Property specialist DEX Property Management is celebrating 10 years helping landlords and local authorities ensure vacant buildings are secure and protected via the use of property guardians. It is thought that there are between 7,000 and 10,000 property guardians across the UK, but it is estimated that this figure could increase tenfold over the next few years as the sector continues to grow.

DEX Property Management was founded in 2009 in the UK by Rogier Donkersloot from the Netherlands – the home of property guardianship. Since its formation, DEX has built a rich history in helping councils, dioceses, housing associations and NHS trusts to make use of vacant properties. DEX now works with more than 50% of the G15 housing associations.

The London based company has a plethora of properties and property owners on its portfolio, both residential and commercial. Guardians can pay affordable fees to live in some of the country’s most sought after postcodes. DEX manages property across the UK, including addresses in London where traditional rents are in excess of £600 per week. On average property guardians save 50 -60% on housing costs compared to the rental market. Guardians live in properties for landlords to help ensure they’re well maintained and kept secure. Buildings DEX has placed guardians in include an adapted convent and an old dairy in Central London. Current properties available for guardians include the Archbishop of Westminster’s holiday retreat.

While guardianship is predominantly short term, the longest guardianship to date under DEX’s management was a five year stay in two unused mental health units. Over the five year period the unused space allowed 110 guardians to live in affordable accommodation. Over the last 10 years, DEX has provided over 7,500 guardians with suitable low cost housing – including many key workers.

A recent highlight for DEX was being a founding member of the industry’s PGPA (Property Guardian Providers Association). The association has conducted research in to property guardianship and found that 90% of guardians stayed in the same building for six months or more and over 60% paid less than £500 per month in licensing fees.

Managing Director of DEX Property Management Rogier Donkersloot says: “I’m thrilled that DEX Property Management is celebrating 10 years in business. I’m confident guardianship is the way forward for offering affordability and security in the property market. On behalf of DEX, I’d like to thank all of our landlords and guardians past and present for helping to keep community buildings safe and secure.”

Image caption: A convent is among the recent DEX Properties occupied by guardians.