A judge has described squatting as ‘good for society’ and called for lists of empty homes to be made available to an agency for squatters, while the Justice Secretary, Kenneth Clarke, is attempting to strengthen the law against squatting. How do laws on the subject vary across Europe?
Britain
Breaking and entering is a criminal offence, but if you can enter a building without breaking in, it is not a criminal offence to occupy it. The owner must obtain an eviction order through the civil courts.
France
Squatting is illegal, but squatters can apply to the state to have empty homes requisitioned, and may not be evicted during the winter.
Germany
Squatting is illegal, and Berlin’s last openly squatted property was cleared last year. But many former squatters now pay some rent to the state to occupy abandoned buildings.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in