The derelict house in Hampstead Garden Suburb owned by the Congolese government is to be renovated and squatters removed following a campaign by Mike Freer MP and Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust.

The £4m property on Holne Chase was previously the Congolese Ambassador’s residence, but was last used in 2006 and has since been left abandoned.  Windows were boarded up and maintenance neglected.  Squatters have moved into the home, adding anti-social behaviour to the existing visual blight.

Mike Freer MP said, “I lobbied the Foreign Office to put pressure on the Congolese Embassy, and thankfully they have listened.  I have been told that the squatters will be evicted and the Congolese will work with the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust to refurbish the property.

This property has been the source of many problems for local residents but it is also disgusting that the representatives of such a poor country were content to let such a substantial building rot rather than selling it.” 

Squatting is to become a criminal offence later this year following a campaign by Mike Freer.  Previously it was a civil offence, meaning unless the landlord launched lengthy and expensive legal proceedings squatters were able to remain in the building, and neighbours were powerless.  In future the police will be able to intervene immediately and evict squatters.