Illegal occupations remain one of the biggest nightmares for owners in Portugal and Spain, but a recent case in Valladolid shows how a simple detail may have made a difference to recover an illegally busy house: personal effects. The story is generating debate and warns thousands of real estate owners.
The worrying increase in illegal occupations
According to the Spanish newspaper La Razon, in recent years, Spain has recorded constant growth in cases of housing usurpation. In 2024 alone, more than 16,000 occurrences were accounted for, an increase of 7.4% over the previous year. In regions such as Castile and Leo, occupation lawsuits fired 130% in the third quarter.
Although Portugal has lower numbers, similar situations have already occurred, especially in urban areas and with greater real estate pressure, keeping the theme on the agenda.
Valladolid’s case that caught the eye
In the early hours of August 8, a couple returned from travel and found their home in the Parque Alameda neighborhood, occupied by strangers. The keys stopped serving as the lock had been changed.
The key to recovering the housing was in a seemingly simple detail: the owners had left inside the house personal documents, correspondence and family photographs. These elements served as immediate proof that it was their usual residence, allowing the authorities to confirm the legitimacy of the eviction request and order the restitution of the property.
What Spanish Law says
According to legislation in Spain, when it is shown that a housing has been the main address and the occupation occurred less than 48 hours ago, the authorities may proceed to immediate eviction. This is what happened in this case, avoiding a judicial process that, in common situations, can drag on for months or even years.
Without clear evidence, the average eviction time can be around two years old, a scenario that despairs many owners.
Increasingly relevant preventive measures
This episode is a warning for all who have uninhabited houses for part of the year. Experts recommend maintaining personal documents, correspondence or family records inside, in order to prove the use of housing.
In addition, the collaboration between neighbors and local authorities has been fundamental to detect suspicious movements and prevent occupations before they consolidate.
Reinforced security against intrusions
Another advice is the investment in high safety locks and alarm systems linked to monitoring centers. These mechanisms act as additional barriers against intruders and can be effective dissuasors.
In Spanish cities, some residents’ associations have already implemented community surveillance groups that immediately warn the police in case of attempted occupation.
The impact on the real estate market
The reality of illegal occupations also has repercussions in the housing sector. It is estimated that more than 20,000 houses are occupied in Spain, representing about 2.6% of the market.
This phenomenon generates distrust in investors and apprehension among buyers, who fear to see their properties invaded or lose the profitability of acquired properties for lease.
A problem that crosses borders
In Portugal, although the numbers are lower, more and more reports of attempts to occupy vacant properties are emerging. The Spanish case is seen as a warning sign, as similar pressures can lead to the worsening problem in the national territory.
Owner defense organizations have warned that Portuguese legislation must be reinforced to respond more quickly to these situations, preventing long -term scenarios.
A theme that requires political responses
At the European level, the need to create joint measures that protect property rights is discussed while respecting fundamental principles of human dignity. However, the delay in law enforcement remains one of the most frequent criticism.
While there are no more effective solutions, and according to, the recommendation for those who have real estate is to redouble surveillance and adopt simple but practical measures, capable of making a difference when the threat arises.
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