Alex Masi

Romana, 28, (left) from Czech Republic, is gazing at her photo album while Daniela, 26, (right) from Romania is helping to pack up her belongings on Saturday, July 21, 2007, in Hampstead, London, England. Romana left the mansion with Lulu, 33, from Romania, her boyfriend, for a two-month holiday in Europe. The 22-room mansion was last sold for UK£ 3.9M in 2002 and is now awaiting planning permissions to be demolished. Two new houses will soon be taking its place. Million Dollar Squatters is a documentary project in the lives of a peculiar group of squatters residing in three multi-million mansions in one of the classiest residential neighbourhoods of London, Hampstead Garden. The squatters' enthusiasm, their constant efforts to look after what has become their home, their ingenuity and adventurous spirit have all inspired me throughout the days and nights spent at their side. Between the fantasy world of exclusive Britain and the reality of squatting in London, I have been a witness to their unique story. While more than 100.000 properties in London still lay empty to this day, squatting provides a valid, and lawful alternative to paying Europe's most expensive rent prices, as well as offering the challenge of an adventurous lifestyle in the capital.