Author: caitlin

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Head Property Guardians’ Pizza Night

Head Property Guardian Pizza Night

Living in a house share property brings with it lots of perks, but at the same time having multiple house mates can sometimes create a few tensions. In order to keep our house shares running smoothly and harmoniously, we often place Head Property Guardians into properties. Head Guardians take on additional responsibilities, they liaise closely with DEX’s Guardian Management Team, reporting any issues promptly and assists with monthly inspections of the site.

Head Guardians are experienced Property Guardians, they have normally been with DEX for a few years, building up a good relationship with DEX’s Guardian Management Team. The work they do for us is incredibly valuable, they are our eyes and ears in our larger properties and in order for the relationship to work smoothly it is key that good communication is maintained.

That is why we have started to hold Head Guardian meet ups, where we can discuss any issues, review Head Guardian duties and air any ongoing concerns. The first was held at the end on June over pizza and wine in central London and a great time was had by all. Head Guardians and members of DEX’s Guardians and Property Management teams were present and it was great for everyone to get to know each other and catch up in an informal setting.

We are always looking for Head Guardians as we get more large house share properties. If you feel you are an experienced Property Guardian, ready to take the next in securing and protecting empty property then let a member of the DEX Guardian Management Team know – we would love to have you along at our next meet up!

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Empty School Buildings Need Looking After Before Disposal

Empty school buildings need looking after before disposal

Disused educational buildings are playing an important role in offering housing solutions in the UK’s major towns and cities says Rogier Donkersloot, Managing Director at DEX Property Management.

A report from 2018 by the Education Authority marked 27 schools for potential closure due to ‘sustainability’ issues for the period of 2018-2019. Donkersloot said: “ That’s a lot of empty school building floor space across the country that could be utilised for housing. I believe property guardianship is a solution that makes economic and social sense. It’s an option that benefits both the property owner and those in need of affordable accommodation.”

Empty schools or university buildings following closures or awaiting refurbishments are susceptible to break-ins, structural damage and squatting. There is also the issue of metal theft and asset stripping, as well as burst pipes in the winter. Donkersloot says Property Guardians can help to mitigate building damage and ensure a steady stream of people are seen entering and leaving the property.

“There are around 32,000 schools in the UK, and schools are often sold or disposed of as sites are moved to more modern/fit for purpose sites. In this case guardians provide a few added benefits. These include keeping the property in good condition and stopping dilapidation – which can help facilitate a faster sale if the property is to be sold. They also offer access to the property throughout the selling process or planning/development.”

Donkersloot added: “In 2011, it was estimated there were 20,000 squatters in the UK, but eight years on it is likely this figure has risen significantly. Large public buildings are often attractive to squatters who may view schools as an easy prospect due to lack of occupancy.”

Education Design and Build Journal – May/June 2019

Empty school buildings

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Disused Educational Buildings Playing an Important Role in Offering Affordable Housing Solutions

vacant school buildings

Disused educational buildings are playing an important role in offering housing solutions in the UK’s major towns and cities writes Rogier Donkersloot, Managing Director at DEX Property Management.

 

It’s no secret that over recent years across the UK, rents have been rising, pricing many out of the rental market in the country’s major cities. A report from 2018 by the Education Authority marked 27 schools for potential closure due to ‘sustainability’ issues for the period of 2018-2019. That’s a lot of empty building floor space across the country that could be utilised for housing. I believe property guardianship is a solution that makes economic and social sense. It’s an option that benefits both the property owner and those in need of affordable accommodation.

Vacant School Buildings – The Risks

Empty schools or university buildings following closures or awaiting refurbishments are susceptible to break-ins, structural damage and squatting. Property guardians can help to mitigate building damage and ensure a steady stream of people are seen entering and leaving the property. With over 32,000 schools in the UK, I believe the concept of guardianship is the future for schools undergoing renovation or remaining empty due to closures.

Property guardianship is not a new concept to the education sector; a recent news story suggests it is increasing in prevalence. LocatED (a government led initiative to find sites for free schools) recently revealed that appropriate school properties will be used for guardianship schemes. At DEX, we have a wealth of experience in the education sector. We have placed property guardians in a variety of school buildings including religious school properties with stunning architecture as well as state schools. Guardianship isn’t confined to school buildings in London either; the demand for commercial and educational buildings across the country is increasing. Recent buildings converted for guardianship under our watch include properties based in Plaistow, Dagenham and Torquay.

[button url=”https://www.dexpropertymanagement.co.uk/case-studies/empty-property/” text=”Case Study – Diocese Protects Empty School Using Property Guardians”]

 

Why Vacant School Buildings Make A Good Match For Property Guardianship

Schools are often well equipped for hosting property guardians thanks to built-in toilet facilities, showers and kitchens. DEX can usually have a building fit for guardians within just 10 days of conducting a site visit and providing a bespoke report on works to be undertaken. With schools, the turnaround time for making a building inhabitable is often fast.

Thanks to their good transport links and often central locations, schools are often sought after by property guardians. Should a school face a sudden closure, we can usually place an emergency guardian in the building usually within just 24 hours. In 2011, it was estimated there were 20,000 squatters in the UK, but eight years on it is likely this figure has risen significantly. Large public buildings are often attractive to squatters who may view commercial property as an easy prospect due to lack of occupancy.

There’s also the question of empty public buildings. Many local authorities could benefit from demonstrating accountability – empty school buildings don’t demonstrate responsibility. Since many schools are in residential areas, it can prove unattractive to local communities to board up large properties, leaving them dilapidated.

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Empty Property Cost to Local Councils

Empty Property - Local Councils

A new report by the TaxPayers’ Alliance has uncovered that councils across the UK have spent £74 million over the last two years maintaining and securing more than 6,000 empty properties.

Empty property, that is no longer used by local authorities, include former schools, council offices, business spaces and other commercial properties. The fee comes from the cost of security, maintenance, insurance and refurbishment.

Alliance chief John O’Connell said: “Councils have a duty to maintain empty properties for future tenants and owners, so of course some costs will be involved.’”

“Many people will be startled by the total cost of maintaining empty property and want an explanation as to why these have not been used or sold by the council. At a time when families are struggling with the cost of living, it is important that local authorities do all they can to ensure that they are making decisions with taxpayers in mind.’

Growth in Property Guardianship Within Local Councils

A recent report by DEX Property Management found that Local Councils are increasingly turning to Property Guardians as a cost effective, efficient and flexible way of securing empty property.

For the uninitiated, Property Guardians live in empty commercial, residential or public owned buildings that have been converted into temporary, unique living space. In return for a low monthly fee, often significantly cheaper than traditional rent, they secure and protect the property from vacant risks and ensure it remains in meaningful use.

The benefits of Property Guardianship don’t just lie with the Guardians. Property Guardianship offers a range of benefits to building owners and council decision makers too. This includes security, a steady flow of people entering and leaving the property on a regular basis to deter squatters and burglars. Property Guardians also oversee the condition of the building and report any faults. There’s no need for expensive security guards or maintenance contractors to ensure buildings do not fall in to a state of disrepair, which can save councils £10,000’s.

With much criticism often levied at council decision makers and decisions scrutinised, it doesn’t make sense that council owned buildings are left empty. If those buildings can be put to good use, and offer affordable accommodation at little or no cost to the councils then why not? In the current economic climate, it’s especially important that decision makers demonstrate accountability for budgets and the usage of public buildings. Property Guardianship can, in most cases, be a zero-cost solution for local councils and can in many cases even generate a revenue.

The Solution – Property Guardianship

Property Guardianship offers a win-win solution to empty council property security issues, discusses Rogier Donkersloot, Managing Director at one of the UK’s leading Property Guardianship providers, DEX. “There’s a lot of empty property floor space across the country that could be utilised for affordable housing. I believe Property Guardianship is a solution that makes both social and economic sense. It’s an option that benefits the council, taxpayers and those in need of affordable accommodation.”

“We are able to turn most properties in to habitable and comfortable living spaces. Our experienced team will aim to get most properties fit for Guardians within 10 days of inspection, normally at zero cost to the council or property owner. All that we ask is that a building is able to provide running water and electricity and that the property is water and windproof.”

“Whether empty property is commercial, residential or going through a regeneration process the risk of squatting, vandalism and dilapidation remains the same. Boarded up buildings are unattractive to local communities. They attract antisocial behaviour and don’t demonstrate accountability of empty property. DEX Guardians’ bring the buildings back into meaningful use, benefitting the whole neighbourhood. They mitigate vacant risks and can turn what would be a security cost into a revenue opportunity. They also provide the council with flexibility for vacant possession.”

[button url=”https://www.dexpropertymanagement.co.uk/case-studies/empty-property/” text=”Case Study – Council Turns Risk into Revenue”]

 

Secure Your Empty Property

Property Guardians provide a multi-levelled solutions for securing empty property. Live-in Property Guardians protect against threats such as squatting and dilapidation. They also deter vandals and thieves from targeting empty property for lead, copper and other metals.

Securing your property through occupation provides a highly effective solution and it is at zero cost to the property owner.  In some cases, it can even provide a revenue. If you would like further information about how Property Guardians could help protect an empty property you own or manage please email propertyowners@dexpropertymanagement.co.uk

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Area Guide: Peckham

Property Guardian Peckham – Peckham Area Guide

 

Peckham is located in the south east of London, in the London Borough of Southwark. It’s come a long way since Only Fools and Horse’s Del Boy and Rodney made it famous in the 90’s, and it’s now one of the trendiest, most desirable areas to live in London.

The area has transformed into one of the city’s hippest hang-outs, but it hasn’t lost its soul. From Rye Market to Gormley’s Bellenden Road bollards, this place oozes cool.

Peckham is one of the most ethnically diverse areas of London and is home to photographers, designers, artists and many young, creative types – not to mention a growing community of Property Guardians.

Transport links

There are no tube lines in Peckham, but it does have two overland trains stations that are well-served by the Overground service and offer fast, regular links into central London.

Peckham Rye has regular services to London Bridge taking 10 minutes; Victoria (12 minutes); Blackfriars (14 minutes), and half-hourly trains to St Pancras (24 minutes).

Queens Road Peckham has services going into London Bridge in eight minutes.

Both stations are in Zone 2 and the annual travelcard to Zone 1 costs approx. £1,400 per year.

Peckham is also well served by many bus routes, with regular services across London and surrounding areas.

Eating Out

There is a huge restaurant scene in Peckham and given the multicultural mix of residents and businesses in the area, you can find a little bit of everything.

Peckham Rye triangle is a melting pot of interesting eateries. We love Mr Boa’s Taiwanese buns – which are some of the fluffiest in London!

Head to Pedler, SE15’s hottest brunch spot. You can spend the whole day there, moving from flat whites and smashed avocado, through to cocktails and grazing on small plates. Number67 also do an excellent bunch, which is served all day at the weekends. They also have front and back gardens which are perfect for alfresco dining on a summer’s day.

Locals flock to The Montpelier, the place to come for local food. They source their herbs from their next door neighbour and even pickle their own gherkins. They offer a great selection of drinks, serve Monmouth coffee and play smooth tunes into the small hours. They also boast a 30-seater cinema in their backroom showing an eclectic mix of films, from past to present.
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Drinking

There are so many great places around Peckham, with new, trendy establishments popping up on an almost weekly basis. But you can’t talk about Peckham without mentioning Franks. An amazingly unusual rooftop bar set on the top floor of former multi storey car park. It’s become a local institution of late, with people flocking here to take in the panoramic views across the whole of London whilst sipping on artisan cocktails.

Bar Story is another popular spot. Nestled in the railway arches, Bar Story is popular with the local hipsters and a great place to grab a drink or bite to eat – they offer a delicious range of Mediterranean inspired dishes.

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The debate over Peckham’s best pubs could go on forever but Beer Rebellion is a firm local favourite, serving a good selection of craft beer. The Rye, on the corner of Peckham Rye Park never goes out of fashion. It boasts a large beer garden, reliably good pub grub and a big projector, screening sport on the weekends.

Fancy staying on a bit later? Shoot some pool at Canavan’s, an authentically shabby party spot that’s open until 4am every night and hosts karaoke every Sunday.

Things to do in Peckham

You are never short of things to do in Peckham and our favourite place has to be Peckham Levels. Once a gloomy multi-storey car park, it has undergone a total transformation and now stands tall as a glistening hub of culture. Packed Full of studio spaces, workspaces, a street food market, and live music venues – it even has crazy golf in the basement!
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Experience sensory overload at Rye Lane market, a bustling hive of activity. There’s raw meat and fish, fresh fruit from the street traders and micro breweries galore.

Peckham Plex is another local treasure. It offers great day and night cinema tickets for bargain price of just £4.99! See the newest releases with money left over for popcorn.

Finally, Bussey Building is a must! An entertainment complex with twist, it offers a bit of everything and is always abuzz. The Peckham institution is a schmorgasbord of trendy bars, supper clubs, bike workshops and record stores. In the evening it offers warehouse style club nights and its roof hosts the Rooftop Cinema Club, with deck chairs and a big screen showing modern hits to eighties classics.

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Sustainable House Share – Property Guardianship

Sustainable House Share

Looking for sustainable house share? Property Guardianship is the ultimate recycling project – environmentally sustainable, it enables buildings to be reused and repurposed. So, it goes without saying Property Guardians are often an environmentally conscious bunch.

The importance of recycling and reducing our impact on the environment has never been more important. One of the many benefits of living as a Property Guardian in a shared property is that there are many extra ways you can do your bit for the environment….

1. Recycle Rota

Everyone knows it is important to recycle, but it is essential to make sure this isn’t over looked in a shared property. Take responsibility over your own recycling and don’t assume one of you housemate will do it on your behalf. Make sure everyone knows the correct bins and the correct days that items are collected. You can even create a rota to spread the recycling load.

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2. Next Level Recycling

Don’t forget that you can recycle more than just card and plastic, in fact you can recycle almost everything. Before you throw it away, take a minute to find out if you could recycle it instead. Local libraries often recycle small electrical items for example and Supermarkets recycle batteries and plastic bags.

3. Grow Your Own

Growing your own veg isn’t just a good way to save money, it’s also a great way to cut down your carbon footprint and be eco-friendly. Don’t have any outside space? Windowsill boxes are a great way to brighten up your view, filter the air coming into your home and offer plenty of space for herbs and small vegetable patches.
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4. Meat Free Feasts

Being careful with what you’re consuming is at the heart of being more eco-friendly and cutting down on the amount of meat you eat can have a huge impact. Why not have a meat free house meal each week. It is also a great chance to socialise with your fellow Property Guardians.

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5. Food Sharing

Waste not, want not. Did you know that 7.3 million tonnes of food is wasted in the UK every year? If you have something that you don’t think you are going to eat, why not see if one of your fellow Guardians might be able to put it to good use.

6. Co-living Compost

For any leftover food that you can’t share with you fellow Property Guardians, why not start a house share compost. If you have let your food go that little bit too far past its ‘best by’ then why not put it in a communal compost, rather than putting it in the bin. Not only will this help create a natural fertiliser and keep your garden green, it’ll also reduce the amount of waste going to landfill
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7. Turn It Off

Energy conservation is one of the most important things you can do to reduce your carbon footprint. Leaving your electricals on standby needlessly uses up energy – hit that off button.

8. Share Energy

Sharing a kitchen can provide a great opportunity to reduce your energy use in a sustainable house share . You could offer to make everyone a tea or coffee in the morning from only boiling the kettle once. Or you could cook a few fellow Property Guardian’s dinner in the oven at the same time.

9. Swap Shop

Another person’s junk is another person’s treasure. If you no longer want a top, or a book why no see if one of your Guardians would like it. You could even set up a swap shops so people can swap what they no longer want.

Register To Be A Property Guardian

If you would like more information about Property Guardianship or how you could become a Property Guardian please call 0800 0855 994 or…

[button url=”https://www.dexpropertymanagement.co.uk/property-guardians/register-to-be-a-guardian/” text=”Register Here”]

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Have you got ‘Flex’ Appeal?

Flexible Property Guardians

What is a Flexible Property Guardian?

A Flexible Property Guardian or ‘Flex’ as we often refer to them as, is a temporary Guardian, who secures a property for DEX on a short-term basis. Often while we prepare a new property for full Guardian occupation.

When we take on a new property, we often need to ensure it is secure within 24 hours. To do so, we place a ‘Flex Guardian’ from a pool of current, experienced DEX Guardians. These trusted Guardians temporarily live in the new property to ensure it is protected, while it is made ready for other Guardians to move in.

Who are Flexible Property Guardians?

Our pool of flexible Guardians are made up of current Guardians who have been with DEX Property Management for a number of years and can be trusted to take on extra Guardian responsibilities. DEX Flex Guardians have experience securing empty property and are happy to provide extra protection on a flexible basis.

What about my current Guardian Property?

Don’t worry, while you are flexing, we keep your room available, so once your flexing assignment comes to an end you are free to move back into your current property or room.

Do you get paid?

Yes, you do. In most cases we pay you to be a flex Guardian and for securing the empty property for us. Usually you are paid per night you stay and secure the property.

What are the benefits of being a Flex?

As well as making some extra money from flexing, there are other benefits. Often while we get the property prepared you have the whole property to yourself. You get to live in different, unique buildings and get to explore new neighbourhoods in the process.

What are the requirements?

The main requirement to become a ‘DEX Flex’ is that you are currently registered with DEX Property Management and that you have experience in securing empty property. Normally you will have been a Property Guardian for at least a year.

How long is a Flex Assignment?

The length of stay can vary from a few days to a few months. Usually a Flex assignment is a couple of weeks.

How can I become a Flex Guardian?

Think Flex Guardianship could be for you and fancy joining DEX’s pool of ‘Flexes’? Email us at hello@dexpropertymanagement and we will keep you up-to-date with our flex opportunities.

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Area Guide: Acton

Property Guardians Acton

Property Guardians Acton – Area Guide Acton

 

Acton is a large, vibrant neighbourhood in West London, bordering Chiswick, Ealing and Shepherd’s Bush. Full of great shops, bars, restaurants and leisure facilities, Acton offers something for everyone. It boasts diverse communities, great transport links and a down-to-earth, vibrant atmosphere.

Transport

London aside, Acton has the most train stations bearing its name within the UK, 7 in total. As a result, it is particularly easy to get across London from Acton.

Tube wise, you are well covered. The area is serviced by District, Piccadilly, Central and London Overground trains.

When it opens in 2020 (ish) Acton Mainline Station be on The Elizabeth Line (Aka Crossrail) cutting the time to places like Bond Street from an already impressive 25 minutes to less than 10 minutes.

Eating out

Acton boasts plenty of great restaurants, many of which are clustered around the Acton High Street and Churchfield Road areas. A firm favourite for locals is HASU, a modern Japanese restaurant, offering amazing sushi. Locals also flock to Anokha for some authentic Indian spice, Woody Grill for a Turkish fusion and Tailor Made for quirky Greek meze.

Pubs and Bars

You are spoilt for choice when it comes to drinking in Acton. The Aeronaut was voted London’s best pub boasting a microbrewery, a fabulous beer garden and even live circus shows at the weekends!

The Station House, Garden Bar and Dragonfly Brewery are all also popular choices. There is something for everyone, from lively nights out and cocktail classes through to summer beer gardens and cosy Sunday roasts.

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Things to do in Acton

Acton has plenty going on. Located in the heart of Acton Town is Acton Market, open every Friday and Saturday. A vibrant community market where you can pick up fresh bread, proper fruit and veg, street food, clothing and local hand crafted items all from local, independent traders.

Putt in the park, located in Acton park is a fun place. Enjoy 15 hole mini golf and then pop to the club house for a drink and fresh pizza from their wood fired pizzeria. Neighbouring Gunnersbury Park is also a local favourite, a beautiful green space that hosts the annual Lovebox festival.
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The area is full of gyms and leisure facilities. The Acton Centre has recently been redeveloped with a fabulous new pool, state of the art gym, tennis and table tennis courts and plenty of fitness and dance classes. You also have your standard cinemas, bowling alleys and sports clubs.

Cost of living in Acton

The average cost of renting a room in Acton is £674.50. The average cost for Property Guardians is £421. Property Guardians save an average of 37.6% in the Acton area.

Overview

Acton really is a great area. It has undergone a lot of change over recent years and is fast becoming one of the most popular areas in London. Great transport links, a vibrant community and an abundance of bars, cafes, restaurants and shops – whats not to love about Acton!

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Tomorrow’s FM – On Guard

vacant property services

Property Guardians offer owners an alternative to traditional security in empty commercial properties, writes Rogier Donkersloot, Managing Director and Founder of DEX Property Management, provider of vacant property services

Tomorrow’s FM: April 2019 

When buildings are left unused or awaiting a refurbishment, they can be left vulnerable to squatters and break-ins.

Boarding up property is often unfavourable and can have a negative effect on the local community and the surrounding area. Additionally, there’s the issue that unused buildings often deteriorate in condition if left vacant for a long period of time.

Recent research suggests that more than 11,000 UK homes are empty for 10 years or more. With traditional rents in London ever increasing and pricing young professionals and workers out of the property market, property Guardianship makes economic and social sense.

A report from the Centre for London from 2018 estimates that there is almost 30 million sq.ft of commercial space in the capital alone that has been vacant for over two years. That’s a lot of empty space potentially susceptible to damage, theft and squatting. In addition to this, there are estimated to be 200,000 empty homes also sitting dormant in the UK.

Guardianship and Vacant Properties

Property Guardianship has revolutionised vacant property services and security over recent years. There are currently an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people living as property Guardians across the UK, according to the UK’s leading property resource Zoopla.

While it is considered a relatively new phenomenon in the UK, property Guardianship has been widely used as a solution to many property security issues in the Netherlands for a number of years now. In the Netherlands, around 20,000 people are living in low cost properties that would otherwise be redundant thanks to Guardianship.

Property Guardians pay a licensing fee, which is typically much cheaper than a traditional rent to live in a vacant building for a period of time. This allows a building to remain used and functional while generating income for property owners and building owners.

Security and Maintenance

Vandalism, metal theft and arson have become particularly prevalent issues in the UK over recent years. Not only is vandalism unsightly for local communities, but also costs property owners and local councils thousands to remove. Preventing vandalism where possible (by taking precautionary measures such as placing Guardians in properties) can save time and money in the long run.

Guardianship is suitable for any commercial or residential property that is water and wind proof and that has electricity and water active. DEX manages all types of property including unused hospitals, churches, office blocks schools to name a few.

Many of the buildings that house Guardians are based in sought after locations, meaning a monthly fee for a Guardian that’s much cheaper than traditional rent, but also security for a property that may otherwise be sought out by squatters or burglars. It isn’t just the capital and major cities that Guardianship is confined to; there are Guardians all over the country looking for vacant buildings to temporarily call home.

Property Guardians

Property Guardians are vetted by DEX prior to moving in to a property and many of our Guardians are key workers or young professionals who want somewhere affordable to live while finding their feet.

Allowing Property Guardians to live in a vacant property helps to strengthen entry points against intruders, keeps a steady stream of people around the property and ensures buildings are not visibly empty.

Guardianship also ensures public buildings – some of which have historic and architectural significance – are protected. Local authorities are also accountable for the use of their empty buildings; Guardians ensure properties are not left unoccupied while the UK is in the midst of rising rents.

By helping facilities managers exercise control over the mounting costs of building maintenance in the lead up to a refurbishment. Ensuring a property is well maintained and habitable can help to extend the life of the property’s resources.

How Does it Work?

Such is the increase in Guardianship in the UK over the last few years; the Property Guardian Providers Association (PGPA) has been formed to give an industry standard to properties. This includes making sure buildings meet safety and standard requirements. If a building is to undergo a regeneration or large scale refurbishment and the property has been empty for a significant amount of time, cleaning costs before the project begins can soon begin to mount up.

It’s not unheard of for clean-up operations on this scale to run in to thousands of pounds before a building can become habitable once again. Keeping a building regularly maintained and allowing Guardians to move in ensures maintenance and cleaning is regularly undertaken.

The process of turning your building in to a Guardian friendly property isn’t lengthy and is tailored to your property. At DEX, we have a team of property managers who will conduct an initial site visit to determine what requirements need to be met. Facilities managers then receive a bespoke report for their property, outlining what needs to be done to prepare the building and our team will then set about fitting the property with the appropriate appliances. We can safely say we have property Guardian occupation and the property secure with a maximum of 10 working days.

A Specialist in Vacant Property Services

As a founding member of the PGPA, we at DEX have more than 10 years’ experience helping property owners and local authorities ensure vacant buildings are secure and protected through the use of property Guardians. Since our formation in 2009, we have built a rich history in helping councils, housing associations and NHS trusts to make the best use of vacant properties.

We currently work with 50% of the G15 housing associations and have been entrusted to place Guardians in a wide selection of different properties. We manage large scale regeneration projects with 50 plus Guardians through to one-bedroom flats. Some of the more unusual placements include an adapted convent and old dairy in Ladbroke Grove, and a police station.

In recent years we have also seen an increase in demand for placing Guardians in to religious buildings having taken on our first client in this sector in 2016. Just one of the current properties we have available for Guardians is the Archbishop of Westminster’s holiday retreat.

Read the full article on vacant property services in Aprils edition on Tomorrow’s FM…

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Why Property Guardianship Is The Key To Modern Property Security

Property Guardians

DEX’s Managing Director, Rogier Donkersloot, discusses why Property Guardianship is a great solution to modern property security issues.

 

Q: For the uninitiated, what is Property Guardianship?

A: Recent research suggests that more than 11,000 UK homes are empty for 10 years or over. A report from the Centre for London from 2018 estimates that there is almost 30 million sq. foot of commercial space in the capital alone that has been vacant for over two years. That’s a lot of empty space potentially susceptible to damage, theft and squatting. In addition to this, there are estimated to be 200,000 empty homes also sitting dormant in the UK.

Property Guardians pay a licensing fee, which is typically much cheaper than a traditional rent to live in a vacant building for a period of time. This allows a building to remain used and functional while generating income for property owners and building owners. With traditional rents in London ever increasing and pricing young professionals and workers out of the property market, Property Guardianship makes economic and social sense.

Q: Why is Property Guardianship needed?

A: Security is one of the biggest challenges facing owners of empty property. Whether property is commercial or residential, there’s no doubt that unused buildings or those awaiting refurbishment are vulnerable to squatters and break-ins. Boarding up property can also be unfavourable and can have a negative effect on the local community and the surrounding area. Additionally, there’s the issue that unused buildings often deteriorate in condition if left vacant for a long period of time. Traditional property security can be expensive, so Guardians offer an alternative solution.

Q: How many people are acting as Property Guardians in the UK?

A: There are currently an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 people living as Property Guardians across the UK, according to the UK’s leading property resource Zoopla. And in a recent census of the Property Guardian sector, its clear that Guardians come from a diverse range of professional backgrounds – 30% of Property Guardians are key workers.

While it is considered a relatively new phenomenon in the UK, Property Guardianship has been widely used as a solution to many property security issues in the Netherlands for a number of years now. In the Netherlands, around 20,000 people are living in low cost properties that would otherwise be redundant thanks to Guardianship.

Q: What property security issues can Guardianship help prevent?

A: Vandalism, metal theft, squatting and arson have become particularly prevalent issues in the UK over recent years. Not only is vandalism unsightly for local communities, but also costs property owners and local councils thousands to remove. Preventing vandalism where possible (by taking precautionary measures such as placing Guardians in properties) can save time and money in the long run.

Allowing property Guardians to live in a vacant property helps to strengthen entry points against intruders, keeps a steady stream of people around the property and ensures buildings are not visibly empty. Guardianship also ensures public buildings – some of which have historic and architectural significance – are protected. Local authorities are also accountable for the use of their empty buildings; Guardians ensure properties are not left unoccupied while the UK is in the midst of rising rents. Property security is significantly enhanced when using the services of Guardians.

Q: What does my property need to have to host Guardians?

Guardianship is suitable for any commercial or residential property that is water and wind proof and that has electricity and water active. DEX manages all types of property including unused hospitals, churches, and office blocks schools to name a few.

Many of the buildings that house Guardians are based in sought after locations, meaning a monthly fee for a Guardian that’s much cheaper than traditional rent, but also security for a property that may otherwise be sought out by squatters or burglars. It isn’t just the capital and major cities that Guardianship is confined to; there are Guardians all over the country looking for vacant buildings to temporarily call home.

Q: What is the PGPA?

A: Such is the increase in Guardianship in the UK over the last few years; the Property Guardian Providers Association (PGPA) has been formed to give an industry standard to properties. This includes making sure buildings meet safety and standard requirements. As a founding member of the PGPA, we at DEX have more than 10 years’ experience helping Property Owners and local authorities ensure vacant buildings are secure and protected through the use of Property Guardians.

Q: What is the process of getting Guardians in to an empty property?

A: The process of turning your building in to a Guardian friendly property isn’t lengthy and is tailored to your property. At DEX, we have a team of Property Managers who will conduct an initial site visit to determine what requirements need to be met. Facilities Managers or Property Owners then receive a bespoke report for their property, outlining what needs to be done to prepare the building and our team will then set about fitting the property with the appropriate appliances. In the majority of cases works are carried out by DEX and at no cost to the Property Owner. We can safely say we have Property Guardian occupation and the property secure with a maximum of 10 working days. In many instances we can also offer a Flex Guardian service which means a Guardian could be living in your property within 24 hours while it is awaiting full occupation.

Q: Why should I choose DEX?

A: We currently work with 50% of the G15 housing associations and have been entrusted to place Guardians in a wide selection of different properties. We manage large scale regeneration projects with 50 plus Guardians through to 1 bedroom flats. Some of the more unusual placements include an adapted convent and old dairy in Ladbroke Grove, and a police station. We also offer fast turnaround times for placing Guardians in empty properties and making them habitable. We take care of your property security and our Property Guardians, making our team the perfect fit to help keep your property safe.

To find out more about how Guardianship can help to secure your property please email hello@dexpropertymanagement.co.uk 

References

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-42536418
https://www.standard.co.uk/comment/comment/city-s-empty-buildings-and-shops-are-a-wasted-asset-a3953501.html
https://www.eadt.co.uk/news/suffolk-coastal-district-council-woodridge-melton-hill-hq-1-5911394
https://www.propertyguardianproviders.com/about