Using Property Guardians as part of your security for an empty building can be part of a wider solution to the housing crisis

In a recent report by The Guardian it has been outlined that housing prices have jumped 151% in the last 20 years! Meanwhile earnings have only increased by around a quarter as such making affordable housing near non-existent. With average deposits for first time buyers increasing year-on-year, less and less people are getting on the property ladder before they’re 32, and with doubt over weather help-to-buy schemes are actually helping people to buy, it looks like many will never own their own home.

 

So what is the solution to these problems? We believe our solution is a strong option: Property Guardianship. We consistently work with local authorities, and other public and private sector landlords, on how Property Guardianship can be part of an integrated housing strategy.

 

It is estimated that there are over 600,000 empty properties across the UK. This causes two problems: 1) These empty properties aren’t being put to good use, and 2) If we look at the broken window theory (the theory that property can be left for a long time until one window breaks then soon after the property can be covered in graffiti and house squatters) then all these unprotected empty properties are just one broken window away from being vandalised, even suffering long-term damage!

 

Here’s an extract from the theory, first written about in The Atlantic Monthly in 1982:
‘Consider a building with a few broken windows. If the windows are not repaired, the tendency is for vandals to break a few more windows. Eventually, they may even break into the building, and if it’s unoccupied, perhaps become squatters or light fires inside.

 

Or consider a pavement. Some litter accumulates. Soon, more litter accumulates. Eventually, people even start leaving bags of refuse from take-out restaurants there or even break into cars.’
With this in mind, by using Property Guardians empty protects can be protected cost-effectively, and for those Guardians choosing this route, rent (or licensee fee as it is known) is a fraction of the cost of the private rental market. In addition, properties are being put to good use Properties are being protected Cheaper rent (license fee) is allowing people to save money for buying their own home.

Overall, Ad Hoc holds the welfare of its Guardians at the highest importance level. Ensuring best practice is adhered to at all times, be it through an improved standard of properties for Guardians to live in, or making sure that Guardians not only have everything they require but also are communicated with in the correct manner, the aim is to provide Guardians with the best service possible. By taking the lead in improving these standards, Ad Hoc will create a more sustainable and credible solution.

 

If you want to learn more about our Guardian welfare standards, check out our Guardian Charter here: http://adhocproperty.co.uk.87-239-16-230.m8-adhoc.uk.plesk-server.com/2016/04/ad-hoc-calls-for-industry-to-raise-standards-with-launch-of-property-guardian-charter/

 

If you want to find out more in general about Property Guardianship and protecting your property, explore our website
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