Managing, maintaining and improving your space: LandAid’s Free Property Advice Programme

1 Oct 2019 10:39 AM

Many not-for profit organisations lack the time, expertise and experience needed to manage, maintain and improve their buildings. LandAid's Free Property Advice programme is here to help.

LandAid arranges for skilled property professionals from our network of supporters to give free property expertise to UK not-for profit organisations supporting disadvantaged young people, families and communities, including those experiencing homelessness.

100% of the not-for profit organisations involved said they would recommend LandAid’s Free Property Advice Programme.

One great example of a charity using the programme to receive invaluable help is when Knight Frank helped Groundswell find new offices in central London that saved them £40,000 a year in rent and utilities.

Groundswell enables homeless people to take control of their lives, have a greater influence on services and to play a full role in our community. With the lease of their office expiring in just a few months, Groundswell had to find new premises while reducing costs.

Knight Frank visited the charity with LandAid to assess the charity’s requirements and establish a number of options that would not uproot the charity. Knight Frank found new premises that are not only more affordable, but greatly improved the team’s morale and ability to deliver its critical services, while also assisting Groundswell with valuable surveying and cost advice.

Katie Langford, Resources Manager at Groundswell, says:

“The property that Knight Frank found for us is centrally located and saves us £40,000 a year in rent and utilities compared to our previous offices. It was a tall order to find the amount of square footage in central London with our budget constraints. Knight Frank were incredible and found us a couple of viable options - which was nothing short of miraculous in the current market! They were on hand to answer all our questions on the phone and by email and always responded very quickly."

The project also had a powerful impact on the young people Groundswell support. As one staff member says, “When people who have been marginalised come into an office like this, they feel that they matter.”

We are always looking to help more charities receive invaluable advice, saving them time and money. If you’d like to apply for free property advice for your charity, you can do so using this form.