A Pole invested in a flat in the Canary Islands, only to discover during renovations that the property was already occupied by a family with a child as part of the ’okupas’ movement, reports „Forbes”. They had even changed the locks. „Cold sweat ran down my spine,” commented the IT worker. Fortunately, he is only out of pocket by 8.5 thousand PLN.
In Spain, the okupas movement is still in full swing, despite a change in law in 2025 that was meant to offer greater protection to property owners. This legislation introduced a provision allowing owners to file a complaint, and judges are obligated to schedule a hearing within two weeks. If the occupant lacks, for example, a rental agreement, the judge can issue an immediate eviction order. The verdict can be obtained within a few days, rather than the previous wait of over a dozen months.
During the owner’s absence, a couple with a child moved into a 95-square-meter flat on Tenerife, which the Pole purchased for 95,000 euros (approximately 400,000 PLN), and resided there for a week. The renovation contractor informed him of this situation.
From a friend who owns a property in Barcelona, he learned that „everything can be resolved, as long as it’s not a couple with a child. After 48 hours, they are untouchable,” according to „Forbes”. Fortunately, he also had vigilant neighbors. As soon as they noticed an open window, they notified the police, who removed the okupas. However, along with the family, tools and building materials worth about 2,000 euros also disappeared.
In 2024, Poles purchased 4,213 houses and apartments in Spain. What advice does this Pole offer them? Invest in good neighborly relations, a few locks, and a motion-activated camera (costing around 30 euros).
compiled by ed.