More than eight in ten commercial property owners want clearer guidance on securing vacant buildings

Source: SafeSite Facilities / Censuswide, Q17, May 2026. [1]

Owners want clearer guidance on empty-building security

More than eight in ten expect vacant-property risks to increase

Source: supplied combined Q18 result, SafeSite Facilities / Censuswide, May 2026. [1]

Three-quarters report an increase in vacancy levels

Source: combined increased responses, SafeSite Facilities / Censuswide, May 2026. [1]

What the findings show

The findings suggest that commercial property owners are facing a growing challenge. Three-quarters of those surveyed say their levels of vacant commercial property have increased compared with 12 months ago, while more than eight in ten expect risks to vacant commercial property to rise over the next two years. [1]

Alongside those pressures, 82.6% believe government or industry bodies should provide clearer guidance on securing empty commercial buildings. Taken together, the results point to a demand for practical advice as owners manage more vacant property and anticipate greater risks. They describe respondents’ experiences and expectations, rather than measuring a change in crime or incident rates. [1]

Turning concern into a practical security plan

For owners reviewing an empty building, a useful starting point is a property-specific assessment: where could someone gain access, what needs protecting, and how will a developing problem be identified and dealt with?

Start with access points and the perimeter

Review doors, windows, boundary gaps and vehicle access alongside the building’s location, visibility and expected period of vacancy. Prioritise vulnerable areas instead of assuming every property needs the same measures.

Plan protection, detection and response together

Physical measures such as steel screens, security doors, fencing and barriers can restrict access. Where appropriate, alarms and monitored CCTV can support detection. Decide who will receive an alert and what action they should take, so the response forms part of the plan.

Keep the plan under review

Record inspections and changes in condition, including damage, attempted entry and fly-tipping. Review security measures as the building’s condition, surroundings or expected vacancy period changes.

SafeSite Facilities can assess the risks surrounding an empty commercial property and recommend an appropriate combination of physical and electronic security measures. Our earlier research story explores the budget pressures owners face, alongside practical ways to target protection. [2]

More findings from our vacant commercial property research

This page forms part of SafeSite Facilities’ research into the challenges facing owners responsible for protecting vacant commercial buildings.

• Security costs limit vacant-property protection for three-quarters of commercial property owners

Research methodology

The research was commissioned by SafeSite Facilities and conducted by Censuswide among 350 UK commercial property owners aged 25+ with some responsibility for security decisions. Fieldwork took place from 13 to 21 May 2026. [1]

Censuswide states that its research follows the MRS research code and ESOMAR principles. It also identifies itself as a British Polling Council member. About Censuswide [3]

Sources

1. SafeSite Facilities / Censuswide, vacant commercial property research, May 2026. Figures and question wording reproduced from the supplied research brief: Q17, Q18 and the vacancy-level question. Overall sample: 350. Original data tables and question-specific bases require confirmation before publication.
2. SafeSite Facilities’ previous vacant-property research story, including practical security advice and assessment service information. Accessed 3 November 2026.
3. Censuswide: Who we are. Agency-level research standards, accessed 3 November 2026.