The illegal occupation of empty houses has been growing in Spain, causing growing concern among owners, especially those who have second housing in tourist or real estate that remain unoccupied for long periods. This practice, which already affects various regions of the country, has been complicated due to the increasingly sophisticated methods used by the ‘Okupas’ to settle in properties and make their expulsion difficult.
According to recent data from the Spanish government cited by the site specializing in international news, The Local, the delay in lawsuits to recover properties and difficulty acting quickly makes many owners feel powerless in the face of this reality. The Okupas strategy includes simple but effective tricks to identify empty houses and make their occupation legally more complex, forcing owners to face long battles to recover their goods.
How they identify empty houses
The ‘Okupas’ use simple methods to confirm that a home is unoccupied. A usual trick is pushing glue or plastic to the doors and windows to see if anyone has entered, waiting a few days to see if these marks remain intact.
Another technique consists of cutting or turning off the water for a while and observing if there is consumption, thus confirming the absence of residents.
The pizza trick and fake documents
One of the most ingenious methods consists of ordering food for the house and keeping receipts as proof of residence. These documents, combined with counterfeit lease agreements, make it difficult for invaders to expulsion.
This tactic obliges the owners to face long and complex lawsuits to recover the property, because the presence with apparent documents makes the legal situation more complicated.
Tactics to hinder expulsion
After entering the property, the ‘Okupas’ use tricks to prevent the authorities’ rapid action. One is to paste or weld the locks inside, blocking access and prevent the police or owners from being able to open the door.
In addition, they do not hesitate to use tools to force doors or windows such as boat feet, berbocin and hammers. This brute force serves both to enter and to maintain space control.
Another common practice is to replace locks and damage existing ones, which requires complicated entry breaks for vacancy.
Measures to avoid invasions
To reduce risk, it is essential that owners reinforce the safety of the house, installing surveillance cameras and visible alarms. These devices not only remove potential invaders but also provide evidence in case of attempted occupation.
It is also important to avoid outdoor signs that indicate that the house is unoccupied, such as sales boards or online ads, which facilitate the work of the ‘Okupas’.
The role of neighbors in prevention
Attentive neighbors can be decisive in preventing these situations. The regular observation of the house, the rapid communication of suspicious activities and the simple presence on the street help to dissuade possible invaders.
Maintaining a relationship of trust with the community is one of the most effective means to protect a property.
According to, the growth of these occupations and the sophistication of the methods used by ‘Okupas’ increasingly requires owners’ attention to avoid difficult situations and long processes.
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