As the housing crisis across the UK continues to worsen, Liverpool in particular is feeling the effects. The country as a whole has an estimated 1.2 million people on waiting lists for affordable housing, and in Liverpool alone, there are 15,008. However, there are currently 3,093 homes in the city that have been sitting vacant for more than six months. With Liverpool City Council promising to build 25,000 new homes by 2022, it is evident that more lateral solutions to the lack of homes aren’t also being considered.

 

One solution not being utilised enough is property guardianship. The scheme, one that Ad Hoc Property Management has seen much success with all over the UK, places Guardians into properties at an affordable licence fee (as low as £160pcm), where they can live and save money, all while securing and maintaining the property.

One property in particular that is reaping the benefits of Guardianship is a Freehold Grade II Listed brick-built set of flats on Rodney Street in Liverpool, situated within the Rodney Street Conservation area, and which forms a part of the popular ‘Georgian Quarter’.

 

Owned by Great Places Housing Group, this beautiful property was turned over to Ad Hoc Property Management in April 2016, and has been well-looked after and secure ever since, keeping squatters and vandals at bay.

 

“As a company that strives to provide affordable housing to those who need it, we fully support the work of Ad Hoc in not only doing the same, but in helping property owners to keep their properties safe until their future is decided,” said XXXX managing director, Great Places Housing Group.

 

The property, which is a short walk from Liverpool city centre, is located in a prime student area within a 15-minute walk to all three major Liverpool universities, as well as supermarkets and other handy amenities. There are 25 self-contained en-suite units ranging in size between 250 and 400 sqft, and a number of communal areas, meeting rooms and offices. Units are available for a licence fee of just £300pcm, all utilities included.

 

“Living so close to the city centre at such an affordable price is a rare find. I am not only able to save money, but I can do so while also enjoying a very social lifestyle right in the centre of the city,” said XXXX, Guardian at Rodney Street flats.

 

Vacant properties are a green light for squatters and vandals. Last year in Liverpool, there were a total of 6,066 reports of anti-social behaviour and 1,748 reports of criminal damage and arson. Often, empty buildings fall victim to these crimes, leaving property owners with costly repair bills and higher empty property insurance premiums. Having Guardians live in properties until their futures are decided is not only a great way to keep them from falling into disrepair as a result of anti-social behaviour, but it is also a great way to save on the cost of insurance, security and damage repairs.