DEX Property Management

DEX Property Management: vacant property management through resident guardians

DEX Property Management is a British company founded in 2009 by Rogier Donkersloot, originally from the Netherlands, the country of origin of the property guardianship model. The company operates in London and the rest of the UK and presents itself as a professional, low-cost solution for owners of vacant properties, while offering affordable accommodation to guardians who take care of and maintain those buildings.

What property guardianship is

Property guardianship is a housing arrangement in which people occupy buildings that would otherwise be empty in exchange for a reduced cost and the responsibility to maintain and protect the property. The system benefits both parties: owners avoid risks associated with vacancy, such as illegal squatting, vandalism, theft, fly-tipping or deterioration through neglect, while guardians gain access to affordable accommodation, often in central locations, through a flexible licence agreement of 28 days renewable rather than a long-term lease.

Guardian profile and selection process

Guardians include young professionals, creatives and key workers from across the UK. DEX puts candidates through a thorough assessment and third-party checks, and only accepts applications that pass both filters. Before taking on a property, the company carries out a comprehensive inspection to ensure it meets health and safety standards, and handles day-to-day maintenance of the building. Guardians have a 24-hour helpline and an app to report urgent issues, and the management team conducts regular inspections to monitor the condition of the property.

Duration and terms of the guardianship agreement

The minimum stay for a guardian is 28 days, although some remain in the same property for several years. The licence agreement renews every 28 days. If the owner needs to recover the property, notice is issued with a usual minimum notice period of 28 days; the guardian may also end the agreement at any time, with one calendar month's notice from the last day of the licence payment period. When a guardian has to leave a property, the company offers them options within its property portfolio.

Services for property owners

DEX offers owners a zero-cost security solution through resident guardians, as well as security and CCTV services, caretaker and FLEX security services, and professional property inspections. The company states it has worked with councils, dioceses, housing associations and NHS trusts to make use of vacant properties. It holds ISO 9001 certification and declares more than 15 years of activity in the sector.

Geographic presence and properties

The company operates in London and other areas of the UK. Among the available property locations listed on its website are Bracknell, Camden, Canary Wharf, Islington, Ladbroke Grove and Windsor.

DEX Together and social impact

DEX Together is the company's volunteering initiative, aimed at creating a positive impact in the communities where its guardians live. One example cited is the participation of a guardian in Barking Food Forest, a charity that has transformed an unused plot of land into a space for growing fresh produce and community connection.

Recognition from clients and guardians

A project coordinator at a G15 housing association notes that the company has provided guardianship services to its properties for more than five years, with efficient and responsive communication. Several guardians highlight in the collected testimonials their positive experience, the professionalism of the staff and the support received; one mentions almost eight years in a property and another credits guardianship with helping them improve their financial situation.