Reports & Research

Research reports, statistics, and publications related to housing, squatting, property guardianship, and the housing crisis in the UK.

SQUASH Publications

Squatting Statistics 2015

Comprehensive analysis of squatting data following the criminalisation of residential squatting in 2012. Includes conviction statistics, demographic data, and analysis of the law's impact.

• Published: April 2015
• Key finding: Majority of those convicted were vulnerable homeless individuals

Homes Not Jails

Report examining the relationship between empty homes and homelessness, arguing for alternative approaches to housing policy.

• Published: April 2015
• Focus: Empty homes statistics and housing alternatives

Cost of Criminalisation

Analysis of the financial costs of criminalising squatting versus civil remedies. Examines police, court, and prison costs.

• Published: 2012
• Key finding: Criminal approach more expensive than civil processes

Criminalising the Vulnerable

Research on who squatters actually are, challenging stereotypes and providing demographic data.

• Published: May 2011
• Focus: Demographics and circumstances of squatters

External Research

Government Statistics

• Ministry of Justice: Criminal justice statistics including Section 144 convictions
• DLUHC: Empty homes statistics and housing data
• ONS: Housing affordability and demographic data

Academic Research

• University research on housing precarity
• Studies on property guardianship models
• Comparative European housing policy research

Charity Reports

• Shelter: Annual housing reports and research
• Crisis: Homelessness statistics and research
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Housing poverty research