New stories: Squatters
With more people owning second homes and investment properties, which can regularly be left unoccupied, the risk of unauthorised occupation by squatters has increased. The news stories below highlight recent cases of squatting, with the suggestion that the problem is only getting bigger - especially around the capital.
- News story 1: Squatters quit Guy Richie's £6m house... for a pub lock-in
- News story 2: Anyone can be a victim of squatters
- News story 3: 'I only came to Highgate so I could live for free'
- News story 4: Squatters' eye view of Gaddafi mansion
- News story 5: Squatter leaves website tips on how to occupy £4m house
- News story 6: Hampstead owners 'too scared to go on holiday'
- News story 7: Foreign squatters given legal aid to fight eviction from £1million house
- News story 8: Squatter family 'wrecked my home and took my belongings'
Squatters quit Guy Richie's £6m house... for a pub lock-in
Squatters who had been evicted from a £6million Fitzrovia house owned by the film director Guy Richie, moved into a 200-year old former pub in Rathbone Place nearby. The self-appointed Really Free School took over the new £1.95million building with the intention of acquiring their base to 'find each other, gain momentum and to cross- pollinate ideas and actions'.
Anyone can be a victim of squatters
http://www.myintroducer.com/view.asp?ID=6247
With the continuous rise in squatting cases, property owners need to be aware of the potential risks and take precautionary measures. Squatters have been said to carry out research at the land registry by finding out who owns a property and how long they have been occupied for. Paul Shamplina, founder of eviction specialists at Landlord Action, advised that the 'key is ensuring void periods are kept to a minimum, especially with a multimillion pound property situated in London'. As had been the case with Guy Richie, Shamplina suggested that possession proceedings against the squatters would have had to be issued and an eviction date would need to be obtained. On the other hand, he could come have to some sort of financial agreement with the squatters to leave which would save both time and legal costs.
'I only came to Highgate so I could live for free'
http://www.hamhigh.co.uk/home/i_only_came_to_highgate_so_i_could_live_for_free_1_767959
A 21-year old Eastern European artist admits that he moved from his native Latvia to London to 'take advantage of squatters' rights'. Jason Ruddick has squatted in a series of unoccupied homes within the Highgate area describing it the 'best place' to live. He is now occupying an empty 10-bedroom house said to be worth several millions of pounds situated in the nearby Broadlands Road. Recently, Mr. Ruddick posted an advertisement on the internet highlighting the benefits of his new home for anyone who might be interested in moving in.
Squatters' eye view of Gaddafi mansion
The son of Libyan Dictator Colonel Gaddafi has had his Hampstead home taken over by squatters. The Topple the Tyrants protest group, along with several 'serial squatters' who had invaded the property of screen director Guy Richie, took over the £12million mansion claiming it to be 'the embassy of rebel Libya'. The rebels were said to have been drinking, smoking and making good use of the benefits of the house, including the pool and Jacuzzi. A man, who had been asked not to be named, said there was 'a real party atmosphere'.
Squatter leaves website tips on how to occupy £4m house
Serial squatter Jason Ruddick has left tips on the Advisory Service for Squatters website on how to get in and occupy a £4million house in Hampstead Garden Suburb. After finding that the water and electricity were still on in the first house, he advised that 'if you want to get in and take it over, get a spanner and remove the smallest wooden block at the back of the house'.
Hampstead owners 'too scared to go on holiday'
It has been revealed that the owners of properties in the Hampstead area are too scared to go on holiday in fear that their homes will be taken over by squatters. Described by MP Mike Freer as an 'epidemic of occupations', constituents are wary that they may come home to find their home occupied.
Foreign squatters given legal aid to fight eviction from £1million house
An owner of a £1 million house is being forced to rent a two-bedroom flat, whilst he battles to get squatters from France, Portugal and Poland away from his home. The squatters have been given hundreds of pounds of taxpayers' money in order to fund legal aid to fight eviction.
Squatter family 'wrecked my home and took my belongings'
A family of illegal squatters have wrecked the home owned by Denise Joannides, causing £50,000 in damages, before finally leaving after 1 year of residence. Having left the property before being evicted, they have also taken thousands of pounds worth of furniture and utilities.
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