Supporting deputies and probate solicitors with the practical challenges of managing property for those who have lost mental capacity or for estate administration.
The Court of Protection makes decisions on behalf of people who lack the mental capacity to make certain decisions for themselves. This can be due to dementia, brain injury, mental health conditions, or other causes.
When someone loses capacity, the court can appoint a deputy — often a solicitor — to manage their affairs. This includes looking after their property, ensuring it is maintained, secure, and that its value is protected.
As a deputy, you have a legal duty of care. The property must be kept in good condition, risks must be managed, and assets must be properly accounted for. That's where we come in.
We also support solicitors handling probate properties and estate administration, where the same challenges of securing, maintaining, and valuing property assets apply.
A solicitor is appointed by the Court of Protection to manage the individual's affairs.
The deputy engages Property Asset Care to manage the property on their behalf.
We inspect, secure, and maintain the property, providing full reports back to the deputy.
Regular inspections and maintenance keep the property safe, compliant, and well looked after.
Managing a property for a vulnerable individual comes with unique responsibilities and risks.
Empty homes are targets for break-ins, squatters, and vandalism. They deteriorate faster without regular attention and can become insurance risks.
Deputies must demonstrate they are fulfilling their duty of care. Failing to maintain a property can lead to complaints and personal liability.
The property and its contents represent significant value. Without proper care, assets can be lost, damaged, or decrease in value.
Solicitors often manage multiple properties across different locations. Regular visits and coordinating tradespeople takes considerable time.
Burst pipes, storm damage, or security breaches need immediate attention. Deputies need a reliable partner who can respond quickly.
The Court of Protection requires detailed records of property management. Deputies need thorough documentation of all works and inspections.
We take the property burden off your shoulders so you can focus on your client's wider welfare.
We visit the property, assess its condition, identify immediate risks, and provide a comprehensive report with recommended actions and costs.
Lock changes, key holding, and security measures to ensure the property is protected from day one.
A tailored maintenance plan to keep the property in good condition, preventing small issues from becoming expensive problems.
Every visit is documented with photographs and written reports, giving you the evidence you need for Court of Protection records.
Electrical, gas, plumbing, painting, and general maintenance — no need to coordinate multiple contractors.
We arrange professional valuations for the property and its contents, including specialist items like jewellery, artwork, and vehicles.
If the individual returns home, we can adapt the property for their needs with grab rails, ramps, and other modifications.
When urgent issues arise, we respond quickly to minimise damage and keep you informed every step of the way.
Real examples of how we support deputies from the very first instruction.
We were instructed by a deputy on a new matter and asked to gain entry to the property via the front door. We changed all locks immediately and provided new keys to the deputy. All doors and windows on the ground floor and first floor were checked and secured.
A detailed inventory of the property and its contents was carried out, accompanied by comprehensive photographs of every room. This provides the deputy with a clear record of the property's condition and contents at the point of instruction.
The gas and electrics were isolated to eliminate risk. The water system was drained down to prevent burst pipes and flooding. The loft was inspected for leaks, and flat and pitched roofs were checked so far as visible. Gardens were photographed and quoted for cutting back if overgrown.
Any valuables identified during the inventory were either delivered to the solicitor's office or placed in our insured storage facility for safekeeping. This protects the deputy and ensures valuable items are properly accounted for.
Monthly property inspections were carried out with a full written report sent to the deputy each month. Emergency inspections were also conducted following heavy rain and storms to check for any new damage or water ingress. This ongoing care ensures the property remains safe, secure, and well-documented.
We were instructed by a deputy on a new matter to carry out a full property condition report. The report identified the current state of the property and highlighted areas requiring urgent attention.
The report revealed the roof required urgent repairs. We arranged competitive quotes for the necessary works and presented these to the deputy for approval.
Once instructed, we carried out the roof works. Photographs were sent to the deputy before, during, and after the works were completed, providing a full visual record for their files.
Where the previous roof failure had caused internal damage — water staining, damaged plaster, and affected ceilings — we carried out all necessary internal repairs to restore the property to good condition.