PoliticsJOE Podcast cover image

PoliticsJOE Podcast

Living in an abandoned hospital to escape the housing crisis

Apr 3, 2025
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.
08:15

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • 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.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode