Pictured above: Darren Tubb
An innovative scheme which can save owners of empty buildings
thousands of pounds on security costs has been introduced in the
Midlands by Ad Hoc Property Management.
Owners of large vacant buildings such as schools, churches,
nursing homes or tower blocks are traditionally faced with
significant bills to make sure their property is protected from
squatters, vandalism or anti-social behaviour.
Ad Hoc offers an alternative, finding 'guardians' -
professionals such as nurses, trainee doctors, bank workers,
musicians and artists - who move in on a temporary basis, paying a
nominal fee in return for generous amounts of space and the
opportunity to live somewhere truly unique.
The company already successfully runs the scheme in other areas
of the UK such as London, Leeds and Liverpool, so recently
recruited Birmingham-born property expert Darren Tubb to run a
newly-opened office in the city.
Darren said: "The costs of protecting an empty building quickly
mount up - putting up fencing, boarding up windows, installing CCTV
cameras or hiring security patrols. Our alternative of using
guardians is an extremely cost-effective option in comparison -
we've found that property owners can save up to 80 per cent of the
amount they might pay on traditional security costs.
"The commercial property market is still suffering the hangover
of the credit crunch, so many projects are still being held in a
moth-balled state by their owners. Having guardians on site helps
to breathe some life back into these empty buildings and ensures
they don't fall into disrepair or suffer from break-ins. As long as
a building is structurally sound, we are able to work with its
owner to prepare it for occupation by guardians."
Guardians pay an all-inclusive licence fee of between £40
and £50 per week, allowing them to make considerable savings
on their usual outgoings. Some use the opportunity to save for a
deposit on a property of their own, whilst others enjoy the quirky
lifestyle and spacious living quarters. Ad Hoc strictly vets
potential guardians - they must be over 21 and in full time
employment, with preference given to key workers where
possible.
Any property owners wishing to discuss potential guardianship
can contact Darren Tubb from Ad Hoc Property Management on 0121 773
8116 or d.tubb@adhoc.eu.