A talented musician, facing the financial challenges of London’s property market, has taken a unique and legal approach to finding housing. Max Armfield, a 24-year-old artist, has made an abandoned primary school in South London his home. Alongside roughly 20 other individuals, Armfield has transformed one of the school’s rooms into a livable space where he can both reside and create music.
The primary school permanently closed its doors in September 2022 and relocated to a new facility costing $11.8 million. Armfield now resides rent-free in this abandoned building, sharing his living quarters with other like-minded creatives. In a video documenting his new home, Armfield highlights some of the challenges he faces as a resident in a former school building. He notes that the toilets and sinks are at knee height due to their previous use by young students.
Despite the eccentricities of his living situation, Armfield expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to set up a music studio in the heart of London. He explains that his neighbor has even repurposed his room as a photography space by ripping up the floorboards. Armfield sees this unique living arrangement as a chance to foster creativity and community among the residents.
In a subsequent video titled ‘How I started (legally) squatting in a school,’ Armfield further explains his decision to occupy this unconventional space. He clarifies that he is participating in a guardianship scheme, where disused buildings are rented out at a slightly lower rate to prevent illegal occupancy. This arrangement benefits both the renters and property owners by providing security and reducing empty property rates.
While Armfield appreciates the opportunities his current living situation affords him, he acknowledges the downsides. The communal facilities, such as showers, kitchens, and toilets, often have maintenance issues. Some property guardians have experienced leaky roofs and poor living conditions, with unscrupulous companies taking advantage of their financial vulnerability.
London councils and private landlords are increasingly allowing companies to rent out empty buildings, resulting in approximately 7,000 property guardians – nearly double the figure from three years ago, as reported by The Sun. Armfield emphasizes that his occupation of the abandoned school does not negatively impact children’s access to education, as they have already been relocated to a new facility.
In the videos showcasing the abandoned school, viewers can see that much of its interior remains untouched. Corridors are adorned with children’s artwork and notices, while the playground’s asphalt still bears the outlines of games. Armfield’s room, which serves as both his living and music creation space, is furnished with a large sofa, television, chairs, guitars, and a table with a computer and speakers. He has even transformed an adjacent room into a bedroom, complete with a double bed, a side table, and a basketball hoop on the door.
This glimpse into Armfield’s unique living arrangement has garnered significant attention, with the accompanying videos amassing over 685,000 likes and 2,200 comments from impressed viewers.
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