I am selling an empty house, and I am worried about squatters. If anyone breaks in, are they legally allowed to stay?
Squatting in residential buildings is now illegal, and punishable with a fine of up to £5,000 or six months’ imprisonment, or both. It is usually a crime not to leave residential property when asked to do so by the owner, the police, the council or a repossession order, but only the police have legal authority to force entry and evict squatters. But even with the law on your side it’s best to take what measures you can to keep out intruders if possible. Try to make the house look as if it’s occupied.