Squatters’ Rights in the UK: Why Property Owners Should Not Rely on Government Guidance

It might be hard to believe, but the UK government has published online guidance for squatters that is both clearly written and easy to follow. It includes instructions such as “Fill out this form” and “Sign a written statement of truth,” along with details on squatters’ rights, timescales, and processes.

While the guidance focuses mainly on residential properties, it does touch on commercial assets. One line in particular should make every property owner pause: “Simply being on another person’s non-residential property without their permission is not usually a crime.”

The Reality for Property Owners

Ask yourself: as a property owner or investor, would you be happy with that?

From our experience, the answer is almost certainly no. We have seen countless situations where someone has forced entry into a vacant building and caused significant damage. In many cases, squatters will:

• Trash the property and leave it in a state of disrepair

• Use the building for illegal activities

• Steal whatever they can find of value

These individuals are not carefully reading government websites. They are looking for opportunities, and an unprotected vacant property is an easy target.

The Risks of Waiting

Relying on government processes can leave your property exposed. Do you really want to wait for official confirmation that squatters are allowed to stay, provided they are not “misbehaving”? By that point, the financial and structural damage may already be done.

Take Action Before It’s Too Late

The best protection against squatters is prevention. With professional live-in guardians in place, your property is no longer seen as vacant. The visible presence of trained security guardians is often enough to make squatters walk away in search of an easier target.

Protect Your Investment Today

Don’t leave your property’s future in the hands of government guidelines. Speak to us before the worst happens. With the right protection in place, you can avoid costly repairs, safeguard your investment, and ensure peace of mind.