Evictions in London: a squatting pandemic
This summer has seen large numbers of squatters in commercial premises, especially empty shops on the high street. We usually see a significant increase in the number of squatters as we move towards the winter, so the situation for commercial landlords is likely to get worse.
Martyn Spiers, Group Commercial and Eviction Services Manager for HCE Group and the National Eviction Team, explains why we are seeing this increase in squatter evictions, particularly in London:
“Amid the ongoing decline of the UK’s High Streets and rising homelessness, High Court Enforcement Group’s commercial team is witnessing a surge in squatter activity targeting vacant commercial properties. This troubling trend is particularly evident across London, where recent data confirms a renewed rise in squatter incidents. Month on month instructions continue to climb and as winter approaches, we anticipate further escalation.”
Recent London squatter eviction
Over the summer, we have undertaken a number of squatter evictions across London. Let’s look at one in particular in June 2025, where squatters moved in after the property guardians moved out three months previously. You can view our agents in action during the eviction in this video:
Since then, neighbouring businesses and local residents have been complaining about noise, drug use and antisocial behaviour. One neighbour who asked them to turn the noise down was threatened with violence by the squatters.
The squatters have been on the roof of the property stripping tiles, using a pneumatic drill inside and removed several items from the Grade II listed building. The building owner was very worried about the state of the property and its structural integrity.
There was also a flood in the building which went into the building next door, while water was seen running down the High Street, but the trespassers prevented plumbers from gaining access.
The eviction
After careful planning and preparation, we attended to undertake the eviction of the squatters. Our enforcement agents were able to quickly gain entry, despite the squatters having barricaded doors and windows.
Once inside, we found 12 squatters and three dogs. Most of the squatters left peacefully without issue, taking the dogs with them, although three put up some resistance initially, before being removed.
Gallery of London squatter eviction images
Tunnels
There were several known confined spaces in the basement and our preparation for the eviction included the possibility that the squatters had been digging tunnels.
During the eviction, we found clear evidence that they had started digging, but fortunately had made little progress, so our tunnel team was not required.
Securing the property post-eviction
We performed a final diligent search of the property to check there was no one still on site, then secured the property, changed the locks and shuttered the doors and windows to prevent re-entry, either by the same squatters or a different group.
Do you have issues with squatters?
If you do and would like some advice on how to remove them, then please get in touch.
