Creating arts spaces

Former offices transformed into artist studios in Woolwich

We believe that vacant buildings should never be wasted opportunities. While many properties can be used for affordable housing via guardianship, a significant number are not suitable for residential use. Rather than leaving these buildings empty — vulnerable to vandalism, squatting, or decay — we work with owners to repurpose them for meaningful, socially valuable uses.

One of the most impactful solutions we offer is Charitable Occupation. Through partnerships with arts organisations and community charities, we transform underused commercial properties into thriving creative spaces. In doing so, we help landlords benefit from up to 100% business rates relief, while enabling artists and grassroots groups to access space they would otherwise be priced out of.

London faces a crisis of affordability for artists, young creatives and social enterprises. Rents are soaring, and many are being forced to leave the capital. At the same time, tens of thousands of square feet of unused space sit dormant — costing landlords millions in business rates each year.

Inver works with clients to flip this dynamic. By facilitating genuine charitable occupation — for example, turning an empty office block into artist studios or a former community hall into an exhibition venue — we unlock significant savings for landlords (typically 80%+ rates relief) and inject energy, creativity, and connection back into communities.

It’s a win-win: the property is protected and put to good use, and the owner benefits financially while supporting local culture and creativity.

Our work is just getting started. We plan to expand our network of partnerships with charities and community organisations across the UK to give more unused buildings a second life. In doing so, we help landlords reduce costs, avoid deterioration, and deliver long-lasting social value.