The issue of squatters or okupas oftentimes is a significant concern for expat property owners in Spain, as it involves people illegally occupying homes when they're vacant. In this guide, we'll provide current information on the squatter situation in Spain and offer tips on how to protect your property.
You may wonder why squatting is such a big issue. It seems logical that if squatters are discovered, the police would remove them immediately. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. In certain areas, there are very few laws against okupas, and these squatters can even receive political support. In fact, it's estimated that there are currently between 90,000 and 100,000 properties illegally occupied by squatters throughout Spain.
Foreign homeowners are often targeted by squatters, as they are seen as wealthy and potentially less fluent in Spanish, which can make dealing with these issues more complicated. Additionally, navigating the legal system in a foreign country can be difficult and expensive. Squatters often assume that due to these constraints, that non-Spanish homeowners will be less likely to take legal action.
Nonetheless, by taking preventative measures and ensuring your property is well-protected, you can reduce the risk of squatters occupying your home.
How to Prevent Squatters from Taking Over Your Property
If you own a second home or holiday property in Spain, it's crucial to monitor it regularly to deter intruders. Here are a few preventative measures you can take:
- Set up cameras with app integration: Many brands offer cameras that can be connected to your smartphone. These cameras can be placed around your property to detect motion and send alerts to your phone in real time. The footage can also be recorded, allowing you to notify the police immediately if needed.
- Install an anti-break-in alarm with police response: Some companies offer various alarm systems that are specifically designed to prevent unauthorized entry. These systems require a code to deactivate and if the code isn’t entered within a set time, the system automatically alerts the police. This is a good, immediate solution for if squatters were to enter your home.
- Having trusted neighbors: In addition to using these technologies, it is also beneficial to have trusted friends or neighbors that are able to periodically check on your property to ensure everything is in order during your time away.
What to Do If Squatters Occupy Your Property
If squatters were to gain access to your home, the most important thing is to act quickly. If the break-in is discovered within 48 hours, contact the police immediately.
Spanish law states that if squatters remain in a property undisturbed for more than 48 hours, it becomes much harder to evict them. At this point, property owners usually have two options:
- Pursue legal action: Although you have the right to reclaim your property, this process can be lengthy and can even take up to two years.
- Negotiate with the squatters: The faster option of the two is to negotiate with the occupants. Although it can be very expensive, many squatters occupy homes with the intent of receiving payment to leave. Therefore, this is oftentimes the quickest option to remove squatters from your home.
Ensuring that you have a comprehensive home insurance policy that covers any damages caused by break-ins is another essential step to minimize the financial risks if squatters were to occupy your home. Our team specializes in assisting expats with home and visa insurance. We offer a wide range of insurance plans to fit every expat’s needs. If you are interested in learning more, please contact us.