Summary
A guide to UK squatting networks and house sitting services. Learn what they do, risks, and how owners can use sitters to reduce void periods.
Squatting agencies and house sitting services in the UK
Some groups help people find empty buildings to occupy. Others match owners with vetted sitters to keep homes in use. These two worlds often get mixed up, but they are not the same. One carries legal risk. The other is a lawful way to reduce voids.
This guide lists well-known networks on both sides and explains how they operate.
Squatting networks and information hubs
These are not “agencies” in the normal sense. They tend to share advice, contacts and listings within their communities.
Advisory Service for Squatters
- A long-running advice service
- Publishes legal guidance on squatting and eviction
- Runs a helpline and produces leaflets used by occupiers and some advisers
Squat.net
- A website with listings, guides and contacts across Europe
- Hosts forums and updates on empty buildings
- Content varies by city and user submissions
Squatting Europe Kollective
- Focused on research and policy
- Shares reports on housing, vacancy and urban use
- Less about listings, more about context and data
Note: Engaging with these networks to place people in your property is not a lawful route for owners. They are listed here for awareness.
Lawful alternatives: house sitting and property guardians
If your goal is to keep a property occupied, these services are the practical option.
TrustedHousesitters
- Matches owners with vetted sitters, often pet owners
- Sitters stay without rent in exchange for care and presence
- Reviews and ID checks are standard
HouseSit Match
- UK-focused matching with ID checks and references
- Supports longer sits and repeat arrangements
- Useful for second homes and short-let gaps
MindMyHouse
- Lower-cost platform with global reach
- Basic vetting and reviews
- Works for simple occupancy needs
Homesitters Ltd
- Uses older, insured sitters
- Strong focus on security and routine
- Often chosen for higher-value homes
Global Guardians
- Places working professionals as guardians in empty buildings
- Guardians pay a licence fee and occupy rooms
- Aimed at larger homes and commercial sites
VPS Guardians
- Part of a wider property protection firm
- Suited to offices and large residential blocks
- Includes security checks and regular inspections
How these services reduce risk
- Continuous occupation: Empty periods are the main risk window
- Visible activity: Lights, movement and routine deter entry
- Access control: Managed keys and logs reduce weak points
- Faster response: Sitters or guardians can report issues at once
Choosing the right option
- Short-let homes: Use house sitters between bookings
- Second homes: Longer sits with repeat sitters
- Offices and large sites: Property guardians with formal licences
Check terms before signing:
- Insurance cover and liability
- Vetting standards and references
- Length of stay and notice periods
- Rules on guests and access
Legal points for owners
- House sitters usually stay under a licence, not a tenancy
- Guardians also use licences, but arrangements must be set up correctly
- Keep written agreements and clear house rules
- Do not try informal deals with unknown occupants
Common mistakes
- Leaving a property empty without checks
- Sharing lockbox codes too widely
- No written agreement with sitters or guardians
- Weak handover processes between bookings
Quick checklist
- Pick a service that fits your property type
- Verify ID, references and reviews
- Set clear access rules and change codes often
- Schedule regular inspections
- Keep documents ready in case of dispute