A Family’s Claim to a Multi-Million Dollar House

A multi-million dollar house in the western suburbs of Perth has become the center of attention after its owners claimed that a young family had been living there as home occupiers. The one-story brick house, located on Keightley Road in Shenton Park, has undergone renovations since the family moved in.

The Owners’ Claim

The family of the older owner, Marilyn Watson, says that school teacher Jeremy Hubbard and musician Rachel Savage lived in the $2 million house without an agreement. According to the owner’s nephew, Greg Preston, "At no time did she authorize someone to live in this property, period. No rent is paid, they are not authorized, it never met them. There is no rental agreement."

The Family’s Presence

The couple and their baby allegedly lived in the house without the knowledge of the owner, Marilyn Watson. A local newspaper reported that a woman claimed to be renting the house during a short exchange in November. The couple’s presence in the house was confirmed by social media posts, which have since been deleted.

Renovations and Occupancy

The 107-year-old house had been vacant since 2010, when Watson moved out due to hail damage. However, between March 2022 and March 2024, a new white lattice fence was installed, along with plants and fresh paint. Neighbors assumed that the people living in the property were the owners, as they had never seen much activity in the house.

The Letter and the Claim

Preston claimed to have found a letter to Watson in her house, allegedly written by Savage in 2022, expressing interest in buying the house. However, instead of purchasing the house, the couple allegedly moved in without a rent or purchase agreement.

Community Reaction

The story has sparked widespread interest in Perth and triggered a debate about the topic of free houses during the country’s housing crisis. Some people have expressed support for the couple, saying that at least a family is occupying the house and taking care of it. Others have argued that it is the owner’s right to leave a house vacant.

Legal Implications

According to Western Australian law, a person can claim legal property on land if they have occupied it for at least 12 years. The couple’s occupancy of the house has raised questions about the legality of their claim and the rights of the owner. The situation remains unresolved, with the moving trucks removing the couple’s belongings from the property over the weekend.