An unoccupied five bedroomed residential property could be seen as an open invitation to squatters in these tough economic times.

Specialist care provider Choice Care Group, who provide support and care for people with learning disabilities and mental health disorders, hit a problem when they acquired their latest property – in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.  “There were a couple of conditions in the planning consent which had to be met before we could hand the site over to contractors for refurbishment” explains property manager Phil Just.  “It became clear that the house would be empty for a couple of months while the required design work on the drainage and the landscaping was completed.  This left us with an immediate problem.  Our insurers were not happy to provide cover with the building left unoccupied, and we were worried about potential squatters.”

Looking for an urgent solution, Choice Care Group contacted Homesitters, the nationwide live-in housesitting providers.  “We were impressed with the speed of their response;” says Mr Just, “they asked us to provide essential furniture and equipment, and then they had sitters installed in the house within two days of our making the booking.”

“Over the ensuing three months, Homesitters have given us and our insurers peace of mind by ensuring the security of our property.  It has also been very useful to have housesitters in residence to provide access for the various pre-refurbishment procedures, such as an asbestos survey.  It has meant that, as soon as the planning consent issues were resolved, the contractors have been able to crack on with the refurbishment speedily.”

The new home, to be called Gosford House, is scheduled to open in the summer and Choice Care Group is now taking referrals for placements.

ENDS

NOTES TO EDITORS:

• Choice Care Group provides personalised residential support and supported living for adults with learning disabilities, mental health disorders and complex emotional and behavioural needs across 43 homes in Hampshire, Berkshire, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire, with a new home opening in 2012 in Oxfordshire.
• For more information, see our website www.choicecaregroup.com or call 0845 815 9860
• Homesitters Ltd provides a live-in housesitting service and has 900+ meticulously vetted employees throughout England, Wales and Scotland.  Originally conceived to care for pets and properties while homeowners are away, cover is now provided in a much wider range of scenarios.  These include properties awaiting probate/on the market and empty or sparsely furnished properties.
• For more information, see our website www.homesitters.co.uk or contact Adèle Barclay on

01296 630 730 or adele.barclay@homesitters.co.uk