Legal News
Lawyer Left “Horrified” After Finding Squatters in Home (30 November 2011)
Date: 30/11/2011
A lawyer has told of his horror upon discovering that squatters had taken over his half-renovated £4million home. Hamish Lal claimed that seven Eastern Europeans and one Briton had occupied his three-floor Victorian home in Highgate for a month, claiming that they could not afford the cost of London rental homes.
Mr Lal believes that the squatters have plumbed a kitchen and bathroom into the house. He claimed that he had intentions to build an extension on the property, which is in close proximity to the property of the famous supermodel Kate Moss. He said that the building work had been postponed upon awaiting planning permission from the council. Mr Lal believes that the squatters considered the property to be abandoned. The squatters have allegedly posted a notice on to the front window of the property, stating that they will take legal action against anyone who enters the property. A Polish occupant, who wishes to remain anonymous, claimed that the high cost of London rents had left her with no choice but to live in the property.
Mr Lal stated that planning approval has been provided and that building work on the property is scheduled to resume. He explained that he had reached an agreement with the squatters to leave before the commencement of the building work.
Housing solicitors at Duncan Lewis deal with a wide range of housing issues, including the eviction of squatters. The department provides high quality legal assistance to clients who require representation in the courts of law.