Empty buildings can cost a lot more than many owners realise. When you consider expenses like security, insurance, utilities, business rates, and regular maintenance, the costs add up fast.
A vacant property might look stable from the outside, but behind the scenes, it can drain money every month. Traditional security measures also carry their own ongoing costs. Mobile patrols, CCTV systems, steel screens, and alarm monitoring can become expensive, especially when a property remains empty for long periods of time.
This guide explains how to secure a vacant property so that you can save money, protect your asset, and even generate income while you wait for your next step.
Why Vacant Properties Become Financial Burdens
A building is at its most expensive when it’s empty. While you may expect costs to fall when people move out, the opposite is often true. Without daily use, a building begins to deteriorate. Damp builds up, leaks go unnoticed, and heating or water systems fall into disrepair. Repairs can then become costly very quickly and strain planning budgets.
There’s also the cost of traditional security. CCTV systems require installation, monitoring fees, and maintenance. Steel screens and boarding need fitting and replacing. Security patrols are generally effective, but expensive because they need to be carried out regularly to have any impact.
Business rates are another major pressure. According to the UK Government, empty commercial buildings can be liable for full business rates after only three months of vacancy. For larger buildings, this cost can reach tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds per year, depending on the building’s size and location.
Owners who are waiting through planning delays or market uncertainty often end up spending a lot more than they expect. This is why many owners look for alternative ways to secure vacant property that reduce cost rather than add to it.
How to Turn an Empty Building into an Asset
Just because a property sits vacant, it does not mean it cannot be an income-generating asset. Here are some solutions to make the mihost of an empty building.
Making Security Work for You
Instead of paying for multiple separate services, a more efficient approach is to use a security model that both protects the building and lowers ongoing costs. Property guardianship does exactly that by keeping a building lived in rather than locked up.
Guardians live in the property safely and legally under a licence agreement. Their presence alone reduces risks, keeps the building ventilated, and spots issues before they become expensive. Guardianship also removes the need for round the clock guards or constant security call outs.
Because guardians pay a fee to occupy the building, the owner does not carry the security cost.
When a space is active and cared for, the chance of crime drops significantly. Empty commercial buildings are more likely to be targeted for vandalism, metal theft, and forced entry. A lived-in presence changes this dynamic and protects the property in a natural and effective way.
Reducing Business Rates
One of the biggest financial advantages of guardianship is the potential to reduce business rates.
When a building is occupied through a compliant guardianship arrangement, owners can often access significant rate reductions. This is especially valuable for developers, housing associations, and owners holding assets for sale or redevelopment.
It’s very common for owners to face delays due to planning approvals, funding cycles, or legal processes. Guardianship bridges this period so that the building does not sit empty, deteriorate, and accumulate unnecessary ongoing costs.
Income Share Opportunities
Some larger developments benefit from income share arrangements. This applies when a building has greater capacity or when a flexible mixed use model is suitable. In these cases, guardianship can create a new income stream rather than simply removing costs.
Instead of paying for traditional security, owners receive monthly income while their building remains secure and occupied. This can support the wider financial plan of a larger site and allow owners to offset additional holding costs.
Examples of How Unused Space Can Work Harder
Guardianship works well for a wide range of property types. Homes awaiting sale, office blocks in transition, schools undergoing planning review, or larger development sites waiting on funding can all benefit from this model.
For example, a large residential property with multiple units may be stuck in the market due to structural issues or timing delays. Instead of just sitting empty and deteriorating, guardians can live in the space, keep it warm, ventilated, and secure, and provide regular updates to the owner.
In other cases, smaller standalone properties like cottages, bungalows, or individual residential homes can also benefit. When a building is left empty for long periods of time, neighbours often raise concerns about security or condition. Guardianship provides an immediate lived in presence that keeps the property stable until the owner is ready to sell or redevelop.
Turn Empty Building Costs into Opportunities
There’s no reason why vacant properties should drain money or attention when they could be working for you. With the right approach, an empty building can reduce overheads, avoid business rate pressure, stay protected, and even generate income. Guardianship is a practical way to secure vacant property while avoiding unnecessary spending and keeping the building in good condition.
If you want to learn how much you could save, or how your property could create income while staying secure, we can provide a clear breakdown and a free inspection. Contact our team today and discover how your unused space can work for you rather than against you.
