Squatters, tenant problems. - Page 2

dinnerout wrote on Thu Sep 16, 2021 1:14pm:

James, welcome to the Forum. I was brought up just over the river in Fife... 

I've had property in Spain since 1983 and moved over permanently just over 5 years ago. I live near Denia. 

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Denia doesn't appear to have the same level of issues as other towns. I have heard that Gandia and to a lesser extent Oliva had/have had/ some problems but I don't hear about it happening frequently in Denia. Apologies to any readers that live in Oliva and Gandia if this second hand news is incorrect! For some reason, and other posters may know why, it seems to be more prevalent on the Costa Blanca South, ie to the south of Benidorm and also on the Costa del Sol.

If you're moving permanently the issue of squatters is less concerning. This is because they look - generalizing here - for properties that are lying empty and reasonably accessible. I would suggest getting to know your neighbours and arranging to "keep an eye out" for each other when you're going to be away for longer than a day or two. Having a friendly neighbour in Spain can be much more rewarding than in the UK.

Properties that are easily accessible from the road are targets for obvious reasons, it's a little less frequent to see apartments above first floor targeted although it does happen.

I would not let this problem stop you from moving permanently. Buying a holiday home is a very different set of issues to consider though.

If you're buying a townhouse or a stand alone property I would suggest you get advice about deterrents and fortifications! Quite apart from squatters you want to deter opportunistic burglars.

However, the crime rate in this area is low, especially crime against the person, eg mugging, handbag snatches etc.

In selecting your property I would suggest avoiding areas that are predominantly holiday home occupied - a lot of the coastal strip 2km north of the town. I would be inclined to choose a location where people live all the year round.

In making your move don't be shy in asking questions on the Forum, there's an absolute treasure trove of expertise here.

Steve

PTBAA 🧡

james120744 wrote on Thu Sep 16, 2021 1:19pm:

.....many thanks for your response. So good to hear localised information.

James

Relyat wrote on Thu Sep 16, 2021 1:38pm:

Like Dinnerout, I'm near Denia and agree with what has been said. 

There was a problem with squatters in a certain urbanisation in Denia, I don't know whether it has been resolved but here is a link to an article from 2019.

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https://www.theolivepress.es/spain-news/tag/mirador-monte-pedrera/

Don't let this sort of thing make your decision for you but allow it to inform you. 

Nowhere is perfect, but listen to all the advice you can and do as much research as possible and then do some more. Then you'll be in a position to make a decision. 

tebo53 wrote on Thu Sep 16, 2021 11:02am:

I'm sorry to say that it has become more of a problem over the past few years. Squatters know their rights and they know how to work the legal system. If you have read the posts on this forum (and other expat forums) you will be furnished with good information for making a decision. 

If you do purchase property here in Spain you will need to make sure that it's protected like a bank vault using alarm systems that connect to alarm companies etc. ...

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...

Steve 

james120744 wrote on Thu Sep 16, 2021 10:33am:

Hi everyone. Last weekend I read an horrific account of how squatters and tenants ( not paying rent ) are over protected by the Spanish Legal system. We have done a good bit planning our move to Spain and are within a year of moving. After reading the home owners story and other threads my partne...

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...r is raising objections to our plans. Is this an isolated case or is it rife , as one member intimate. 

James

Dundee

james120744 wrote on Thu Sep 16, 2021 1:09pm:

Hi El

Thanks for taken the time to offer your opinion, i am hoping there will be many like you.

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James