In a surprising turn of events, a squatter named Keith Best managed to claim legal ownership of an empty house in Newbury Park, East London. The house, once belonging to a pensioner, was recently sold for a staggering sum of £540,000. This remarkable story raises important questions about property rights and the fairness of the legal system.
The Unlikely Journey Begins
Colin Curtis, the previous owner of the three-bedroom semi-detached house, had lived there with his mother for many years. However, he moved out in the late 1990s, leaving the property vacant. It was during this time that Keith Best, a builder, discovered the empty home while working in the area. Seeing an opportunity, Mr. Best began treating the property as his own and embarked on a mission to renovate it. In 2012, he, along with his wife and child, formally moved into the house.
The Bold Claim and Legal Battle
Several months later, Keith Best decided to take a bold step and applied for permanent possession of the property. To everyone’s surprise, he based his claim on the legal principle of adverse possession. This principle allows a trespasser to gain legal rights to a property they do not legally own if they can demonstrate “control” over the property for an extended period. At the time, the house was estimated to be worth around £400,000.
The legal battle that followed was intense and unprecedented. Initially, Mr. Best’s claim for adverse possession was denied by the Chief Land Registrar due to criminalization of squatting. However, this decision was later overturned by the High Court in 2014. Mr. Best was granted legal ownership of the house, thanks to the previous legislation that treated squatting as a civil matter.
The Frustration and Loss
Colin Curtis, who sadly passed away in 2018 at the age of 80, launched a counterclaim in an attempt to regain ownership of the property. However, his claim was dismissed by Judge Elizabeth Cooke, who stated that he had no legal standing to fight for his mother’s home. This left Colin and many others bewildered and feeling as though the legal system had failed them.
The complexity of property ownership and the legal framework surrounding adverse possession is highlighted by this case. It raises concerns about the fairness and equity of such laws, particularly when properties are left vacant for extended periods. Colin Curtis once expressed his frustration, saying, “It’s not fair. The law is an ass. It’s like someone getting in your car then saying it’s theirs because they’re sitting in it.”
A Legacy Lost
The house’s history reflects the challenges faced by Colin Curtis, who experienced the tragic loss of his son and daughter at young ages. Despite these hardships, Colin and his mother are fondly remembered by their former neighbors, who still harbor resentment over how the law allowed Keith Best to gain ownership of the property.
In a surprising twist, the house was recently sold to Atiq Hayat, 35, who confirmed that the sale was conducted legally. The Hayat family was unaware of the property’s controversial past and has carried out significant renovations, increasing its value to approximately £650,000.
The Consequences and Reflection
This extraordinary story raises important questions about property rights, legal loopholes, and the moral and ethical implications of adverse possession. It serves as a stark reminder that the legal system can sometimes produce outcomes that defy common sense and leave individuals like Colin Curtis feeling wronged by the very laws meant to protect them.
In conclusion, Keith Best’s journey from squatter to legal property owner is a remarkable and contentious chapter in property law. While Mr. Best has profited from his actions, the story sheds light on the need for a thorough review of the laws surrounding adverse possession and their impact on individuals like Colin Curtis, who lost a family home under circumstances that many find hard to comprehend. The property, once a source of contention and legal battles, now stands as a testament to the importance of responsible property ownership and the value of preserving family legacies.
