A group of six Polish squatters have taken up residence in a £1m Victorian home in one of London’s most affluent areas because “rents are too high” for them to afford to live in the area of Highgate, north London.
They have put a sign up in the window stating that they are claiming squatter’s rights and do not intend to move until rents in the area fall. Rent for a five bed home in the area costs about £5,000 a month.
One 24-year-old squatter told a local newspaper: “There are so many empty big buildings not in use – it’s a big waste. We can’t afford to pay rent in this area and have enough money to live on, so squatting is the solution.”
The property is believed to be in the process of renovation but locals say that builders downed tools after the owner told them he couldn’t afford the work until the recession ends.
One local, who did not want to be named, said he had spoken to the squatters and told them the owner had been informed of their “occupation”.
He said: “They don’t cause too much of a problem, but this is a nice area where people pay millions of pounds for their homes and don’t want to see a bunch of squatters moving in.”
Source: www.telegraph.co.uk.
