Hackney (London area known for squatting)

Hackney, an area in East London, has a history of low-income residents occupying unused or abandoned buildings without official permission, a practice known as squatting. This phenomenon emerged as a response to housing shortages and rising costs, often driven by social movements advocating for housing rights. While squatting is technically illegal in the UK, enforcement varies, and many squatters seek temporary shelter or aim to reclaim unused spaces. Today, Hackney balances its cultural vibrancy with ongoing debates over property use, community development, and housing affordability, reflecting broader issues of urban inequality and housing policy.