At least six people lock themselves in Grade II-listed York and Albany next to Regent’s Park and post notice
  • Aux@lemmy.worldEnglish
    135·
    7 months ago

    I don’t understand how squatting is still legal in the UK…

    • TVgog56789@lemy.lolOPMEnglish
      122·
      7 months ago

      It’s not legal. It’s just harder to evict them since there are minimal anti-trespassing laws.

      This problem has recently gotten worse because European billionaires are using London real estate to hide their wealth since the property tax is quite low in London.

      This has lead to super inflated rent and housing costs making the low middle income groups seek desperate measures to have a roof over their head.

      • Aux@lemmy.worldEnglish
        411·
        7 months ago

        If it was illegal then these squatters would be in jail by now.

        Billionaires are hiding money in London for centuries.

        High rents are caused by Tories decimating the private rental market in the last couple of years. House prices are high because the same Tories don’t allow developers to build as many houses as necessary. Foreign house ownership is very low in London and UK in general.

        • TVgog56789@lemy.lolOPMEnglish
          3·
          7 months ago

          It’s illegal means if the authorities found you squatting they will remove you from the premises.

          They may not have to pay a fine unless they destroy the property.

          It’s a civil offence not a criminal offence.

          • Aux@lemmy.worldEnglish
            35·
            7 months ago

            The article states that it’s only illegal for residential properties. And civil offence in the UK is a fucking joke. Slap on a wrist would be more effective. It should be a criminal offence.