The slump in property prices led to a surge in house sales to foreign investors. But with 80,000 properties now sitting empty around London, squatting is on the rise.
Where there’s a need, there’s an opportunity. Here comes a new niche for entrepreneurs: squat-busting.
Rebecca Burn-Callander, RealBusiness.co.uk – Thursday, 12th November 2009
Squatting is the métier du jour. Only last month a multimillion-pound property, doors away from the home of Roman Abramovich’s ex wife, was occupied by a renegade group called the “Belgravia Squatters”.
Art collective the “Oubliette” recently occupied a prime real estate spot on Leicester Square, above the Odeon.
Squatting is deemed a crime on the rise. Opportunists are regularly seeking out unoccupied buildings, some worth upwards of £50m, and staking a claim using “squatter’s rights”.
Enter Forbes Risk. This security company is cashing in on the squatting craze, offering a bespoke package for absentee homeowners looking to protect their investment.
For the bargain price of £1,400, they will ensure that the building is locked up tight as a drum to prevent the initial “break”. Forced windows, smashed doors and broken locks equate to criminal damage and negate squatter’s rights. A retainer of £2,600 per week with ensure 24-hour protection from the firm.
