The Smart Alternative to Security Contracts: Guardianship for Vacant Offices
Empty office buildings are only too common across the UK. With changing work patterns, hybrid working, and slow demand, many commercial spaces are sitting unused for longer periods.
They can often sit empty for months at a time, which increases costs and risks for owners. It also puts pressure on local areas, since vacant buildings often attract vandalism and decline. This is why many owners now look for better ways to secure vacant office spaces.
Property guardianship has become one of the smartest and most cost-effective options to do this. It provides effective security, reduces costs, and keeps the buildings in good condition. This guide explains how guardianship can secure vacant office buildings, why it works so well, and how it compares to traditional security contracts.
Why Vacant Offices Need a Smarter Security Solution
Vacant office buildings face all kinds of risks as soon as staff move out. The building becomes more vulnerable to trespassing and squatting, vandalism, metal theft, and break-ins.
Empty offices also deteriorate quickly because they have no daily use to keep systems running. For example, small leaks can turn into major repairs, heating failures go unnoticed, and damp and mould can quickly start to spread.
Traditional security contracts add another layer of cost. CCTV, alarms, mobile patrols, and steel boarding all help, but they require installation, monitoring, and ongoing fees. These expenses seriously add up for each month a property remains empty.
Recent data shows just how common vacant offices still are. According to Remit Consulting, office occupancy levels are still only at around 38%. This means plenty of owners are looking for ways to secure vacant office spaces that do not rely on costly long-term contracts.
Property guardianship offers a clearer, simpler, and more flexible solution. It places trusted people inside the building who protect it through their presence. The building stays active, ventilated, and feels lived in rather than abandoned. This alone removes most of the risks associated with empty commercial properties.
How Guardianship Provides a Smarter Way to Secure Vacant Office Properties
Guardianship is a practical model that supports owners while reducing unnecessary costs. Guardians live in the building under a licence agreement. They are vetted, responsible, and fully aware of their duties. Their presence prevents criminal activity and keeps the property in stable condition.
A Lived-in Building is More Secure
Vacant commercial buildings are more likely to be targeted by criminals. Research from the UK Government’s Commercial Victimisation Survey shows that 26% of business premises report crime each year, and this risk increases when a building is left empty.
A lived-in presence changes this completely. People do not enter properties that look occupied, which means break-ins and vandalism drop. The building stays safe without the need for expensive external security measures.
Lower Costs and Fewer Complications
Traditional security contracts often involve multiple services and repeated visits. Guardianship removes most of these costs, as:
- There are no patrol fees
- There are no monitoring charges
- There is no need for complex equipment
Owners also benefit from the building being regularly used. Heating and ventilation stay active, which helps prevent structural problems. Guardians also report any issues early, which stops small problems from becoming major repairs.
Flexible, Temporary, and Simple for Owners
Empty office buildings often go through long periods of uncertainty. Owners may wait for planning decisions, funding approvals, new commercial tenants, or redevelopment timelines.
Guardianship supports all of these stages because it works on a flexible basis. There are no long-term contracts or fixed terms. When the owner needs the building back, guardians leave with notice, and the space is returned in good condition.
How Guardianship Works in Office and Commercial Spaces
Property guardianship works well in offices because these buildings already have large open layouts, multiple rooms, and strong facilities. Many commercial projects have already shown how effective this model can be.
Office floors can be converted into comfortable living spaces with minimal changes. Communal areas, such as kitchens or meeting rooms, can be reused by guardians. Large open rooms can be divided into private areas without construction.
Guardianship keeps these spaces active and protected until redevelopment or reletting begins. It supports the owner without altering the long-term purpose of the building.
Owners also appreciate the low-impact nature of the service. Monthly check-ins, digital reports, and clear communication help them stay informed on the status of the building.
Secure Vacant Office Buildings More Effectively
Vacant offices do not need to be a financial burden. You don’t need constant patrols or expensive security contracts. The smarter option is a lived-in presence that provides protection, stability, and oversight every day.
Property guardianship turns empty commercial spaces into active, cared-for environments. It helps owners save money, it prevents criminal damage, and it supports redevelopment plans. It also adds social value by offering affordable places for responsible people who need flexible accommodation.
If you want to secure vacant office spaces in a cost-effective and practical way, we can walk you through the process and offer a free property inspection. Get in touch today and discover how guardianship can work for your building.
