Property guardianship is a practical way to protect empty buildings by placing vetted people in them to live and care for the space. It works well for buildings that stand vacant for long periods of time, possibly awaiting development, planning permission, or a sale.
Guardianship gives you an occupied building without the cost of round-the-clock security. It reduces risk, lowers maintenance surprises, and brings empty spaces back to life. If you’re considering different vacant property security options, then guardianship is worth a close look.
Property guardians are residents who live in a building under a licence agreement, not a tenancy. They pay a reduced fee, and in return, they occupy and look after the property. The arrangement is flexible, and for owners, it removes the major problem of visibility in an empty building. Empty buildings attract vandals, squatters, and repeated council call-outs. Filling them with responsible people is often the most effective prevention.
If you’re considering property guardianship, here are five reasons why it might be a good fit.
1. You Spend a Lot on Temporary Security or Patrols
If you pay for temporary guards, alarm call-outs, or contractor security watches, then the costs add up fast. Many councils and owners spend a small fortune on securing empty land and buildings each year.
In fact, research by the TaxPayers Alliance found that councils spent over £88 million on insuring, securing, and maintaining empty council-owned buildings over a two-year period. That shows just how expensive vacancy can be.
Guardianship replaces much of that cost because the place is occupied. People living there are an active deterrent. You still have oversight and reporting, but you avoid the considerable expense of static security.
2. You Want to Turn Your Empty Building into an Active Asset
Many owners hold on to empty buildings that are waiting on funding, planning decisions, or long-term redevelopment. During that time, the property only racks up costs.
Guardianship changes that. Instead of sitting idle, your building becomes a lived-in and cared-for space that can generate some income. Some owners qualify for revenue share, which means a portion of the guardian licence fees goes back to you. Plus, having people live in the building can vastly reduce the rates.
It’s a simple way to turn a financial drain into a productive asset while you wait for the next stage of your project. It also improves the condition of the property so you don’t face unexpected repair bills later.
3. You Want a Flexible Short-Notice Option
Many owners need to be able to call back a building at short notice. Guardianship license agreements are intentionally flexible for this reason. They let owners reclaim a property with reasonable notice while still offering occupants a fair period to move out.
This makes guardianship a good fit for sites that will be redeveloped but not for months. It also works for organisations that want security and community benefit without being locked into long-term contracts.
4. You Want to Reduce Upkeep and Prevent Dilapidation
Empty properties can degrade quickly. Small leaks can turn into major repairs, pests can move in, damp can spread, windows could break, or structural elements could become damaged.
A building used by guardians is inspected daily in the sense that people live there. They report issues early, which stops small problems from turning into big bills. Owners often see lower repair costs over time once a building is occupied. Insurance companies also view occupied buildings as lower risk, which can improve premiums.
5. You Want Community Benefit and Positive Local Impact
Beyond security, property guardianship creates a community.
Local people notice the change, such as lights on at night, and people coming and going. That visibility reduces antisocial behaviour and restores confidence in neighbourhoods. For councils, this matters. It turns a liability into a community asset. It also frees up funds, which can be redirected to core services or local projects.
Consider Guardianship for Vacant Property Security
Property guardianship is not a one-size-fits-all solution. But if your building offers a suitable space and is sitting unused, then guardianship deserves serious consideration. It lowers ongoing costs, improves on-site maintenance, and brings life back to properties while you plan their future. Best of all, it’s an easy, zero-cost solution to implement.
If you manage commercial or community properties and want to explore how guardianship could secure your site and benefit your local area, contact City Guardians today. We can assess your building, explain the options, and show you how guardianship could work for you.
