vacant retail property

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.

What Happens Next for Empty Retail Property on the British High Street?

What Happens Next for Empty Retail Property on the British High Street?

It’s now been 2 months since the high street retail giant Arcadia announced it would be going into administration and closing down all 444 leased shops across the UK. With many other high street names following suit, the continuous bad news for the British high street puts landlords and communities in a very worrying situation. Experts have warned that property owners with investments in retail and high street locations should start planning for worst-case scenarios.