Family has lived in an illegally built house for 11 long years – now they have to move out

Emma Branch (49), her partner Anthony Batey (50) and their eight-year-old daughter Georgia have lived in a forest cabin in Horspath, near Oxford, Great Britain, for more than ten years. Die “Daily Mail“ reported that they neither had a building permit nor paid property taxes. A dispute with a friend of the family led to him reporting her to the local council, South Oxford Council.

The hut, built in 2013 for 36,000 pounds (approx. 42,000 euros), is secluded behind a locked gate. The building went unnoticed for years.

After 11 years, the family has to move out: “It’s so sad”

It was only when a friend reported the family out of anger that the authorities became aware. According to the Daily Mail, Emma and Anthony had to leave their apartment.
The family received an eviction notice in 2023 and initially successfully appealed, but this was rejected on New Year’s Eve 2024.

“When we received the eviction notice, we panicked.” We were completely stunned. “We were told we had a month to leave,” says Emma. And further: “They did it on principle.” If it had been in a garden or on a street, it would have been something different. No damage was caused. It’s so sad.”

The family’s illegally built house is to be demolished. “It’s not an eyesore, who does it hurt?” asks Emma. “It’s a big burden for us. We don’t know where to go.”

Woman builds tiny house for 16,000 euros: “I couldn’t afford an apartment”

Hollie from Queenstown in New Zealand didn’t have much money either. You build a tiny house for little money. “I couldn’t afford an apartment, so I built myself a house,” she tells the “Sun“. They used wood and an old trailer she bought for £3,000. Her father, a building contractor, helped her.

They found most of the furniture cheaply on platforms like Facebook Marketplace and were looking to buy new equipment at affordable prices. They also save money by building a simple composting toilet out of an old bucket and a toilet seat. Her new house cost Holly £14,000. “It’s small but very cozy and I love it.”