Squatting pandemic in commercial premises

This summer has seen large numbers of squatters in commercial premises, especially empty shops on the high street.

We usually see a significant increase in the number of squatters as we move towards the winter, so the situation for commercial landlords is likely to get worse.

Martyn Spiers, group commercial and eviction services mfor HCE Group and the National Eviction Team, said: “Amid the ongoing decline of the UK’s High Streets and rising homelessness, High Court Enforcement Group’s commercial team is witnessing a surge in squatter activity targeting vacant commercial properties.

"This troubling trend is particularly evident across London, where recent data confirms a renewed rise in squatter incidents.

"Month on month instructions continue to climb and as winter approaches, we anticipate further escalation.”

Over the summer, we have undertaken a number of squatter evictions across London. Let’s look at one in particular in June 2025, where squatters moved in after the property guardians moved out three months previously. You can view our agents in action during the eviction in this video on the National Eviction Team website.