Alex Masi

Lee, 26, (right) from West London, is trying to open one of the front windows in a mansion along St. John's Avenue, one of the most luxurious and expensive roads in London, while Pete, 23, (left) from Lincolnshire, is backing him up on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007 in Hampstead, London, England. Their house, 24 Ingram Avenue, Hampstead, is being repossessed by the owner in a few days and they need a new place to live in. 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.