Squatters, tenant problems.

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. 

Steve 

As it stands at present squatters have all the rights the owner has none, you will have to pay all their utility bills, then there is the cost of employing a solicitor to help and the amount of time it can take in some cases we are talking years & years.

I agree, it does seem to have got worse and the squatters know all the tricks but this mainly happens either with rental properties where they move in all above board and then just stop paying rent or holiday homes which are left empty for months on end. I've not heard of any squatters moving in to an occupied property when the owner has popped to the shops or had a day out or gone on holiday.

Hi everyone  thanks so far for your responses. Given the trends then, over the last few years, would you or are you aware of ex pats who have moved out or not moved to Spain because of this issue..

Is there a hub for this activity pr is it widespread? 

James

There's no centre of Squatter activity and is widespread throughout Spain. I personally don't know anyone who has changed their minds about buying here because of the Squatter problem. 

I have been following this particular thread for many, many months and if you get chance to read through it you will be amazed:

https://britishexpats.com/forum/spain-75/tenant-eviction-nightmare-part-2-a-931274/

Steve 

Hi steve

That is the link I read through last weekend, thanks.

Have not yet finished!! So long.

Hello James

 I do agree with all the posts above who all gave you correct & currant info, however, I have lived in a gated urbanisation in an apt. for 18yrs and know the whole area  very  well. I have never known anyone in that time who has been affected by squatters, lots of the properties are holiday homes, so often unoccupied but those of us who live here are very vigilant & the Urb is not easily accessible from the road...

.  I think careful choice of  location  & good resident  neighbours (+ a  reliable keyholder would put your minds at rest....don't let it stop your dreams, take all the advice given and look around  thoroughly before you commit to a purchase

Cheers

Elinspain

Hi El

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

James

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. 

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 🧡