I was reading a fascinating article on the rise of “property guardians” in Europe. With the economic downturn, many buildings are left empty, either because a buyer can’t be found, or just waiting for the tide to turn and prices to rise again. 
Several firms are specializing in matching people who need a place to live with these houses that need someone to live in them. They’re not renters, per se, but guardians against thievery, squatters and vandals. In the UK, squatters have the right of possession if they can prove they’ve lived in the house or on the land for more than 10 years. Once people begin squatting at a property, it can be very hard to remove them.
So these guardians pay a bit of rent, usually about £50 a week (about $80) and put down a deposit. There are some spectacular and interesting places that need guarding, and the term of guardianship can last from a few months, to a few years. The properties are not generally furnished, but all have kitchens and baths.
Sounds like a great way to spend a few months living in the UK on the cheap!
I have heard of people squatting and taking possession of properties in the UK, a couple actually told us about it our train ride down to Brighton last year. But I've never heard of the guardianship program, what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting this, our daughter has been trying to figure out how to live more cheaply abroad!
Kat :)
What a great idea!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! (Now if only I didn't have to quarantine my kitties, which I would never, ever do, even for a chance to live in the UK.)
ReplyDeleteVery interesting concept, like an Estate Manager...
ReplyDeleteWhom do I contact about putting my name on a list? What a great way to pass a sabbatical!
ReplyDeleteLove the animated snowman in your header. Seems he is waving hello!
ReplyDeleteGreat new header!
ReplyDeleteI'm ready to pack my bags and go! Except for the whole house and job and husband and dog being here thing.
If you click on the link to the article, some of the companies are listed. It seems rather simple: passport, banking information, references,etc.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting- sensible really.
ReplyDeleteI want not approve on it. I think precise post. Especially the title-deed attracted me to review the sound story.
ReplyDeleteI want my name on the list too! As long as they come with heat!
ReplyDeleteOlga
We have that in the U.S. too. What an awesome "occupation."
ReplyDeleteI want to be a guardian at any of these places. sounds great to me!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds so adventurous. Oh, not to have cancer and to be young again!!!!I would tell any healthy, young person to go for it.
ReplyDeletexoxo,
nancy
i wonder if they would let you do it like that?
ReplyDeletewhen do we get to see the stairs?
Thanks for sharing this. Good daydream material.
ReplyDeleteI checked out the links in the Guardian article. Camelot has the owners pay for utilities; as for Ambika, you have to know a caretaker who is already listed with them.
Dear Riviera Boardwalk, I feel your dilemma. Warm wishes.
I work for Ad Hoc in the UK - our website is www.adhoc.eu for more info. It really is that simple, you register and providing you are over 21, can prove that you can support the license fee (as little as £30 outside London, rising the closer you get to the city centre)and have a reference from an employer or landlord then we can try and match you with a property. You do have to live by some rules (such as no live-in partners, pets or smoking in the property) and the notice period is short to quit a building, but on the plus side it is really cheap, we find 98% of guardians new placements when needed and you get to live in some amazing places, normally with all bills included in the small price.
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