Property Owners
Vacant properties don't have to be costly.
From break-ins, vandalism, squatting or unnoticed issues like burst pipes or pest infestations. These risks can lead to costly repairs and a decline in property value.
VPS Guardians offers a proven solution: we place carefully vetted individuals in your empty property to keep it occupied, secure and well-maintained. This temporary occupation acts as a strong deterrent to vandalism, reduces deterioration, and ensures your building remains presentable and operational.
Vacant properties are vulnerable.
From break-ins, vandalism, squatting or unnoticed issues like burst pipes or pest infestations. These risks can lead to costly repairs and a decline in property value.
Empty Property Relief (EPR) only lasts between three to six months and once it ends, business rates reapply, often becoming a significant and unexpected cost. If your property is likely to be vacant for more than three months, whether you’re waiting on planning permission or preparing for redevelopment, the VPS Guardians model offers a smarter alternative.
By placing carefully vetted individuals to live or work in your empty building, we turn vacancy into occupation, the most effective deterrent against damage, squatting, and deterioration. In return, your property provides affordable short-term accommodation under a flexible agreement, with just 28 days’ notice required to reclaim the space.
This model not only helps you avoid business rates and reduce insurance premiums but also keeps your property secure and maintained delivering a cost-neutral alternative to traditional security measures, as well as peace of mind.
Property with VPS Guardians
- Occupied & Protected - No need for paid security, VPS Guardians provide a visible, on-site presence.
- Occupied and Working for You - Peace of mind with consistent, proactive occupation, deterring intruders.
- Active Occupancy - Reduced insurance costs due to active occupancy.
- Secure, Cared-For Spaces - No business rates applicable, Guardianship qualifies as occupation.
Property without VPS Guardians
- Empty & Vulnerable - Ongoing security costs that add up over time.
- Vacant and Exposed - Risk of costly breaches and emergency call-outs.
- Unoccupied Risks - High insurance premiums due to vacancy.
- Standing Empty - Full business rates payable after EPR ends.
We work with a diverse range of customers within the public and private sectors.
Why use VPS Guardians to protect your property?
Prevent Crime and Damage
Vacant, neglected buildings attract vandalism and squatting. Keeping your property occupied stops this risk.
Complete Security Solution
We provide end-to-end protection, starting with a free site risk assessment and tailored recommendations.
Trusted, Vetted Guardians
Our carefully selected Guardians live in your property, providing a visible presence that deters intruders.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Regular inspections and having Guardians on site keep your property secure, well-maintained, and ready for future use.
Cost-Effective Protection
No fees to pay, plus potential savings on insurance and business rates—simply by keeping your property occupied.
Flexible, Hassle-Free Solution
We handle everything—from vetting Guardians to managing compliance—so you can protect your property without the stress.
Case Study - Hill Group
Discover how VPS Guardians partnered with the award-winning Hill Group to breathe new life into a vacant care home in Bristol. By replacing costly traditional security with a vibrant Guardianship model, they not only protected the site but also created affordable housing local key workers; delivering real community impact while supporting future development.
Case Study - Private School
When a former school site in Gloucestershire faced security challenges ahead of redevelopment, VPS Guardians delivered a tailored, cost-neutral solution. By placing live-in Guardians, the property stayed safe, well-maintained, and ready for its next chapter, while offering temporary housing to local professionals.
Case Study - Care Home
Faced with the risks of vacancy, a care home in Hampshire was transformed into a secure, lived-in space through VPS Guardianship. Within just 10 days, 20 vetted Guardians were placed on-site, protecting the property while providing affordable housing for local workers. This quick, compliant, and cost-effective solution showcases how Guardianship delivers both security and social value.