Supported Accommodation Property Required: What Providers and Landlords Need to Know

A practical guide to sourcing, assessing and preparing residential property required for supported accommodation in England

The search for a supported accommodation property required by a provider can involve more than finding an available house or flat. The property needs to be suitable for the intended residents, appropriate for the provider's accommodation model and capable of being safely managed over the long term.

In England, supported accommodation for eligible looked-after children and care leavers aged 16 and 17 is subject to specific regulatory requirements. The accommodation standard requires premises to provide a comfortable and secure living environment and to be suitable, accessible, safe, secure and well maintained.

For landlords, this creates opportunities to lease suitable properties to specialist operators. For providers, it means that property sourcing should be treated as an important part of service planning rather than simply a conventional rental search.

What Type of Supported Accommodation Property Is Required?

The type of property required depends on the provider's registered accommodation category.

The regulations recognise several categories, including:

• Self-contained accommodation

• Shared or group accommodation for looked-after children or care leavers

• Shared accommodation that is not limited to looked-after children or care leavers

• Supported accommodation provided within a private residence

Each model has different operational requirements, so a provider should establish the intended category before committing to a property.

A property suitable for single occupancy may not be appropriate for a larger shared accommodation service, while a large shared house may not suit a provider whose model is based around independent living.

Location Is an Important Part of Property Selection

A supported accommodation property should be located where residents can access appropriate local services and participate in the community.

Potential requirements include reasonable access to:

• Public transport

• Education and colleges

• Healthcare

• Shops and supermarkets

• Employment and training

• Community facilities

• Local authority services

• Support networks

The regulations require providers to assess the suitability of the location of each premises and review the location assessment at least annually.

This means a property should be assessed in the context of the people it is intended to accommodate, rather than judged only by its size or rental value.

What Property Features Should Providers Look For?

A suitable property should provide practical living space as well as a safe and secure environment.

Important features can include:

Private Bedrooms

Each child must have a private bedroom with sufficient space for personal possessions and equipment appropriate to their individual needs. The regulations also require sufficient telephone or internet connectivity and physical security.

Communal Areas

For shared accommodation, the kitchen, lounge, dining areas and bathrooms should be appropriate for the intended number of residents.

A property with several bedrooms but inadequate communal facilities may not work effectively as supported accommodation.

Bathrooms

The number, condition and accessibility of bathrooms should be considered alongside the proposed occupancy.

Where refurbishment is required, bathroom improvements should form part of the initial property assessment.

Security

Doors, locks, windows and other security arrangements should be assessed carefully.

The aim is to provide a secure environment while respecting residents' privacy and independence.

Property Condition and Refurbishment

Providers looking for supported accommodation may encounter properties requiring refurbishment before they can be used.

Potential works include:

• Redecoration

• Flooring replacement

• Kitchen upgrades

• Bathroom refurbishment

• Electrical works

• Plumbing repairs

• Heating improvements

• Door and lock upgrades

• Fire safety works

• Furniture installation

• Garden maintenance

• General building repairs

The regulations require premises to be adequately maintained and free from avoidable hazards that could pose health and safety risks.

A property that requires refurbishment is not necessarily unsuitable. However, the cost, timescale and scope of the works should be established before the property is committed to.

Supported Accommodation Property Required in London

London has a wide range of residential properties that may potentially suit supported accommodation providers.

Depending on the accommodation model, a property search might include:

• Terraced houses

• Semi-detached houses

• Flats

• Maisonettes

• Self-contained apartments

• Larger residential properties

Properties in areas such as Croydon, Lewisham, Enfield, Haringey, Ealing and other London boroughs can have very different characteristics.

Transport, local services, property condition, planning considerations and the surrounding environment should all be reviewed before a property is selected.

Planning Should Be Checked Before Major Works

A property should not be refurbished on the assumption that its intended use will automatically be acceptable from a planning perspective.

The provider and property owner should establish the proposed use and seek appropriate advice on whether planning permission or other local authority approval is required.

This is particularly important where a property is being substantially altered or where its proposed occupation differs from ordinary residential use.

Safety and Ongoing Property Maintenance

Finding a suitable property is only the beginning.

Supported accommodation premises must remain safe, secure and well maintained throughout their use. The accommodation standard also requires compliance with relevant statutory health and fire safety requirements.

A property maintenance plan may include:

• Gas safety

• Electrical inspections

• Fire safety

• Smoke and carbon monoxide detection

• Heating

• Plumbing

• Roof repairs

• Damp and water damage

• Doors and locks

• Structural maintenance

• Communal area repairs

• Garden maintenance

• Pest control

The landlord and provider should agree clearly who is responsible for each area.

Pest Control for Supported Accommodation Properties

Pest control should also be considered when assessing a property.

Shared kitchens, communal food storage and waste areas can make pest prevention particularly important.

Property owners and providers should have procedures for dealing with issues such as:

• Mice

• Rats

• Cockroaches

• Bed bugs

• Ants

• Wasps

• Other household pests

Regular inspections and prompt treatment can help protect the building and maintain a suitable living environment.

What Landlords Should Know When a Property Is Required

Landlords with suitable residential properties may be approached by supported accommodation providers looking for premises.

Before agreeing to a lease, landlords should establish:

• Who will operate the accommodation

• The provider's registration status

• The proposed accommodation category

• Number of residents

• Proposed length of lease

• Refurbishment requirements

• Maintenance responsibilities

• Insurance arrangements

• Repair responsibilities

• Property alteration requirements

• Planning considerations

A clear lease can help avoid disputes over who is responsible for maintaining and adapting the property.

Is an Ofsted-Registered Property Required?

The terminology is important.

Ofsted regulates the supported accommodation service and provider rather than simply issuing a general "Ofsted-approved property" certificate to individual houses.

The premises form part of the provider's regulatory arrangements. The regulations require information about premises, including their address, the characteristics of the children intended to be accommodated and the category of supported accommodation to be provided.

A landlord should therefore be cautious about advertising a property as "Ofsted approved" unless that description accurately reflects the property's actual status and the provider's arrangements.

Buying a Property for Supported Accommodation

Some providers and investors may decide to purchase a property rather than rent one.

Before purchasing, consider:

• Location

• Property size

• Bedroom configuration

• Bathrooms

• Communal space

• Building condition

• Fire safety

• Electrical and gas systems

• Security

• Planning considerations

• Refurbishment costs

• Long-term maintenance

• Potential rental income

• Suitability for the intended accommodation category

A professional property assessment before purchase can help identify expensive problems early.

How to Prepare a Property Brief

Providers searching for a supported accommodation property required should create a clear property brief before approaching landlords or agents.

The brief can specify:

Location: Preferred boroughs, towns or neighbourhoods

Property type: House, flat, maisonette or self-contained unit

Occupancy: Number of residents

Bedrooms: Required number and preferred configuration

Bathrooms: Minimum requirement

Communal space: Kitchen, lounge and dining requirements

Outdoor space: Garden or other external area where relevant

Condition: Ready to occupy or suitable for refurbishment

Budget: Purchase price or rental budget

Lease: Preferred lease length and terms

Timescale: When the property needs to be available

A clear brief makes the search more efficient and reduces unsuitable property enquiries.

Fraser Bond Property Support

Fraser Bond can support landlords, investors and supported accommodation operators with the property side of their projects.

Relevant services can include:

• Property sourcing

• Property acquisition support

• Rental property searches

• Property assessment

• Refurbishment planning

• Building works

• Contractor coordination

• Repairs

• Property maintenance

• Pest control

• Property management

• Landlord support

• Investment and development advice

For a provider actively searching for property, Fraser Bond can help assess properties against practical requirements before significant refurbishment or contractual commitments are made.

Looking for a Supported Accommodation Property?

If you have a supported accommodation property required for a new service or an expanding portfolio, the search should begin with the intended accommodation model, location and resident requirements.

Likewise, landlords with suitable houses or flats can benefit from understanding the operator's requirements before agreeing to a long-term arrangement.

The right property needs to provide more than sufficient bedrooms. It should offer a suitable location, appropriate living space, safety, security, privacy and reliable long-term maintenance.

Speak to Fraser Bond about sourcing, preparing, refurbishing or managing suitable supported accommodation property in London and across the UK.