Is this correct ? - squatters are allowed to occupy homes permanently if not evicted within 24 hours? - Page 3

Sometimes they can get violent.

https://euroweeklynews.com/2023/06/05/british-homeowner-brutally-assaulted-by-squatters-in-manilva-on-the-costa-del-sol/

So laughable! , they can use a crowbar to break in , they can steal your belongings,  they can smash your apartment up etc, and it's the law , wonder what the European union thinks to it ? , 

Yes the whole situation is unbelievable and outrageous. All over Spain there are thousands of squatters. Large towns and city's have major issues. Many do move into bank owned property. The banks will do nothing especially if children under 10 are living with them. Many of them get up to all sorts, we've had several lots break into bank properties, unsold for 18 years on our Community. One lot had been there for 11 years, stole electricity and water for all those years. They started growing cannabis upstairs and the upstairs caught fire, the fire was horrendous, it also caused damage to the neighbours house, which he has had to sort out and is now out of pocket.  The bank is amongst the missing, and refuse to answer to even the insurers.

The Police were even friendly towards them, laughing and joking when someone called them out over stealing water and electricity. If they do break in, it is essential that the Police are called as soon as they move in. They know every trick in the book, including showing the Police a contract to live there. The Police can't be bothered. If they do break into a private home, it will cost a fortune to remove them, one person I know nearly 8,000€ to get his own home back and 5 years as the courts are so slow. You cannot even go into the garden, its illegal for you to do so. That is how crazy it is with Squatters in Spain. Do everything you can, Alarms, Camera's and have someone you trust to check it on a regular basis.

If you have contacts , well that's a different story, but for most who are quiet and law abiding, its a nightmare should their home be occupied by Okupas as they are called in Spain.

Hi,

   something I read online today, might be something to consider, though at what cost?

https://www.thelocal.com/20230607/anti-squatter-home-insurance-launches-in-spain/

Aitch,

Hi Kim

Very interested in the Gaurdia police camerers but not sure how they work when we are back in the UK?

They work off WiFi in holiday home I assume but how will they link up to our phones oo lap top while we are in UK?

Sorry but not at all tech minded.

Thanks in advance.

Hi Moira,

You download to your preferred device (in our case, our mobiles) the application for the type of cameras you buy and set up the notifications you want to receive - you'll receive instructions on how to do this, either included in the packaging, or usually a link to the manufacturer's website.  You can also remotely turn off alerts if, for example, you have someone known to you visiting the property, and reactivate once they leave.  The price of systems varies, to some extent on brand, but depends primarily on the resolution and functionality of the camera system you choose.

Kind regards,

Kim

Thanks Kim  for your help. I will check if out.

Regards

Moira

Oh the joys of Spain, where law breakers (the usual suspects) are protected and homeowners are not. You couldn't make it up!

And it's not going to get any better with the new housing law. This appears to be condoning, possibly even encouraging, squatting!

https://www.idealista.com/en/news/legal-advice-in-spain/2023/05/11/122568-spains-new-housing-law-ignores-those-affected-by-squatting

The problems need to get greater publicity around Europe to warn people of the risks, maybe then the authorities will take action to make squatting in private properties illegal. 

Aitch.

Hi, I have heard that the law has changed from 48 hours to five days which gives the owner more time to evict the squatters. I am not sure how accurate it is though.