Image 78 of 120
MillionDollarSquatters51.JPG
(from left to Right) The squatters' lawyer, Kitty, 24, from Trinidad, Josh, 26, from North London, and George, 26, from England, are cheering outside an East Finchley Court after the judge postponed the eviction order because the owners did not present the right papers needed on the day, on Thursday, Oct. 11, 2007, in East Finchley, London, England. The squatters have now gained an additional two weeks' time to find a new place where to move 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.