Property Guardianship Searches Rise 24% as Empty Homes Pass 750,000

With more than 754,000 homes in England currently sitting empty, property owners are facing growing pressure to protect vacant buildings against trespass, vandalism, theft and deterioration.

At the same time, rising housing costs are driving increased public interest in alternative accommodation models, including property guardianship. Recent data shows UK Google searches for “property guardianship” have increased by 24% since 2022, reflecting growing awareness of guardianship as both a housing option and a vacant property security solution.

For property owners, however, guardianship should be viewed as part of a wider vacant property protection strategy - not a standalone answer.

Research highlighted by insurer Homeprotect found that empty homes now account for around 2.9% of England’s housing stock, with particularly high concentrations in Greater London.

Vacant buildings are increasingly vulnerable to:

• Squatting and unauthorised occupation

• Arson and fire damage

• Theft of materials and utilities

• Anti-social behaviour

• Water ingress and structural deterioration

• Insurance complications

Property guardianship remains one of the most cost-effective and socially beneficial ways to secure suitable vacant buildings. By placing carefully vetted working professionals into otherwise empty properties, owners benefit from:

• A visible on-site presence

• Reduced likelihood of break-ins or vandalism

• Faster reporting of maintenance or safety issues

• Ongoing occupation that can help deter deterioration

But not every building is suitable for guardianship. Some sites require:

• 24/7 security officers

• K9 patrols

• Temporary CCTV towers

• Access control systems

  
  

Others benefit from blended solutions combining guardianship with physical security and compliance management. Professional assessment is essential before deciding on the most appropriate protection strategy.

As the number of empty buildings continues to rise across the UK, owners increasingly need flexible, professional and compliant ways to protect their assets. Property guardianship can play an important role, but it works best as part of a broader vacant property security strategy.

When managed correctly, guardianship does far more than fill empty space - it helps transform vulnerable vacant buildings into actively protected assets.

Get in touch with us today to see how Ambika Security can help with your vacant property portfolio.