Squatter goes from homeless to "slumdog millionaire"

People in a Florida neighbourhood are facing an unusual neighbour problem. A brazen squatter has snagged an empty $2.5 million mansion, going from homeless to a real-life "slumdog millionaire".

According to reports, 23-year-old Andre "Loki Boy" Barbosa has taken up residence in a five-bedroom, waterfront mansion since "at least December 26, 2012".

Barbosa used an obscure adverse possession law to gain a foothold to ownership of the mansion, after the Bank of America foreclosed on the owners more than 18 months ago, Sky News reports.

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Under the law, squatters can gain title ownership if they live in an abandoned residence openly, maintain it and pay all relevant property taxes for a period of seven years.

However, the house was not abandoned. It was just empty and Bank of America now wants him out. The neighbours are of the same opinion and one of them has reportedly has hired off-duty police to secure the neighborhood until he is ejected.

While the proceedings have begun, the legal process is expected to take anywhere between three and six weeks, which means he can stay put until then.

Mr Barbosa has been unavailable for comment.

A Facebook page listed under Mr his name detailing the situation refers to the disputed property as "Templo de Kamisamar".