Living in an abandoned hospital to escape the housing crisis
Apr 3, 2025
auto_awesome
In this engaging discussion, 27-year-old musician Szofia Rozsa shares her unique experience living in a decommissioned NHS hospital in London. As rents skyrocket, Szofia reveals the perks and challenges of being a property guardian in an abandoned building. She discusses the sense of community among fellow guardians and how this unconventional lifestyle has granted her the creative space to thrive as an artist. Szofia contrasts her previous high-rent struggles with her newfound freedom, offering insights into a bold solution to the housing crisis.
The skyrocketing rent in London, which has surged by a third in five years, forces many young people to consider alternatives like property guardianship.
Living as a property guardian in vacant spaces, such as abandoned hospitals, offers reduced costs and community support but comes with inherent uncertainties.
Deep dives
The Rising Cost of Living in London
The continuous rise in rent costs in London has created significant challenges for young renters, leading many to struggle with affording decent living conditions. Many are forced into sharing small spaces or living in box-sized rooms, spending over a third of their income on rent. This situation has prompted half of the residents under 24 to consider leaving the city within the next decade. The lack of affordable housing options illustrates the urgent need for alternative solutions to support young people and their financial independence.
Property Guardianship as an Innovative Solution
Property guardianship has emerged as a creative workaround for affordable housing, allowing individuals to live in vacant or disused properties at a fraction of traditional rents. For instance, one individual pays £400 monthly to live in an abandoned hospital, an arrangement that includes quirky living spaces and supportive community dynamics. While this option offers lower rent and flexibility, it also comes with uncertainties, as tenants can receive short notices to vacate. Despite these challenges, many guardians find that the reduced cost of living enables them to pursue their passions, turning these unusual dwellings into supportive environments for creative endeavors.
Rent in London has increased by a third over the last 5 years - and wages haven’t. The average rent in the capital is now £2121 a month.
Resultantly, an increasing number of young Brits are living as property guardians in empty schools, police stations, and office blocks, usually awaiting demolition - but is this really a viable solution to the housing crisis?
To find out, junior political correspondent Laura Beveridge visited 27-year-old musician Szofia Rozsa (@rozsa___), who lives in a decommissioned NHS hospital.