The illegal occupation of uninhabited residences has intensified in Spain, raising concern among owners, especially those with second homes in tourist areas or properties that remain unoccupied for long periods. This reality has become more complex due to the increasingly sophisticated strategies employed by ‘okupas’, which make expulsion difficult and lengthen the time needed to regain possession of properties.
Recent data from the Spanish Government, cited by the English website, indicate that the slowness of legal processes and the difficulty in acting quickly leave many owners without effective responses. Among the tactics used by invaders are simple but effective methods to detect empty houses, making occupation legally more complicated and forcing owners to go through lengthy procedures to regain control of the properties.
How to identify unoccupied properties
Invaders use basic strategies to confirm that a house is empty of residents. A common method is to place glue or plastic on doors and windows, checking after a few days if these marks remain intact.
Another technique involves cutting or turning off the water supply and observing whether there is consumption, which confirms the absence of residents.
The parcel trick and false documents
One of the most ingenious approaches is to order food to the property and keep the receipts as proof of residency.
Together with falsified lease contracts, these documents make eviction more difficult, forcing landlords into long and complex legal processes.
Strategies to make expulsion difficult
After entering the house, the ‘okupas’ adopt several practices to delay the authorities’ action. These include gluing or welding locks from the inside, replacing existing ones and blocking access, or using tools such as crowbars, hammers and drills to pry open doors and windows. These actions make eviction more complicated and time-consuming.
How to prevent break-ins
To reduce the risk of occupation, it is essential to reinforce the security of the property, installing surveillance cameras and visible alarms, which act as deterrents and provide evidence in the event of an attempted invasion.
It is also important to avoid exterior signs that indicate vacancy, such as sales advertisements or online presence.
The role of neighbors
Community collaboration can be decisive. Attentive neighbors who regularly observe the home, quickly report suspicious activity, and maintain a presence nearby help prevent break-ins. Building trusting relationships in the neighborhood is one of the most effective forms of protection.
The Local highlights that the increase in these occupations and the sophistication of the strategies employed by ‘okupas’ require increased attention from owners, in order to avoid complicated situations and prolonged legal proceedings.
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