Source: CNN
According to CNN, as London’s rental crisis deepens, a growing number of residents are opting to live in disused schools, office buildings, and even an old cathedral to escape skyrocketing housing costs. The practice, known as property guardianship, allows individuals to occupy vacant properties at lower rates than typical rent, though it comes with fewer legal protections.
Arthur Duke, founder of Live-in Guardians, a company that matches people with vacant properties, says applications are soaring. “That’s been brought about by the cost-of-living crisis,” he explained. “People are looking for cheaper ways to live.”
While once a niche choice for artists and creatives, guardianships are increasingly attracting professionals in their 30s and 40s who can’t afford traditional rent. Luke Williams, a 45-year-old tech project manager, has lived in several properties, including a former office space. “As well as making financial sense, I like the lifestyle and the interesting, quirky places,” he said.
However, the experience is not without drawbacks. Some guardians report hazardous conditions, such as no drinkable tap water and unsafe ceilings. Journalist Louis Goss, a former guardian, recalls his time in a repurposed police station as an adventure, likening it to a “pirate ship.” But as conditions worsened, he eventually walked away. “What began as a bohemian lifestyle choice now looks increasingly like a symptom of Britain’s housing crisis,” he noted.
The UK government does not endorse guardianships due to concerns over living conditions. Despite this, demand is rising, with over 13,500 people currently living as guardians, according to the Property Guardian Providers Association (PGPA). Chair Graham Sievers confirmed applications have reached record levels, with over 50,000 people applying last year.
With London’s average private rent hitting £2,220 (€2,570) per month, affordability remains a major issue. Some guardians, like Mavis Alaneme, managed to save enough for a home deposit after nearly a decade of guardianships. “Being able to sit on our own sofa and know we won’t be kicked out—it’s a lovely feeling,” she said.
For others, guardianship has become less of a stepping stone and more of a trap. Charley Hullah, a long-time guardian, says he remains stuck. “I thought I’d move up the ladder into private renting, but I still can’t afford it.”
With Britain’s housing shortage worsening, property guardianships offer a temporary fix, but as critics warn, they are no substitute for real housing solutions.
With information from CNN.
