During the holiday season, many individuals seek ways to boost their finances post-Christmas due to the high expenses associated with this time of year.
Roy Foulkes, a retired police officer residing in West Hallam, Derbyshire, has managed to accumulate over £5,500 in cash and vouchers by identifying and reporting vacant and dilapidated properties. Since discovering YouSpotProperty in 2024, Roy has been utilizing the platform to generate additional income. YouSpotProperty compensates individuals for pinpointing and reporting long-term unoccupied residences.
Initially, the company rewards a £20 Amazon or M&S voucher to those who correctly identify empty homes. If YouSpotProperty proceeds to purchase, renovate, and resell the property, the spotter receives 1% of the purchase price, capped at £10,000.
To date, Roy has earned £4,750 through 1% rewards from two properties rehabilitated by YouSpotProperty, along with 39 £20 vouchers amounting to £780. His earnings from the first house totaled £2,350, and he recently received £1,620 for the second property. These funds have been allocated towards household essentials, vacations, and memorable experiences with his grandchildren.
The initial property eligible for the 1% fee was identified by Roy while strolling through his former patrol area. Despite previously notifying the local council about the abandoned residence, no action was taken. Roy expressed that after finding YouSpotProperty online, the process of reporting properties seemed straightforward and he decided to give it a try.
The second property that caught Roy’s attention was situated near a former ex-local authority house in Derby. While out with his grandson at the swimming pool, Roy noticed a residence obscured by trees. Upon closer inspection and verification through Google Street View, he discovered further neglect, including a discarded refrigerator in the front yard. After reporting it, Roy was informed last week that he had earned 1% of the property’s sale price, amounting to £1,620.
Aside from the 1% rewards, Roy has utilized his vouchers for household purchases. Having identified approximately 120 properties in total, only 39 have qualified for vouchers. Roy emphasized the satisfaction of contributing to society while earning a modest income through meaningful activity.
According to the Empty Homes Network, there is an estimated £465 billion worth of unoccupied or unused properties in England and Wales. YouSpotProperty distributes an average of 110 £20 M&S or Amazon vouchers monthly to individuals who report eligible properties, with between 350 and 450 properties reported weekly.
On average, seven 1% reward fees are disbursed each month for properties acquired and reoccupied by the company. Over the past year, YouSpotProperty has purchased vacant and derelict properties ranging from £17,000 to £3 million.
Co-founder of YouSpotProperty.com, Benjamin Radstone, highlighted the company’s commitment to addressing the issue of empty homes by reintegrating hundreds into use and sharing rewards with the public throughout the process.