Traditional homes being ditched in favour of stately homes

June 27, 2016 by Brendan O'Neill

Home owners

The number of professionals aged over 40 who are choosing to become property guardians has increased substantially in the last few years.

Middle class people who find themselves struggling financially are now turning to schemes offering the opportunity to become a property guardian, generally of mansions and stately homes around the country. According to a study by Camelot, one of the largest guardian agencies in the UK, almost half the guardians are now aged between 35 and 65 years old.

Guardianship is viewed by some as organised squatting, often associated with much younger people. However, Camelot reveals that only 11% of those on its books are aged between 18 and 25. Some agencies are now accepting people who are in their seventies, many of whom choose to become a guardian rather than live in a retirement property.

Older people who have been through a divorce or need financial assistance to set up a business are also among those who choose to become guardians of property. Jacqueline McIntyre Campbell, an ex BBC employee aged 59, previously lived in a 12 bedroomed Victorian stately home for £250 a month so she could raise the funds required to set up her business.

The typical cost of a room in a stately home or mansion is between £200 and £350 a month, which includes bills. This is a popular option for those who struggle to afford the cost of rent. A mortgage adviser is qualified to help find suitable options for those looking for a home, having undertaken CeMAP training.