Live-in Guardians
Live-in Guardians

Property Guardian Scheme

March 31, 2025

In today’s challenging property market, owners of vacant commercial buildings face numerous risks, including vandalism, squatting, and significant maintenance costs. Implementing a property guardian scheme offers a proactive solution to these issues, ensuring properties remain secure and well-maintained.

What is a Property Guardian Scheme?

A property guardian scheme involves placing responsible individuals, known as property guardians, into vacant properties to live on-site. In return for affordable accommodation, these guardians help secure and maintain the property, deterring unauthorised access and reducing the likelihood of damage. This arrangement benefits both property owners and guardians, creating a mutually advantageous solution.

Benefits for Property Owners

1. Enhanced Security: The presence of live-in guardians significantly reduces the risk of trespassing, vandalism, and squatting. Occupied properties are less likely to be targeted by criminals, providing peace of mind to owners.


2. Cost Savings: Utilising a property guardian scheme can lead to substantial savings on security expenses and maintenance costs. Additionally, owners may benefit from reductions in empty property rates, as the building is no longer considered unoccupied.


3. Property Maintenance: Guardians help maintain the property’s condition by reporting issues promptly and ensuring regular upkeep, preserving the building’s value and preventing deterioration.

Advantages for Property Guardians

1. Affordable Accommodation: Guardians gain access to cost-effective living spaces, often in prime locations, making city living more accessible for young professionals and key workers.


2. Unique Living Spaces: Many guardian properties are distinctive buildings, such as former schools, churches, or offices, offering a unique living experience.


3. Flexible Contracts: Guardian agreements typically operate on rolling contracts, providing flexibility for individuals seeking short-term housing solutions.

About Live-in Guardians

At Live-in Guardians, we specialise in transforming vacant commercial properties into habitable spaces for property guardians. Our comprehensive service includes:

  • Property Assessment and Preparation: We evaluate the suitability of your property and undertake necessary modifications to ensure it meets residential standards.
  • Guardian Vetting and Placement: Our rigorous selection process ensures that only reliable and responsible individuals are placed in your property.
  • Ongoing Management and Support: We provide continuous oversight, addressing any issues that arise and ensuring both owners and guardians are satisfied with the arrangement.

Implementing a property guardian scheme through Live-in Guardians offers a strategic approach to managing vacant properties, delivering security, cost savings, and maintenance benefits. For more information on how we can assist in safeguarding your property, visit our Vacant Property Security page.

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Benefits of Property Guardianship

Property guardianship offers a highly effective solution for property owners seeking to secure and maintain vacant buildings, particularly in urban settings where empty properties are vulnerable to various risks. Property guardianship allows responsible individuals (known as "property guardians") to live temporarily in vacant properties in exchange for affordable housing. This arrangement provides several key benefits for property owners beyond traditional security measures.