Squatter's rights

A family in Girona believed they had finally ended the ordeal of seeing their home occupied. After months of helplessness, they used their own keys to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. But their relief lasted only a few days: a court ordered them to return the property to the squatters, ruling that the repossession had been carried out without judicial authorisation. The case has reignited debate over the legal complexities and perceived absurdities surrounding squatting in Spain.

The new anti-squatting law, outlined in Organic Law 1/2025, enables landlords to evict squatters within 15 days through expedited trials for offences such as trespassing and squatting. However, experts have raised concerns about its effectiveness, citing the potential for lengthy judicial processes and cases involving vulnerable individuals. The law does not address the issue of "inquiokupas," tenants who refuse to pay rent. Judicial backlog and a lack of resources are seen as the key obstacles to its successful implementation.

The sale of homes without possession is notably impacting the Spanish property market. Once virtually unheard of, these properties now account for 2.6% of all homes for sale in Spain, according to a study published by idealista based on listings from the Q4 2024.

Squatting is on the rise in Spain once again.

Second homes are often left uninhabited for extended periods, making them particularly appealing to those wanting to squat somewhere.In this article, we explore why second homes are so vulnerable and the steps you can take to protect them.Why are second homes in the spotlight?Long periods of inactiv

If you discover that your home has been occupied, it is crucial to act swiftly and with a clear understanding of your rights.

In Spain, squatting has become an increasingly pressing concern for property owners.

Facing the illegal occupation of a property is undoubtedly one of the biggest concerns for property owners in Spain. In addition to the uncertainty of how to proceed, it often involves legal complications, property damage and potential financial losses.

The Judicial Efficiency Bill, which includes measures such as fast-track trials for squatter cases and the abolition of 'golden visas', has encountered resistance in the Senate.The legislation was approved by the Congress of Deputies on 14th November but was vetoed by the Senate following a proposal

On Thursday, 14 November, the Spanish Congress of Deputies approved a law to expedite trials for illegal home occupation under the Judicial Efficiency Act.

Restrictions on tourist flat rentals and concerns over squatting or rent defaults could result in hundreds or thousands of tourist flats being put up for sale, according to real estate firm K&N Elite. The new regulations aim to curb the expansion of Tourism Use Housing (VUT) and reduce its nega

With house prices rising steadily, auctions can offer significant savings compared to the free market. As a result, the general public is showing increasing interest in this formula, information on which can be found on the Official State Gazette's (BOE) auction portal.

In Spain, the time owners have to wait to receive a court ruling to evict squatters from a property is at historic highs. At the end of last year, the average period was 23.2 months, adding the procedures of the Courts of First Instance and the possible appeals of the Provincial Courts. Castile and Leon and Murcia are the autonomous communities where it takes the longest, while Navarra and Aragon are the quickest. Law firms criticise the collapse of the Administration of Justice due to a lack of resources and assure that the right to private property is being weakened.

The phenomenon of squatting, or "okupación" as it is known locally, has become a significant issue in Spain, impacting property values and creating a complex legal and social landscape.

Squatting, along with defaulting tenants, is a major problem in Spain and an issue of great concern to homeowners, whether they have many or just one property. What squatters call an act of rebellion or resistance against the system affects private individuals who have inherited a home or who, through hard work and effort, have managed to buy a house.

With the rise of 'okupación' in Spain, property owners and individuals alike are seeking to navigate the legal landscape and social implications of squatting.

Worried about squatters getting into your vacant home in Spain? Fear no more! Rent out your property and protect your income with tenant default insurance.

Squatting is one of the main headaches for homeowners and neighbours within a community. Having squatters in a flat or house in your residential complex or block can be a serious problem, especially if the offenders carry out illegal or annoying activities.

Having a squatter in your home is a real headache. Not being able to use or rent it, or simply not knowing what state it is in are just some of the complications involved in this situation. A situation that more and more people decide to solve by putting their property up for sale.

For years, the squatting movement in Spain has known how to invade houses and occupy them without eviction due to legal loopholes.

The length of time that property owners in Spain have to wait for a ruling to evict squatters from their homes continues to increase.

The Popular Party president, Alberto Núñez Feijóo, has proposed reforming a series of procedural laws to enable the eviction of squatters and has guaranteed that, if he governs, he will put an end to the phenomenon of illegal squatting, which in his opinion, "cannot continue". The new Housing Law s

Spain's new Housing Law is dominating real estate conversations across the country and beyond. At the recent real estate fair Sima, the vast majority of the speakers were opposed to the implementation of this law.

Spain's Platform of People Affected by Squatting (PAO), like many others, has expressed its worries concerning the country's new Housing Law.

Someone is living in your property and not paying rent: are they a squatter or a defaulter? The key lies in how they gained access to the property.