Squatters overrun Spanish properties

Raymundo LarraĆ­n Nesbitt, July, 29. 2020

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Inset image: occupied mansion displaying the international squatter symbol

 

By Raymundo Larraín Nesbitt
Lawyer - Abogado
1st of August 2020

As a result of Spain’s challenging financial situation, brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic, we are witnessing several consequences.

One of them, is the untrammelled growth of squatters all over Spain, which is reaching alarming levels. It is estimated there are over 100,000 properties occupied by squatters in Spain (source).

Spain’s press reports the squatter problem has increased by over 300% since the virus outbreak in March, this is unprecedented. Over 40 police reports are being filed on a daily basis and this figure continues to grow unbridled, month after month.

There are a number of reasons for this explosive squatter growth. Briefly:

  • Dire financial situation which has seen the unemployment rate jump over 40% (an all-time-high which eerily echoes Depression-era levels), in real terms, if you factor in the 4.7 mn unemployed with ERTEs who haven't worked for 6 months. The 'official' unemployment rate is 15.6%.
  • National and regional hard-left wing Administrations pro-squatter movement. Some high-ranking politicians, now in office, have in fact been active militants of this movement in their youth, openly abetting and encouraging it.
  • The lockdown has restricted movement from property owners from all over Europe, who have left their properties standing empty for long periods of time unchecked.
  • Outdated and lax legal framework devised to protect squatter’s rights (!) and punish owners.
  • Out-of-control immigration policy from non-EU countries. I.e. last Friday 24th of July 418 non-EU immigrants landed on beaches in Murcia, of which several were Covid-19 carriers. Murcia is one of 50 provinces that constitute Spain... when you tally in all the immigrants, across all fifty provinces, that arrive every day unfettered you start to get the big picture.

 

Although initially the squatter movement was guided by lofty ideals, and only targeted bank-owned repossessions in large cities which stood empty, particularly in Barcelona, they have now evolved to boldly break into Spanish resident’s main homes. The new trend we’ve picked up on is that they are now also actively targeting overseas expat's homes (second homes) located on the costas, even large luxury villas.

Marbella, Estepona, Benahavis, etc have all been hit by this nuisance on the Costa del Sol. No longer are squatters being picky discriminating on whom owns the property based on lofty ideals, or being put off by breaking into luxury developments; they now break-in into any empty property they fancy, especially expats’.

As a result of this rampant wave of squatters, a new market need has emerged. We have partnered with a reputable company, that employs ex-policemen, and specializes in ousting squatters legally. It is of extreme importance you contact us within the first 48 hours of them breaking into your property.

If you have squatters occupying your property on the Costa del Sol (Malaga), contact us ASAP. We will get rid of them swiftly and put an end to your growing nightmare for a very reasonable fee.

 

 

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Larraín Nesbitt Lawyers is a law firm specialized in conveyancing, inheritance, taxation and litigation. You can contact us by e-mail at info@larrainnesbitt.com, by telephone on (+34) 952 19 22 88 or by completing our contact form.

  

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