There are several risks associated when public assets sit vacant, often going beyond physical damage. Squatting, fire risk, and neighbour complaints can escalate, while local trust and safety decline. Ad Hoc helps reduce these risks through rapid deployment, careful oversight, and a socially-minded approach that restores purpose to space that would otherwise be unused.
Local Councils & Public Services
Vacant council properties and land assets present challenges beyond just protecting against squatting and vandalism. They can lead to community frustration, reputational risk and rising costs. Ad Hoc offers tailored solutions that combine Guardianship with professional security: keeping usable spaces active and secure, and protecting those that cannot be occupied. Working in partnership with councils, we align with regeneration goals and help deliver social value without long-term commitments.
- Temporary occupation that fits around your project plans
- Socially responsible use that supports community cohesion
- Reduces reputational risk and discourages anti-social behaviour
A Trusted Partner for the Public Sector
Ad Hoc works in partnership with councils to protect and repurpose underused assets. By combining guardianship with professional security, we keep occupiable spaces active while safeguarding those that cannot be used. Our flexible, socially responsible approach reduces financial and reputational risks, eases pressure on internal teams, and supports regeneration goals while long-term plans are developed.
Industry-Specific Challenges: Managing Public Property Risk
Minimise the Risks of Vacancy
Squatting & Vandalism
Burglary & Theft
Deterioration and decrease in value
Fire hazard and safety risks
Negative impact on the community
Ad Hoc Together
At Ad Hoc, we recognise the impact vacant buildings have on communities and the importance of contributing where we operate. Through Ad Hoc Together, we partner with local organisations and councils to support initiatives that improve neighbourhoods, bring people together, and create safer, more vibrant places for everyone.
Safeguarding Public Assets – Proven Solutions
”Since the beginning of our partnership with Ad Hoc in 2016, we have consistently benefited from their outstanding service in managing our vacant properties. Ad Hoc and its Property Guardians provide us with peace of mind, ensuring our properties are safeguarded against theft, squatting, and other anti-social activities.
Senior Regeneration ManagerBarnet Homes
Over the past nine years, we have entrusted Ad Hoc with the management of over 600 residential properties across six regeneration schemes, alongside additional security measures tailored to protect our estates.
Their professionalism and reliability have been pivotal to the success of our development project
Colindale Estate – Barnet Homes
”Ad Hoc have provided an excellent service in providing Guardians in our empty and often vulnerable Churches and Vicarages. They have proved to be very professional in their attitude and we anticipate using their services for the foreseeable future
Property Manager
Anglican Diocese of Liverpool
Ad Hoc safeguarded a vulnerable consecrated church by placing Property Guardians who protected the building, reduced costs, and kept it in good condition during redevelopment.
”Over the past 9 years, we have entrusted Ad Hoc with the management of over 600 residential properties across 6 regeneration schemes, alongside additional security measures tailored to protect our estates. Their professionalism and reliability have been pivotal to the success of our development projects.
Senior Regeneration Manager
Whitefields Estate
Ad Hoc kept the Whitefields Estate secure and cost‑efficient by managing void homes with Guardians and targeted security throughout the regeneration programme.
”Thanks to Ad Hoc’s security service, a major investment scheme for the site is now progressing free from delay, providing Tufnell Park and surrounding residents with a great gastro-pub offering.
Enterprise Inns
Tufnells Public House
Ad Hoc protected the vacant Tufnells Public House by placing Property Guardians and managing the site to prevent squatting, maintain its condition and give the landlord flexibility during delayed redevelopment.
”Our collaboration with Ad Hoc has transformed long-vacant homes into thriving spaces, improving community safety and offering a path to permanent tenancies.
Gentoo Group
Gentoo Group
Ad Hoc helped Gentoo bring long‑vacant homes back into use by placing Property Guardians who improved safety, reduced costs, and revitalised neighbourhoods across struggling North East estates.
We are very fortunate to work with these amazing partners
Trusted by Local Authorities across the UK
Tailored Solutions
We offer various solutions for your vacant real estate.
- Temporary occupancy based on a loan agreement;
- Temporary rental;
- Temporary management by entrepreneurs based on a loan agreement;
- Ready-to-move-in office space;
- Security.
Curious about what Ad Hoc can do for your vacant property?
Request a free consultation. We’ll contact you as soon as possible to discuss the possibilities.
