What is Property Guardianship?
Right now, thousands of buildings across the UK sit empty, at risk of vandalism, break-ins, and decay. It seems a waste in a country that’s already facing a housing shortage.
But what if those same spaces could offer affordable housing and protect neighbourhoods in the process?
That’s the idea behind property guardianship: a smarter, community-driven alternative to renting.
With savings of up to 60% compared to traditional rent, flexible living, and unique places to call home, it’s no wonder more professionals are becoming guardians.
Curious? Let’s break down what property guardianship is and why it might be worth considering.
What is Property Guardianship?
Property guardianship is a system of protecting vacant properties, where individuals live in an idle property and act as a kind of live-in security guard and maintenance manager.
Property guardians are working professionals who live in vacant buildings to help keep them secure. In return for this responsibility, guardians get access to affordable, flexible living spaces, often in prime city locations, at a fraction of the usual rental cost.
It’s not renting, it’s not squatting, and it’s more effective (and more affordable) than hiring a security guard.
Ultimately, property guardianship is all about protecting and giving purpose to empty buildings, while adding value to both the property owner and the guardian.
Why Do Property Guardians Exist?
In the UK, there are just under 700,000 vacant homes. These empty properties cost the economy billions. More pressing is that they leave entire communities exposed to threats.
When properties are left unoccupied, they attract squatters, invite vandalism, and often fall into disrepair. Guardians prevent these issues.
Property guardians live in these spaces, offering a visible, on-site presence that helps deter crime and keep buildings safe. In exchange, they enjoy cheaper-than-average housing in buildings full of character.
Security guards might deter crime, but that’s only one part of the challenge in owning an empty building. You also need to keep the building maintained, keep it from becoming a derelict waste of space in the community, and, ideally, prevent it from draining unnecessary money while standing empty.
Property guardianship solves all of these problems.
The Benefits of Being a Property Guardian
Property guardianship is a win-win. It provides a constant security presence to property owners while offering major lifestyle advantages to property guardians.
Here are some of the main benefits you can enjoy as a property guardian.
Affordable Living
Let’s be real, rent is expensive, especially in cities like London. But as a property guardian, you could save between 50% to 60% compared to traditional renting.
That’s not just spare change. That’s money for a deposit, a business idea, investments, or a much-needed holiday.
Most licence fees are inclusive of bills too, including utilities, council tax, and more. There are also no hidden fees or sneaky clauses. Just a clear, affordable way to live.
This is because, as a property guardian, you’re also providing a service. In exchange, you get enormous financial savings.
Prime Locations Without the Price Tag
Imagine living in a converted fire station in Zone 2, or a quirky school-turned-home minutes from the tube. Property guardianship puts you in the heart of it all, without the scary price tag.
By being a property guardian for City Guardians, you could access spaces across London and beyond (think Brighton, Winchester, and more). These aren’t your average listings, they’re distinctive properties that you’ll be proud to call home.
Spaces with Character
Offices, theatres, schools, pubs — we’ve turned them all into liveable, loveable spaces.
Some are shared, some are self-contained, all are full of potential.
As a guardian, you can expect to live in properties that come with generous communal areas (hello, home gym or art studio). We’ve seen guardians transform these spaces into everything from music rooms to skate parks.
Part of a Community
Property guardianship goes hand in hand with building communities.
Guardians go through a vetting process that ensures everyone is reliable, responsible, and in full-time work. This means, as a guardian, you’ll be living alongside like-minded professionals, creatives, and key workers who value the opportunity just as much as you do.
In fact, many of our guardians chose City Guardians specifically for our positive, human-first reputation.
Flexibility and Lifestyle Freedom
Say goodbye to long rental contracts and landlord dramas. As a guardian, you’re on a rolling licence agreement.
This means you only need to give 28 days’ notice to leave a property. You also have the option to move between properties in a portfolio.
So, being a property guardian comes with a flexible lifestyle without the legal baggage of traditional renting.
What are a Property Guardian’s Responsibilities?
As we mentioned, property guardianship is a service, not a free ride. But don’t worry, guardians don’t have to perform rigorous security patrols or put in plumbing and electrical maintenance shifts.
Quite simply, being a guardian means keeping the property safe, reporting issues quickly, and maintaining a respectful presence. Guardians actively help to preserve an empty space by living in it.
The main duties of property guardianship include:
- Residing full-time at the property
- Reporting maintenance issues or security risks
- Respecting the rules of shared or unique living spaces
- Keeping the property in good condition
Really, that’s not much different from the responsibilities of a renter.
Although, while you have legal protections (health and safety, fire regs, Protection from Eviction Act, etc.), guardianship is different from renting in a few key ways.
First, you pay a licence fee, not rent. You have non-exclusive possession of your space, and live on a rolling weekly licence with a 28-day notice period. Of course, you also need to open the property up for approved contractors.
Live-in Property Guardians: A Smarter Solution to Empty Real Estate
Property guardianship may help you find a far cheaper place to live, but it’s about more than just that. It’s for people who want an alternative lifestyle to expensive renting, where they can live in places with character, community and flexibility.
If you’re a working professional looking for a smarter way to live, without the high rents or long-term lock-in, this could be just the opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Guardianship helps protect properties, uplifts neighbourhoods, and brings empty buildings back to life. Sounds like your next big move? Apply today.
