the fight against the housing crisis in London.
One of the key advantages of property guardianship is that it offers a way to provide affordable housing to key workers and young professionals who might otherwise struggle to find a place to live in the city. With many people now working from home and the need for office space decreasing, there is an opportunity to convert some of these empty properties into affordable housing options for those who need them.
Of course, there are challenges to implementing property guardianship as a solution to the housing crisis in London. There are concerns around the quality and safety of some of the properties, as well as the need to ensure that guardians are properly screened and given the correct guidance to look after the properties they are living in.
However, these challenges can be overcome with the right support and guidance. The benefits of property guardianship are clear, and with the right investment and support, it has the potential to be a powerful solution to the ongoing problem of empty homes in London.
Overcoming the housing crisis in London
The problem of empty homes in London is a significant one, and it is contributing to the ongoing housing crisis in the city. Property guardianship offers a solution that can help to bring these homes back into use and provide affordable housing options for those who need them. With the right support and investment, property guardianship has the potential to make a real difference in the fight against the housing crisis in London.
Solution for UK housing crisis
Housing crisis: the solution from Property Guardians
The housing crisis in the UK is a growing concern that affects millions of people. According to Shelter, over four million people in the UK are living in inadequate, unaffordable, or overcrowded housing conditions. The high cost of renting and buying properties, combined with the shortage of affordable housing options, has left many people struggling to find a place to call home. Property guardianship is an innovative and cost-effective solution that brings empty properties back into use and helps to solve the UK housing crisis.
Property guardianship is a unique and growing phenomenon in the UK. It involves individuals or groups of individuals living in vacant or temporarily unoccupied properties as a way of protecting them from vandalism, squatting, or other types of damage. Property guardianship provides a cost-effective way of managing an empty property while also providing affordable housing options for individuals in need.
How Property Guardianship works
Property guardianship involves a contractual agreement between a property owner and a property guardian company. The property guardian company manages the property by recruiting responsible individuals or groups of individuals to live in the property and pay a low monthly fee. Property guardians are responsible for maintaining the property they live in and report any potential issues that may arise.
Benefits of property guardianship for the housing crisis
Affordable Housing
One of the primary benefits of property guardianship is providing affordable housing options to key workers and young professionals. With the increasing cost of renting and buying properties in the UK, property guardianship provides an alternative solution for individuals who cannot afford traditional housing options. Property guardianship also helps to reduce homelessness and support vulnerable individuals.
Solving the Housing Crisis
Property guardianship can help solve the UK housing crisis. By bringing empty properties back into use, property guardianship provides more housing options for individuals in need. Property guardianship also helps to reduce the demand for new developments and the pressure on the housing market.
Property Protection
Property guardianship provides property owners with security and protection for their properties. Property guardians are responsible for maintaining and securing the property they live in, which reduces the risk of vandalism, squatting, and other types of damage. Property guardianship also provides property owners with an additional source of income in the form of rental income.
Cost-Effective
Property guardianship is a cost-effective solution to managing and securing empty property. Property owners do not have to spend a lot of money on security systems or pay for the services of a traditional property management company. Property guardianship also provides property owners with rental income, which can help offset the costs of owning an empty property.
Sustainable Living
Property guardianship promotes sustainable living. Property guardian companies encourage property guardians to live sustainably by reducing their carbon footprint, recycling, and conserving energy. Property guardianship also helps reduce the number of vacant or unoccupied properties, which contributes to sustainable urban development.
Conclusion
The housing crisis in the UK is a growing concern that affects millions of people. Property guardianship is an innovative and cost-effective solution that brings empty properties back into use and helps to solve the UK housing crisis. It provides affordable housing options to key workers and young professionals, while also providing property owners with security, protection, and rental income.
empty property
Empty property: the solution from Property Guardians
Empty properties have been a growing concern in the UK for many years. According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, there were around 268,385 long-term vacant properties in England in 2020. These empty properties have become a burden on local communities and a target for vandalism and crime.
Property guardians are individuals or groups of individuals who live in vacant or temporarily unoccupied properties as a way of protecting them from vandalism, squatting, or other types of damage. Property guardians are fully vetted individuals who are looking for affordable housing options and are willing to take care of the property they live in.
How Property Guardianship works
Property guardianship involves a property owner entering into a contractual agreement with a property guardian company. The property guardian company manages the property by recruiting responsible individuals or groups of individuals to live in the property, paying a low monthly fee in return for ensuring that the property is well maintained and kept secure.
Benefits of property guardianship for empty property
Property protection
One of the primary benefits of property guardianship is property protection. Property guardianship provides a cost-effective way of protecting vacant properties from vandalism, squatting, and other types of damage. Property guardians are responsible for maintaining the property they live in and report any potential issues that may arise.
Cost-Effective
Property guardianship is a cost-effective solution to managing a property. Property owners do not have to spend a lot of money on security systems or pay for the services of a traditional property management company. Property guardianship also provides property owners with an additional source of income in the form of rental income.
Affordable Housing
Property guardianship provides affordable housing to key workers and young professionals. With the increasing cost of renting and buying properties in the UK, property guardianship provides an alternative solution for individuals who cannot afford traditional housing options. Property guardianship also helps to reduce homelessness and support vulnerable individuals.
Solving the Housing Crisis
Property guardianship can help the UK overcome the housing crisis. By bringing empty properties back into use, property guardianship provides more housing options for individuals and families in need. Property guardianship also helps to reduce the demand for new developments and the pressure on the housing market.
Sustainable Living
Property guardianship promotes sustainable living. Property guardianship companies encourage property guardians to live sustainably by reducing their carbon footprint, recycling, and conserving energy. Property guardianship also helps reduce the number of vacant or unoccupied properties, which contributes to sustainable urban development.
Conclusion
Empty properties have become a growing concern in the UK, but property guardianship is an innovative and cost-effective solution that brings empty properties back into use and helps to solve the UK housing crisis. Property guardianship provides property owners with many benefits, including property protection, cost-effectiveness, affordable housing, solving the housing crisis, and sustainable living. Property guardianship is a solution that is gaining popularity among property owners who want to manage their empty properties effectively while minimising costs and maximising rental income. Property guardianship also provides individuals with affordable and sustainable housing options, making it a win-win solution for everyone.
References:
- “Empty Homes in England 2020.” Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/empty-homes-in-england-2020
- “Property Guardianship: A new solution for temporary occupation of empty buildings.” Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government. 2018. https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/
Property management
Property Management: the optimal solution with Property Guardians
Property management can be a challenging task, especially for property owners who do not have the time or resources to manage their property effectively. Property guardianship is an innovative approach to property management, providing property owners with a cost-effective solution to manage their vacant properties.
Property guardians are individuals or groups of individuals who live in vacant or temporarily unoccupied properties as a way of protecting them from vandalism, squatting, or other types of damage. Property guardians are typically responsible individuals who are looking for affordable housing options and are willing to take care of the property they live in.
How Property Guardianship works
Property guardianship involves a property owner entering into a contractual agreement with a property guardian company. The property guardian company manages the property by recruiting responsible individuals or groups of individuals to live in the property, paying a low monthly fee in return for ensuring that the property is well maintained and kept secure.
Benefits of Property Guardianship for Property Management
Property protection
One of the primary benefits of property guardianship is property protection. Property guardianship provides a cost-effective way of protecting vacant properties from vandalism, squatting, and other types of damage. Property guardians are responsible for maintaining the property they live in and report any potential issues that may arise.
Cost-Effective
Property guardianship is a cost-effective solution to managing a property. Property owners do not have to spend a lot of money on security systems or pay for the services of a traditional property management company. Property guardianship also provides property owners with an additional source of income in the form of rental income.
Legal Compliance
Property guardianship ensures that property owners comply with legal requirements. Property guardianship companies work with property owners to ensure that the property is managed in accordance with local laws and regulations. Property guardianship also helps property owners avoid potential legal issues that may arise from having vacant or unoccupied properties.
Flexibility
Property guardianship provides property owners with flexibility. Property guardianship companies work with property owners to develop tailored solutions that meet their specific needs. Property guardianship also provides property owners with the flexibility to use their property as they wish without having to worry about the property being vacant or unoccupied.
Sustainable Living
Property guardianship promotes sustainable living. Property guardianship companies encourage property guardians to live sustainably by reducing their carbon footprint, recycling, and conserving energy. Property guardianship also helps reduce the number of vacant or unoccupied properties, which contributes to sustainable urban development.
Conclusion
Property management can be a challenging task, especially for property owners who do not have the time or resources to manage their property effectively. Property guardianship is an innovative approach to property management that offers property owners a cost-effective solution to manage their properties. Property guardianship provides property owners with many benefits, including property protection, cost-effectiveness, legal compliance, flexibility, and sustainable living. Property guardianship is a solution that is gaining popularity among property owners who want to manage their properties effectively while minimizing costs and maximizing rental income.
References:
- “Property Guardianship: A new solution for temporary occupation of empty buildings.” Ministry of Housing, Communities, and Local Government. 2018.
empty property security
Empty property security
Property Guardians provides effective empty property security – covering residential, retail and office premises – for any length of time, and in any UK location.
Despite legislation outlawing squatting (only applicable to residential property), it remains a constant issue for property owners. The costs of repairs from damage can quickly spiral, as well as associated issues that arise when an empty property has been being targetted by drug abusers and fly-tippers.
Our empty property security solution
We have developed a property guardian scheme that is saving property owners thousands of pounds on empty property rates, private security and maintenance costs. We place live-in guardians into empty properties to provide security and upkeep. Our solution provides key workers with access to affordable housing, and gives property owners peace of mind that their empty property is being looked after.
How it works
Property owner seeking vacant property security enters into an agreement with Property Guardians authorising us to provide services to secure their empty property.
Property Guardians grants non-exclusive licences to live in guardians to occupy and secure the empty property, including a 30 day break clause.
On termination of the agreement between Property Guardians and the owner, our licence with the live-in guardians automatically terminates, ensuring they do not acquire any tenancy rights.
FAQs:
Who are the property guardians?
Our selection criteria ensures that only the most reliable and trustworthy individuals act as Property Guardians to secure empty property. The guardians are fully-vetted which includes face-to-face interviews, CRB checks, employment and housing references.
We only recruit Guardians who are non-smokers and do not have household pets, or children.
What are the guardians' responsibilities?
The primary responsibility of a property guardian is to ensure the upkeep and protection of the property during their term of occupation. As part of this they are required to undertake regular checks of the property to ensure it is secure and structurally sound.
Our property guardians are also required to adhere to strict Fire, Health & Safety guidelines provided by us at the start of the occupation to ensure the safety of the property and the guardians residing there throughout the term of occupation.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the property type and length of time that it is handed over for, we usually do not charge a management fee.
What is the notice period?
Our property guardians vacate with 30 days notice, and viewings, inspections, and renovations can be carried out by the owner at anytime whilst the property is under our care.
How does the process work?
If you decide to proceed, you would sign a legal agreement with Property Guardians authorising us to provide our services to provide security by occupation. We would then grant non-exclusive licences to our live in guardians allowing them to occupy and protect your vacant property. Our legal structure ensures guardians do not acquire any Tenancy rights.
Why use property guardians?
At the heart of our property guardian scheme is a commitment to provide the highest level of service when we protect your vacant property. Putting your property into use through security by occupation also helps combat ‘broken window theory’ and could retain the value of property in the area too.
What other services do you provide?
Our trusted house sitters service is perfect for home owners who want someone on hand to feed pets and look after their home while away on holiday.
Other services we offer include on-site security using SIA accredited guards. Our vacant property protection services include a maintenance and restoration service for property owners whose assets have fallen into a state of major disrepair.
Find out more
Please enter your details below to find out more about our guardian property management service and we will respond at the earliest opportunity
House sitters
Using house sitters to secure your empty property
If you’re a home owners and planning to leave your property empty for a period of time, then using house sitters could be the perfect solution. At Property Guardians we supply fully vetted house sitters who look after your house and pets while you’re away, in return for rent-free accommodation. It’s that simple.
The benefits
Flexible – our trusted house sitters can look after your home for any period of time, from as little as a few days to months.
Less stress for pets – the beauty of housesitting is that the pets get to remain in the comfort of their own home. This reduces anxiety for both the pets and the owners alike.
General property upkeep – knowing that someone is looking after your plants and on hand in the event of an emergency (e.g. frozen water pipes bursting), using a trusted house sitter gives home owners peace of mind while away.
Home security – unattended homes that go weeks with no movement, mail piling up and grass uncut is an open invitation for thieves.
Insurance coverage – some insurance policies now require someone to be living in the home for a claim to be valid.
Similarly to our property guardian scheme, the house sitters that we use to secure empty property go through a comprehensive vetting process. This includes criminal record checks, employment references and face-to-face interviews.
Testimonials
Testimonials
Property guardianship provides a highly effective method of securing empty property – whatever its condition or location. Hear what some of our clients have to say about their experience.
“We experienced major issues with squatters while we awaited planning consent.
Using using this scheme has given us peace of mind.”
Audrey – facilities manager, Hertford
“We have made huge cost savings by adopting this scheme, and plan to use it for other empty properties in our portfolio too.”
Gemma – property asset manager, London
“We would never have thought about using a service like this in the past, but now it’s what we use for all our properties awaiting development.”
Craig – property developer, London
“I’ve been really impressed by the service. The process was simple and they’ve have taken great care of every property we’ve passed to them.”
David – property developer, London
“We used property guardians to look after our new property while we were awaiting planning permission. It gave us a first class service and peace of mind.”
Melanie – property owner, Bristol
“Property guardianship has transformed how we approach
the management of our empty homes”
Mike – care home manager, Brighton
How it works
Property owner enters into an Agreement with Property Guardians authorising us to provide services to secure empty property.
Property Guardians grants non-exclusive licences to live in guardians to occupy and secure the empty property, including a 30 day break clause.
On termination of the agreement between Property Guardians and the owner, our licence with the live-in guardians automatically terminates, ensuring they do not acquire any tenancy rights.
Find out more
FAQs
Property Owner FAQs
Discover more about our property guardian scheme and how it can help protect your assets.
What is property guardianship?
Property Guardianship is an arrangement by whereby individuals secure empty property and are granted affordable accommodation in return for living flexibly. It’s a highly effective method for private landlords, housing associations and charities to better manage their voids.
Why use property guardians rather than traditional security options?
Using property guardianship to secure your empty property is a highly effective method of providing security. You will save on empty property rates, and your insurance premiums will be considerably less than for a vacant property. In addition, your property will be protected against squatters and will not depreciate in value by being left to stand derelict for a long period of time.
Who are the guardians?
We have a strict selection criteria to ensure that only the most reliable and trustworthy individuals act as property guardians. They are young professionals and, in most cases, key workers.
Our guardians go through a vetting process which includes face-to-face interviews, CRB checks, employment and housing references. Additionally, we only recruit guardians who are non-smokers and do not have household pets, or children.
What are the guardians' responsibilities?
The primary responsibility of a property guardian is to ensure the upkeep and protection of your property during the term of occupation. Guardians are required to undertake regular checks of the property and report any issues to us.
Our guardians are also required to adhere to Fire, Health & Safety guidelines which are provided by us at the start of each occupation.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the property type and length of time that it is handed over for, we usually do not charge a management fee. In some circumstances our service can actually be profit-making for the property owner.
How do we manage the guardians?
We undertake regular site inspections and assign a head guardian at each property to act as a key point of contact throughout the term of occupation. Our site inspections cover all rooms inside the property in order to ensure the property is being well maintained and that the guardians are complying with our rules and regulations.
As part of our commitment to the owner of the property we provide a full management report on a monthly basis.
What is the notice period?
Guardians vacate with 30 days notice. Viewings, inspections, and renovations can be carried out at anytime whilst the property is under our care.
How does the process work?
If you decide to proceed with our service, you would sign a legal agreement with Property Guardians authorising us to provide our services to provide security by occupation. We would then grant non-exclusive licences to our live in guardians allowing them to occupy and protect your vacant property.
Our legal structure ensures guardians do not acquire any Tenancy rights.
Would I need 'change of use' permission to use Property Guardians?
No, the primary use of the empty property remains the same. The role of the property guardians is to protect the property and in order for them to achieve this goal they need living space in the property. The living space is considered as ancillary use, so the primary use of the building never changes.
What is the legal structure?
Property Guardians grants a Licence Agreement to the live-in guardian to occupy a room within your vacant property.
This is not the same as a tenancy agreement as we are supplying a service and the live-in guardians aid us in fulfilling this service. As such, no tenancy rights are granted to either Property Guardians or the live-in guardians who reside in the vacant property.
Why use property guardians?
At the heart of our property guardian scheme is a commitment to provide the highest level of service when we protect your vacant property. In addition, our business is concerned with the wider issues around the housing crisis.
We aim to use any profits to eventually put into property helping homeless charities in London. Putting your property into use through security by occupation also helps combat ‘broken window theory’ and could retain the value of property in the area.
What other services do you provide?
Our trusted house sitters service is perfect for home owners who want someone on hand to feed pets and look after their home while away on holiday.
Other services we offer include on-site security services using SIA accredited guards. Our vacant property protection services include a maintenance and restoration service for property owners whose assets have fallen into a state of major disrepair.
Find out more
Please enter your details below and we will respond at the earliest opportunity.
Vacant property security
Vacant property security
Property Guardians provides effective vacant property security – covering residential, retail and office premises – for any length of time, and in any UK location.
Despite legislation outlawing squatting (only applicable to residential property), it remains a constant issue for property owners. The costs of repairs from damage can quickly spiral, as well as associated issues that arise when an empty property has been being targetted by drug abusers and fly-tippers.
Our vacant property security solution
We have developed a property guardian scheme that is saving property owners thousands of pounds on empty property rates, private security and maintenance costs. We place live-in guardians into empty properties to provide security and upkeep. Our solution provides key workers with access to affordable housing, and gives property owners peace of mind that their empty property is being looked after.
How it works
Property owner seeking vacant property security enters into an agreement with Property Guardians authorising us to provide services to secure their empty property.
Property Guardians grants non-exclusive licences to live in guardians to occupy and secure the empty property, including a 30 day break clause.
On termination of the agreement between Property Guardians and the owner, our licence with the live-in guardians automatically terminates, ensuring they do not acquire any tenancy rights.
FAQs:
Who are the property guardians?
Our selection criteria ensures that only the most reliable and trustworthy individuals act as Property Guardians to secure empty property. The guardians are fully-vetted which includes face-to-face interviews, CRB checks, employment and housing references.
We only recruit Guardians who are non-smokers and do not have household pets, or children.
What are the guardians' responsibilities?
The primary responsibility of a property guardian is to ensure the upkeep and protection of the property during their term of occupation. As part of this they are required to undertake regular checks of the property to ensure it is secure and structurally sound.
Our property guardians are also required to adhere to strict Fire, Health & Safety guidelines provided by us at the start of the occupation to ensure the safety of the property and the guardians residing there throughout the term of occupation.
How much does it cost?
Depending on the property type and length of time that it is handed over for, we usually do not charge a management fee.
What is the notice period?
Our property guardians vacate with 30 days notice, and viewings, inspections, and renovations can be carried out by the owner at anytime whilst the property is under our care.
How does the process work?
If you decide to proceed, you would sign a legal agreement with Property Guardians authorising us to provide our services to provide security by occupation. We would then grant non-exclusive licences to our live in guardians allowing them to occupy and protect your vacant property. Our legal structure ensures guardians do not acquire any Tenancy rights.
Why use property guardians?
At the heart of our property guardian scheme is a commitment to provide the highest level of service when we protect your vacant property. Putting your property into use through security by occupation also helps combat ‘broken window theory’ and could retain the value of property in the area too.
What other services do you provide?
Our trusted house sitters service is perfect for home owners who want someone on hand to feed pets and look after their home while away on holiday.
Other services we offer include on-site security using SIA accredited guards. Our vacant property protection services include a maintenance and restoration service for property owners whose assets have fallen into a state of major disrepair.
Find out more
Please enter your details below to find out more about our guardian property management service and we will respond at the earliest opportunity