Rethinking Vacant Property Security: Why the Industry Needs to Change
Securing a vacant building should be simple. Unfortunately for many owners, it’s anything but that.
Between rising costs, the increasing risk of squatters, and security contracts that offer little flexibility, the traditional approach to vacant property security is long overdue for a rethink.
So, what is the solution to securing an empty property?
Outdated CCTV systems often miss threats and don’t stop the problem. Steel boarding sends the wrong message to the public. Security guards aren’t always reliable. This all means that property owners are left footing the bill for services that fail to deliver real results.
However, look beyond traditional security solutions, and there is a more beneficial option in property guardianship.
The Problems With Vacant Property Security
Let’s call it what it is. Vacant property security, as most owners experience it today, is expensive and unreliable.
Traditional options like manned guards, CCTV, or metal screens might offer the illusion of control, but they don’t go far enough. In fact, many are ticking time bombs.
Right now, nearly 250,000 properties in England are vacant. These empty properties have risen by a staggering 24% over the last six years.
At the same time, crime against vacant buildings has been rising. Owners face increasing exposure to squatters, vandalism, arson, and fly-tipping. A passive security camera can’t stop any of these issues until it’s already too late.
And when problems happen, they’re expensive. Vandalism alone can push repair bills into the tens of thousands. Squatters can claim rights and delay repossession for months. Even a minor incident can void insurance coverage if proper security measures are not in place or fail to be proven.
The deeper issue? Most conventional security contracts are built to respond, not prevent.
There’s a gap between what is promised and what is delivered. And often, no one is accountable when things go wrong.
What Vacant Property Security is Missing
Property owners aren’t just looking for surveillance or deterrents. They want reassurance. They want real protection that works in practice, not just in writing.
That means:
- A clear presence on-site to prevent issues before they escalate
- Full visibility into what’s happening at the property
- A solution that reduces risk without bleeding cash
- A provider that sees the bigger picture
Yet most traditional security providers fall short on these fronts. Reports aren’t all that frequent, inspections are rushed, and the cost for basic cover keeps going up.
Worst of all, many providers overlook the social value of vacant buildings altogether. That’s a missed opportunity. Because in the right hands, these spaces can serve a purpose, instead of just sitting locked up.
Rethinking Vacant Property Security with Property Guardianship
Considering all of the issues with traditional vacant property security, property guardianship comes in as the ideal solution.
Guardianship is all about having vetted, professional guardians who live in and look after your property. It’s a cost-free, flexible security solution that delivers real protection and real value.
At City Guardians, we’re challenging the old ways and setting a new standard for vacant property security. Our approach is proactive, transparent and built on trust.
We don’t just place people. We work with both the property owner and the guardian to create a relationship that benefits everyone.
We also carry out regular inspections, provide full compliance checks, and give you access to real-time reporting whenever you need it. So, it’s a security solution combined with a maintenance benefit.
The result is a living, breathing property that stays safe, looked after, and legally protected.
Why More Owners Are Choosing Property Guardians
Here are five reasons why more property owners are choosing property guardianship solutions over traditional security routes.
An Affordable 24/7 Presence
Unlike CCTV or manned guards, guardians provide live-in protection day and night, without the round-the-clock cost.
At City Guardians, our service is entirely cost-neutral for owners, and in many cases, can even help offset insurance premiums.
Business Rate Relief
Because our model includes options for charitable partnerships and partial occupation, many clients benefit from significant savings on business rates. That means more budget left over to reinvest in the property or plan for redevelopment.
Quick Onboarding with No Long Contracts
We understand that every day a building sits empty, the risk increases. That’s why our team can complete inspections, clearances and guardian placements in as little as seven working days. No drawn-out admin or hidden fees.
Responsible Building Care
Guardians don’t just keep intruders out. They report maintenance issues early, keep spaces clean and hazard-free. And, they ensure your property doesn’t fall into disrepair from the inside out.
Positive Community Impact
We match local key workers and professionals with affordable, flexible housing in return for their service. This helps communities stay connected, gives purpose to unused spaces and supports the people who keep our cities running.
Reconsider Vacant Property Security
In reality, the current model for vacant property security just doesn’t meet the needs of today’s property owners. It’s reactive, rigid and often fails when it matters most. But there is another way.
Property guardianship, when done responsibly, offers a practical alternative. It lowers costs, strengthens protection, and adds real value to your building and your local area.
At City Guardians, we believe vacant buildings deserve more than just locks and cameras. They deserve care, purpose, and a security solution that actually works.
Want to explore a smarter way to protect your property? Get in touch with our team, and we’ll walk you through what guardianship could look like for your space.
