Before joining Ad Hoc Property Management in Bristol, Norman and Olivia were both Property Guardians themselves. Their lived experience gives them a unique perspective in their roles today. We asked them about their time as Guardians, the moments that stayed with them and what inspired them to join Ad Hoc.
Meet Norman and Olivia
What made you decide to become a Guardian?
Norman:
“The increasing cost of living in the UK was a big reason, especially as a single person. I discovered Property Guardianship and realised how affordable it was compared to renting. It also offered a strong sense of community. One of my friends was already a Guardian, and we had the opportunity to live together at a low cost, which was great!”
Olivia:
“I was a Guardian in the Netherlands. I had just started my first full time job after university and wanted a lower cost of living so I could save. Being able to save money at that stage of life is almost unheard of in Amsterdam, so Property Guardianship felt like a very smart choice.”
Can you tell us about the Guardian properties you lived in?
Norman:
“I lived in one Guardian property, but it was a very large site with around eighty to ninety Guardians. There were four blocks and everyone knew each other. It was a former care home with good facilities and large communal spaces, and there were often small events taking place. It really felt like a community.”
Olivia:
“Over one and a half years I lived in three self-contained properties together with my brother. One of them was in Betondorp, an area of Amsterdam I had never even been to before, despite having lived there my whole life. All three properties were owned by housing associations going through major changes and renovations. Each place had its own character and I enjoyed living in all of them.”
How was your experience as a Guardian?
Norman:
“I really enjoyed it. It felt like a breath of fresh air, especially after Covid when I had not been seeing many people. I met people from different communities, religions and backgrounds, and it taught me how to get along with people I might not have agreed with at first. That is what happens when you live with a large group of people. The community aspect was what I enjoyed most. Sharing a kitchen meant learning to cook lots of different meals, and financially it allowed me to save, move into a rental property later and prepare for more difficult periods in life. It also meant I could enjoy things like going out for dinner more often!”
Olivia:
“It was great! I really enjoyed living with my brother and I am very grateful I got to experience areas of Amsterdam I did not know well before. Of course moving on short notice can be stressful, but considering how much I was able to save, it was worth it. Also, every move feels like a new chapter and each period was very distinct.”
Was there an interesting moment that would not have happened if you had not been a Guardian?
Norman:
“I lived with film students and ended up featuring in some of their student films. It was fascinating to see how creative they were and what goes on behind the scenes. Bristol is such a creative city, and that really came through during that time.”
Olivia:
“Many areas in Amsterdam have become quite high end and people do not always look out for each other like they used to. The areas I lived in as a Guardian felt very different. The connection with neighbours was much warmer than I was used to. I will always remember a neighbour ringing my doorbell after making a barbecue, bringing sausages and a glass of red wine for me to enjoy. That is something I would never forget!”
What drew you to work for Ad Hoc?
Norman:
“I have always had a passion for helping people and I saw firsthand the benefits of being a Guardian. I wanted to contribute to making the process smoother for others. I was able to pivot my skills from working as a risk manager and apply them within the Guardianship framework, using my own experience to help improve things. Also, after working in different industries, Ad Hoc is the first company where I truly feel the work has a direct impact on people’s lives. This makes me am proud and happy to work here.”
Olivia:
“I truly believe in Property Guardianship as a concept. Properties should be secure, protected and, if possible, actively used. It still amazes me how many properties are left empty. In the Netherlands, Property Guardianship is very well known, and I believe it should be the same in the UK. Ad Hoc has been active in the UK for twenty years and yet many people still do not know about it. I wanted to help change that.”
What is your role at Ad Hoc and how have you been finding it?
Norman:
“I am the Branch Coordinator for the Bristol branch. My role is to ensure compliance is always up to date. I arrange and communicate essential works between contractors and Guardians, helping create a positive experience for both our Guardians and our clients. After working in different industries, Ad Hoc is the first company where I truly feel the work has a direct impact on people’s lives. I am proud and happy to work here.”
Olivia:
“I am the Marketing Consultant and I get to do all sorts of things. From creating posters and improving processes to interviewing Guardians and contributing to our social initiative Ad Hoc Together. As you would expect, quite a lot of things happen “ad hoc” in this company, making every day different which I really enjoy. One of my main projects has been this website that you are looking at right now, and I hope you like it!”
