Fifteen Years of Turning Empty Spaces into Opportunity!

This year, Global Guardians proudly celebrates 15 years of transforming vacant properties into vibrant homes and communities.

As Global Guardians marks 15 years, the milestone comes at a time when the UK’s housing challenges remain acute. More than one million homes across England stand empty, while average London rents have reached £2,294 per month.

Founder Stuart Woolgar recognised this contradiction when he first arrived in London: vacant buildings alongside growing demand for affordable housing. Inspired by the Dutch property guardianship model, he adapted the concept for the UK—placing responsible residents in empty properties to care for them until redevelopment, sale, or reuse. From that idea, Global Guardians was born and has since grown into one of the UK’s leading guardianship providers.

Property guardianship offers a practical solution to two problems at once: protecting vacant buildings while creating more affordable places to live. In areas such as Clapham, accommodation that might cost £2,000–£3,000 on the open market can be available to Guardians for around £800–£1,000 per month.

Professional standards have remained central to the company’s growth. Stuart Woolgar helped shape British Standard BS 8584 in 2015, helping establish minimum standards across the sector, while Global Guardians has continued investing in technology to improve support, communication, and property management.

Having lived as a Guardian himself for a decade, Stuart built the company around the idea that guardianship is ultimately about people—creating opportunities, community, and access to affordable living.

As demand for flexible and affordable housing continues to grow, Global Guardians aims to expand the positive impact of property guardianship across the UK and beyond—giving empty buildings new purpose and helping more people find places to call home.

Watch the full interview below!