Luke Williams has never been one for ordinary living spaces.
From a Masonic lodge tucked in Hampstead Heath, to a 17th-century workhouse in Cambridge, and a school in Kilburn, his home addresses read more like a tour of unusual history than typical rental listings.
Today, he’s settled in a disused office block in Whitechapel, East London.
And here’s the kicker: Luke pays £1,600 a month for his sprawling two-bedroom, open-plan apartment, bills included.
That’s nearly 30% less than the London average of £2,268.
In a city where rents have surged by almost 30% in the last five years, his secret sounds almost too good to be true.
The Property Guardian Solution
Luke is a “property guardian.” Essentially, he lives in vacant buildings to keep them secure and well-maintained, preventing vandalism or squatters from taking over.
For Luke, this clever setup has saved him more than £23,400 over three years.
And he’s not alone. Chefs, TV actors, and even former professional footballers are discovering the charm and affordability of guardianships.
“It all started in 2018,” Luke recalls. “I was hunting for a rental in Cambridge, looking at tiny rooms for £800 a month, craving space.
Then I stumbled upon a guardian property—an enormous, oak-panelled building with stone staircases and stained-glass windows, all for £500 a month. I was sold instantly.”
Why Guardianships Work for Owners
Property guardianships aren’t just a win for tenants—they’re a smart move for owners too.
Vacant buildings can attract squatters, vandalism, and even complaints from neighbours.
By placing a guardian on-site, owners effectively get free security, someone to report leaks or damage, and peace of mind that the property is actively monitored.
Hamed from Live-in Guardians, a company managing such arrangements, explains: “Empty properties often create problems.
Guardianships provide affordable housing for renters while protecting the building—everyone benefits.”
Living in Unique Spaces
Guardian properties can be delightfully unconventional.
Luke’s current Whitechapel flat was once part of an NHS facility.
Whiteboards covered with medical stats and notes still line the walls—a quirky reminder of its past that Luke chooses to leave as part of the charm.
In a previous Masonic lodge, one room was strictly off-limits because it housed ceremonial artefacts.
And the Cambridge workhouse he lived in for over a year has since been transformed into a luxury hotel.
Some sites are solo apartments, others have shared facilities, and all come with basic rules: applicants must be over 21, employed full-time, have a DBS certificate, and no children or pets are allowed.
Guardianships on the Rise
The system is growing fast. Estimates suggest there are 15,000 property guardians across the UK today, up from just 5,000 in 2017.
While many are in their 20s and 30s, the oldest guardian managed by Live-in Guardians is 71.
Key workers such as nurses and police officers are common, though rising rents have made guardianships appealing to a broader group of young professionals.
Hamed shares some notable past residents: “We’ve had chefs, UN employees, BAFTA winners, TV actors, and even ex-professional footballers.
It’s a mix of people drawn by the cost and the unique experience.”
Security Without Extra Responsibility
Despite living in often grand or unusual buildings, guardians aren’t expected to act as security guards.
Hamed clarifies: “It’s about security through occupation.
Look after the property, report health and safety issues, and you’re done. No chasing burglars required.”
Units are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis, though current guardians needing to move get priority.
he catch? Tenancies are on 28-day rolling contracts, meaning a guardian can be asked to leave with just a month’s notice—a dealbreaker for some.
Cost Savings That Speak for Themselves
Luke, a tech programme manager, has thrived under this setup for nearly three years.
“The notice period isn’t scary if you’re financially prepared,” he says. “And the value is incredible.
Elsewhere in London, I’d be crammed into a tiny room with my laptop on my knees.
Here, I have space and even a proper office.”
On average, a guardian property rents for £675 per month with bills included—less than half the national average of £1,368.
In Tower Hamlets, where Luke lives, a standard two-bedroom flat costs £2,353.
That’s over £650 a month saved, not even counting utilities.
The Quirky Perks of Guardian Living
For Luke, the appeal isn’t just financial. It’s the thrill of living somewhere unusual, sometimes historic, and often full of character.
“Some friends love the concept; others are wary of the 28-day notice.
But for me, the combination of savings and weird, offbeat spaces is unbeatable.
It’s allowed me to live in places I could never have afforded otherwise.”
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