The outlook for property guardianship: An interview with VPS Guardians General Manager

What is driving the increasing demand for property guardianship?

There are a number of factors at play.

Many organisations are managing vacant properties for longer as redevelopment programmes, planning processes and funding decisions become more complex. At the same time, the risks and costs associated with leaving buildings empty continue to increase.

We’ve also seen greater public awareness of property guardianship through national media coverage. That reflects a wider conversation about how vacant buildings should be managed responsibly, while recognising the ongoing demand for affordable, flexible accommodation.

Ultimately, organisations are looking for solutions that help them manage risk while retaining the flexibility to adapt as their property portfolios evolve.

Are organisations using guardianship differently today?

Absolutely.

One of the biggest shifts we’ve seen is that clients are becoming much more strategic. Rather than asking whether guardianship is the right solution for their entire portfolio, they’re asking where it adds the greatest value.

Increasingly, we’re supporting organisations that use guardianship selectively, where it’s the most appropriate vacant property solution, alongside other security and asset management measures. One of our largest clients now takes exactly this approach, using guardianship across its portfolio where it’s the right fit.

That reflects a much more mature approach to vacant property management. The conversation has shifted from simply asking, “How do we secure this building?” to “What’s the most appropriate way to manage this asset while it’s vacant?”

What are clients looking for from a guardianship provider today?

Professionalism, transparency and partnership.

Clients want far more than someone to place guardians in a building. They want a provider that becomes an extension of their property management team, offering proactive communication, regular inspections, robust compliance processes and responsive account management.

One trend we’ve consistently observed is that clients are asking much more detailed questions at the outset of a scheme. They’re interested in compliance, inspection regimes and reporting, but they’re also asking about guardian selection, onboarding and the ongoing support provided throughout their occupation.

That’s important because a well-managed guardianship scheme relies on people feeling safe, informed and supported. Good communication, responsive property management and high standards of accommodation all contribute to a positive experience for guardians, which in turn supports the successful management of the property.

Property owners also recognise that the way a guardianship scheme is managed reflects on them as much as it does the provider. In today’s environment, reputation matters. Organisations want confidence that their buildings are being managed professionally, responsibly and in a way that aligns with their own values.

What makes a successful guardianship scheme?

Selecting the right guardians is important, but it’s only one part of the picture.

Successful schemes are built on proactive property management, regular engagement with guardians, close collaboration with clients and the ability to respond quickly as the needs of a property change.

A well-managed guardianship scheme should give clients confidence that their building is being actively cared for, not simply occupied.

What advice would you give organisations reviewing their current guardianship arrangements?

I’d encourage them to look beyond cost.

Ask how often properties are inspected, how compliance is managed, what reporting you’ll receive, how quickly issues are resolved and how responsive your account manager is.

It’s also worth understanding how guardians are recruited, supported and managed throughout their occupation. A well-run scheme benefits everyone involved; the client, the guardians and ultimately the property itself.

Guardianship has become a professional property management service, so organisations should expect high standards of communication, accountability and care, as well as effective protection of their assets.

What role does social value play?

It’s becoming increasingly important.

Many organisations, particularly in the public sector, are looking beyond property protection alone. They’re asking how vacant buildings can continue to deliver value while awaiting their next use.

Property guardianship can provide carefully selected guardians with access to affordable, flexible accommodation while ensuring buildings remain occupied and managed. Depending on the property and the client’s objectives, other meanwhile occupation models may also be appropriate.

The important thing is understanding the objectives for each building and selecting the solution that delivers the greatest value, both operationally and socially.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of property guardianship?

The continued evolution of the sector.

Property guardianship is now firmly established as part of the wider vacant property landscape, and I think we’ll continue to see organisations taking increasingly strategic approaches to managing vacant assets.

The future isn’t about one solution fitting every property. It’s about understanding each asset in their portfolio, identifying the client’s objectives and delivering the right approach at the right time.

For me, success isn’t simply measured by filling a vacant building. It’s measured by how effectively we protect the asset, support our clients, provide a positive experience for guardians and help organisations navigate the increasingly complex challenge of managing vacant property.