Worried about squatters in a vacant property

tallac

Firstly, I know I should have thought about this before completing on the purchase, but I'm stupid and overlooked the reality of this situation. Please be kind on this factor when replying.

I've have recently started to become really worried about squatters taking possession of the property I have just purchased. The house needs a lot of work and it's not in a liveable state (by reasonable standards). I am in the process of getting the usual planning permission and building regulation approval. As I understand, this could take up to 3 months from start to finish before there will be regular activity from builders. The doors and windows are not particularly secure as they are very old and could be relatively easily forced open. These are all planned to be replaced with modern secure ones but that is planned as part of the building renovation.

I do not live far away and thus I plan to visit the property every few days (or even daily if required) so I can check on the property is okay. I have also setup some lamps inside the house on a timer to give the impression that someone is at home.

I have just read this article (https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/oct/06/what-to-do-squatters-property) and it says that:

Usually you cannot use force to evict squatters, but if you already live in the property, or are about to (for example, you've bought the house and are about to move in) you are allowed to break your own door down if necessary.

In that context, what does "about to move in" mean? Does my 3 month period fall within that? Does my daily visits of the property count for anything? i.e. if I categorically know that squatters have broken in within the last 24 hours.

Do my owner rights supersede the squatters? What else can I do to protect the house to ensure possession isn't taken by squatters?

Thank you all in advance

Slithery

Squatting in residential property is illegal. Just call the police and get them removed.

Unicorn_cottage

Have you any evidence of what you are worrying about?

Petriix

There used to be a thing where people would get temporary tenants to prevent squatters but I'm not sure if that exists any more since they effectively made squatting a criminal offence.

SameOldRoundabout

Can’t you just board the windows and secure the doors? 

davidmcn

tallac said:

I have just read this article (https://www.theguardian.com/money/2011/oct/06/what-to-do-squatters-property)

You've just read a nine year old newspaper article? Have you considered that it might not provide accurate and up to date advice about the current legal position?

AdrianC

SameOldRoundabout said:

Can’t you just board the windows and secure the doors? 

This, with bells on.

You're going to be replacing the old windows and doors - so either prioritise that, or just get them boarded over and make them secure for the short term.Petriix said:

There used to be a thing where people would get temporary tenants to prevent squatters but I'm not sure if that exists any more since they effectively made squatting a criminal offence.

Property guardians are still a thing. But what guardian with a choice is going to want to live in a derelict house awaiting renovation?

avoidtheupsidedownbottles

Perhaps ask a neighbour to park in the driveway, if there is one.

[Deleted User]

Tidy up the garden as well.  I had to leave a place empty for a while and I was told it was the slightly longer than normal grass that caused problems for me.   Things like this attract attention from people looking for a place to squat.  They won't bother going up the path and investigating normally if the garden looks well kept.

penners324

Thought planning permission was only needed for extensions not for refurbishments (unless it's listed).

Comms69

It's a criminal matter. Literally turn up with the boys in blue and they'll be arrested. (or the boys from the footy team and use reasonable force to remove them)