Community

Building Community Through Guardianship: The Heart of Blue Door

At Blue Door Property Guardians, we believe that a home is more than just four walls - it’s about the people you share it with. One of the biggest benefits of property guardianship isn’t just affordable living in unique spaces, but the strong sense of community it fosters. In a world where connection can sometimes feel distant, guardianship offers a chance to be part of something bigger.

A Shared Experience

When you become a Blue Door Property Guardian, you join a network of like-minded individuals who are embracing an alternative way of living. Whether you’re a creative, a professional, or someone looking for a fresh start, guardianship introduces you to people from all walks of life. The shared experience of adapting to an unconventional living space often brings people closer, forming friendships that go beyond just being housemates.

Support & Security

Living with others creates a built-in support system. Need someone to water your plants while you're away? Looking for a gym buddy? Or just fancy a chat over a cup of tea? The communal nature of guardianship means there’s always someone around to lend a hand or share a moment. It’s about looking out for one another and creating a safe, welcoming environment together.

Shared Spaces, Shared Stories

One of the most rewarding parts of being a guardian is transforming a vacant property into a home filled with laughter, conversation, and shared experiences. Whether it’s a communal dinner, a weekend DIY project, or simply helping each other settle in, guardians make spaces come alive in a way that traditional housing often doesn’t.

Events & Meet-Ups

At Blue Door, we encourage our guardians to connect beyond their individual properties. Through community events, meet-ups, and social initiatives, we create opportunities for guardians to expand their networks, exchange ideas, and build meaningful relationships. From skill-sharing workshops to casual gatherings, there’s always a way to get involved.

Join the Blue Door Community

If you’re already a guardian, we’d love to hear your stories about community living—share them with us! If you’re thinking about joining, know that guardianship isn’t just about a place to live; it’s about the people you live with. Ready to be part of something special? Apply today and find your place in the Blue Door family.

Empty Homes Week 2025 - The Role of Blue Door Property Guardians & Revitalising Communities

As we mark Empty Homes Week 2025, it is vital to shine a light on the growing issue of vacant properties across the UK. Currently, nearly 700,000 homes sit empty and unfurnished, with over 265,000 classed as long-term vacant. When factoring in holiday lets and second homes, the total exceeds one million - meaning that approximately one in every 25 homes is unoccupied.

Empty properties are more than just wasted housing stock; they contribute to neighbourhood decline, attract vandalism and anti-social behaviour, and create missed opportunities for those in need of a home. With the UK facing an ongoing housing crisis, bringing these properties back into use is more important than ever.

The Environmental Benefits of Repurposing Empty Homes

The Government 2021 Net Zero Strategy sets out a series of policies and commitments designed to enable the UK to reach net zero by 2050, so retrofitting and repurposing empty homes is not only a social necessity but also an environmentally sustainable choice. Research suggests that reusing existing buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 50-80% compared to new-build developments, so focusing on empty homes is a practical and effective way to cut emissions while providing much-needed housing.

Blue Door Zero Cost Security : Your Solution for Vacant Properties

Blue Door Property Guardians offer a creative and cost neutral solution for managing vacant buildings. By placing carefully selected, responsible Guardians into vacant residential and commercial properties, we provide a zero cost security solution for property owners. This ensures buildings are fully occupied, well-maintained and safeguarded from risks such as squatting, arson and theft, which can breach Insurance Policy.

Benefit to Property Owners

Choosing Blue Door Property Guardians offers property owners multiple advantages

  • Security – Live -in 24/7 zero cost security 24/ 7 365 days of the year, avoiding high cost traditional security measures such as CCTV, alarm systems and security personnel.

  • Cost Savings –Neutral cost with annual savings of over £200,000+

  • Property Maintenance – Blue Door takes care of day-today maintenance, no more worries about water ingress, flooding or fire.

  • Community Engagement – Occupied properties contribute positively to local communities, deterring crime and enhancing safety of the area.

Advantages for Blue Door Property Guardians

For individuals looking for affordable housing solutions, becoming a property guardian with Blue Door offers:

  • Lower Living Costs – Guardians typically pay 30-40% less than market rental prices, making city living more affordable.

  • Unique Homes – The chance to live in a variety of interesting properties, from former schools to office spaces and listed buildings, often in sought-after locations and close to public transport.

  • A Sense of Community – Many guardians enjoy a communal lifestyle, sharing spaces with like-minded professionals and making friendships.

Empty Homes Week 2025 reminds us of the urgent need to address the issue of vacant properties across the UK. Blue Door Property Guardians are leading the way in transforming these spaces, benefiting both property owners and working professionals seeking affordable accommodation. By embracing our innovative solution, we can work together towards a future where empty homes are put to good use, creating thriving and sustainable communities.

Staying Safe and Warm: Winter Tips for Blue Door Property Guardians

Winter can be a challenging time for Blue door Property Guardians, with cold temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rain making it essential to take extra precautions. At Blue Door Property Guardians, we want to ensure you and your property stay safe, warm, and well-maintained during the winter months. Here are our top tips for looking after yourself and your space when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

1. Stay Warm Indoors

  • Layer Up – Wearing multiple layers traps heat more effectively than a single thick layer. Keep cosy with thermal socks, jumpers, and blankets.

  • Don’t use heaters in properties not supplied by Blue Door. Utilities are more and more expensive so be diligent about how you use them.

  • Block Draughts – Use draught excluders, rugs, or even rolled-up towels to seal gaps under doors and windows to keep the heat in.

  • Keep Doors Closed – This helps retain warmth in the rooms you use the most.

2. Protect Your Property from Storm Damage

  • Secure Windows and Doors – Check for any gaps or loose fittings. If you notice any damage, report it immediately.

  • Store Outdoor Items – If your property has a garden or outdoor space, bring in or secure loose objects that could be blown away.

  • Check for Leaks – After heavy rain, look out for leaks or damp spots and report them before they become bigger issues.

3. Be Prepared for Power Cuts

  • Keep a Torch Handy – Have a torch (and spare batteries) in an easy-to-find place in case of an outage.

  • Charge Your Devices – Keep your phone, power bank, and any essential electronics charged up ahead of stormy weather.

  • Stock Up on Essentials – Non-perishable food, bottled water, and blankets can be helpful in case of an emergency.

4. Prevent Burst Pipes

  • Keep the Heating On Low – Even if you’re away, a low, steady temperature can prevent pipes from freezing.

  • Know Where the Stopcock Is – If a pipe bursts, turning off the water supply quickly can help prevent serious damage.

  • Report Any Issues Promptly – If you notice dripping taps, leaks, or reduced water pressure, let us know as soon as possible.

5. Stay Safe When Venturing Out

  • Check the Forecast – Before heading out, be aware of any severe weather warnings.

  • Watch for Icy Surfaces – Be cautious of slippery pavements and stairs, and wear appropriate footwear for better grip.

  • Allow Extra Travel Time – Delays are common in bad weather, so plan ahead to avoid getting stuck.

  • Brush up leaves on external steps, patio’s and forecourts to prevent slips and falls.

6. Keep in Touch

  • Stay Connected – If the weather is severe, check in with fellow guardians and let someone know if you’re experiencing any issues.

  • Know Who to Contact – Keep our emergency contact details handy for any urgent property concerns.

By taking these simple steps, you can stay safe and comfortable throughout the winter. If you have any concerns about your property during bad weather, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Stay warm and take care!