In 2023, the housing squatters decreased by 8.8% compared to the previous year, recording 15,289 crimes related to the usurpation or burglary of real estate, according to the Home office. Catalonia leads with 6,258 squats, followed by Andalusia (2,331), the Valencian Community (1,640) and Madrid (1,516). The regions with the fewest cases are La Rioja (52), Cantabria (76) and Asturias (88). However, seven autonomous communities, including Asturias and La Riojahas seen a significant increase in these crimes.
Despite the general decline, the data from State Attorney General’s Office reveal that only 0.16% of squatting-related offences correspond to home invasions, with 96 proceedings opened in 2023. On the other hand, 8,868 cases of usurpationThe difference is that the raid concerns regular homes, while the usurpation concerns empty properties, such as those of banking entities. The communities that have reduced their figures the most are Murcia (-31.4%), Navarra (-26.1%) and the Valencian Community (-19%).
The Ultimate Trick to Keep Squatters Out of Your Home
The upward trend in cases of squatting of housing In some regions of Spain, this depends on various factors, according to experts. Among them, the poor functioning of the Administration of Justice stands out, due in large part to the lack of resources. This problem slows down judicial processes, making it difficult to resolve squatting cases.
Furthermore, the Housing lawentered into force in May 2023, introduced changes that further complicated the legal procedures related to the recovery of property. One of the most important changes brought about by this regulation is the amendment of the Code of Civil Procedure, which significantly extends the time limits available to owners to recover their homes.
In this context, the owners concerned are faced with a situation of uncertainty and vulnerabilityThe Housing Law has been controversial because some believe that, although it aims to protect people in vulnerable situations, it also indirectly allows squatters to take advantage of legal loopholes to move into other people’s properties. This situation has generated a feeling of insecurity among many owners, especially in the areas most affected by this phenomenon, such as Catalonia and other autonomous communities.
On the other hand, experts agree that in order to solve this problem, it is necessary to make changes to the regulations. They propose to streamline the legal proceedings related to squattingby providing more resources to the administration of justice and adjusting laws so that owners can recover their homes more quickly.
Usurpation and intrusion
A fundamental aspect is the difference between the crimes of usurpation and burglary. It intrusion involves the occupation of a habitual residence, whether a person’s first or second residence, which is generally considered a more serious offence.
For his part, the usurpation These are uninhabited or empty properties, often owned by banks or large landowners, and represent the majority of squatting cases in Spain. The legal differences between the two concepts influence how quickly and effectively authorities can act to evict squatters.
Anti-squatter insurance
Squatters are taking advantage of legal loopholes to take possession of properties, which has given rise to businesses that profit from this situation, such as eviction companies and insurers with anti-squatter insurance. However, the Association of Financial Users (Asufin) warns against confusing advertising of such insurance, which can mislead consumers by overlapping coverage with traditional insurance and creating false expectations of legal protection.
It is essential to understand the difference between burglary, which involves the occupation of inhabited dwellings, and burglary, which occurs in uninhabited dwellings, such as those of banks or investment funds. The courts have clarified that not only is the interior of a home considered a “dwelling”, but also outbuildings, caravans, hotel rooms and tents. Therefore, insurance companies must be clear when offering specific products and avoid using terms that create confusion for homeowners looking to protect their homes against squatting.
National Police Councils
Squatting in homes in Spain is harming many homeowners, and the Consumer and User Organization (OCU) recommends not to act alone. Instead, he suggests filing a report with the police and informing the relevant insurance company of the incident. He also advises turning to companies specializing in eviction to facilitate a quick resolution of the conflict.
The Police, to prevent squats, recommend several preventive measures. It is essential to always lock the doors, avoid publishing the dates of absence on social networks, and install security systems such as reinforced doors, bars and alarms. In addition, exchanging contacts with neighbours, having a trusted person collect mail and maintaining the appearance of occupation by planting plants in windows or balconies also help to deter squatters.
