The topic of ‘okupas’ (squatters) regularly appears in the media and is commonly associated with Spain. Many myths have also arisen on the topic, despite the fact that the laws on the Iberian Peninsula regulate and sanction the illegal occupation of properties. At the beginning of April, an amendment came into force that provides additional support to owners.
Read the latest study prepared for us by the Martinez-Echevarría law firm in Marbella.
Who exactly are the “okupas”?
The term “okupas” refers to people who illegally occupy other people’s properties – usually abandoned or unused for a long time. The term is derived from the Spanish word “ocupación”, which means occupation. The illegal squatters mainly target unsecured apartments and even entire housing estates belonging to banks or investment funds. This involves breaking into an apartment, putting their belongings in it and even … signing a contract with utility providers.
Number of ‘okupas’ in Andalusia is falling
According to the latest figures, 16,426 reports of property seizures were recorded in 2024 throughout Spain, i.e. in all 17 autonomous communities. More than 42% of this number (7,009) was in Catalonia, and only 13% (2,207) were repossessions in Andalusia. The latter figure is equivalent to around 49 out of every 10,000 properties, or less than half a percent (0.05%). This is also well below the Spanish average of 60 cases per 10,000 properties.
At the same time, the detection rate is increasing (by approx. 4.7%) as there were 629 arrests and investigations into property seizures in Andalusia last year, compared to 601 in 2023. In Spain as a whole, on the other hand, detection has increased by around 18% – from 9,459 investigations and arrests in 2023 to 11,133 in 2024.
In the province of Malaga alone, there were only 542 reports last year, which shows that the “okupas” problem does not really affect the Costa del Sol – in recent years there have only been isolated cases of such activities against private properties – because the coast of the sun is alive all year round: when the tourist season ends, the golf season begins.
See also:
What is okupas and why don’t they affect properties on the Costa del Sol?
What do the regulations say and what will change?
The issue of okupas requires a balancing of constitutional rights: to the protection of private property and to a dignified life and a roof over one’s head. Spain is taking a serious approach to this problem, strengthening existing regulations to ensure the protection of owners’ rights, while maintaining a fair balance and also taking into account the rights of vulnerable people.
According to Article 202 of the Spanish Penal Code, an attempted seizure of, for example, a flat is considered a break-in if the perpetrator is caught in the act. In practice, if the police intervene within 48 hours, the property is freed from unwanted tenants in a faster and more efficient criminal procedure.
At the beginning of 2025, an amendment was published in the Journal of Laws, which brings positive changes for property owners, as cases of their seizure by “okupas” will be considered by courts in other categories, with faster procedures – guaranteeing that after the case is brought to court, it will be considered within a maximum of 15 days. The amendment came into force on April 3, 2025.
Better safe than sorry
Since reporting squatters within 48 hours allows for a quick solution to the “okupas” problem, residents are alert to suspicious activity at their neighbors’ doors and inform each other, but it is also worth investing in a simple alarm. There is strong competition among companies offering apartment and house security systems. This keeps the prices attractive and the level of protection high. Installing an alarm system in an apartment costs around 200 euros, with a monthly fee of around 50 euros.
For this price, you get vibration sensors on the windows, motion sensors with the option of taking photos or recording the intruder, and a control panel with a SIM card that immediately informs the security company of a break-in, even without Internet access. The operator then contacts the owner and, if necessary, also the police and security agency, who often arrive at the scene before the officers.
It is also worth remembering that proactive measures, such as investing in alarm systems, can further strengthen the security of a property. This is definitely a better solution than subsequent corrective measures. Remember that if you have any doubts regarding security or legal issues, it is always worth seeking professional help.
