Dutch ‘Anti-squat’ concept entered into new French legislation
Camelot Property Management, specialist in vacant property management, has established a new French law and has strengthened its market position in Europe.
On the 12th February 2009, after a year of lobbying and various visits of French officials to Dutch and Belgian anti-squatting projects, the French parliament unanimously adopted a new law that enables temporary occupation in vacant properties. This ‘Camelot' law is based on the successful Dutch solution of placing live-in Guardians in empty schools, offices, shops and other properties.
Joost van Gestel, CEO of Camelot Europe: "The original Dutch concept of ‘anti-squat' occupation is successfully translated to a vacant property management service package for the French market. Herewith all sorts of properties, ranging from vacant offices to former military complexes, can be protected against dilapidation and squatting, by an easy, efficient and effective solution. In addition, it offers the French government the opportunity to provide affordable temporary living space to young people, in premises which would otherwise not be used, and become desolate."
Olivier Roussel, Director of Camelot France: "The acquaintance with the Dutch method of living in vacant properties was a revelation for French officials. The Camelot solution where safety, inhabitability of the neighbourhood and the utilization of unused buildings is realised in a positive way, is something of which all political parties directly grasped the benefits. The adoption of this law allows Camelot to roll out the concept quickly. Public authorities in Lyon, Lille and Paris are eager to use our services. Camelot have something really unique to offer. Therefore, we hope to conquer the French market as quickly as our colleagues have conquered the British market."
Joost van Gestel: "After we won the Chamber of Commerce award for the most successful export product to the United Kingdom in 2005, the realisation of a new law in France is a new high point in our business. We are convinced that we can offer other European governments a better alternative to vacant buildings. Our vision is now focused on Spain and Germany."
Camelot Europe, the European specialist in vacant property management is now active with 10 offices in the Netherlands, Belgium, Great Britain, Ireland and France. The company offers thousands of European people temporary living or working space in a great variety of vacant properties.
