Home occupation in Spain: the reality behind the fear (and why your property is safer than you think)
The truth about home occupation: what homeowners should know before giving in to fear
Perhaps you’ve felt that same fear. You hear the word “squatters” and all the alarms go off: fear of losing your property, of endless legal procedures, of feeling powerless. You’re not alone. That fear is shared by many homeowners and investors who sometimes hesitate to buy or rent out their homes because of the sense of insecurity portrayed in the media.
But what if the reality isn’t as alarming as it seems? Because occupation does exist, yes — but it’s far less common than most people believe. And the best part is, there are simple and effective ways to prevent it and to act quickly if it ever happens.
Two different realities: unlawful entry and occupation
Before anything else, it’s important to clarify a basic but often misunderstood point. In Spain, there are two different types of home occupation: unlawful entry (allanamiento) and occupation (usurpación).
Unlawful entry occurs when someone enters an occupied home — the place where you live or your regularly used second residence. In this case, the law is clear: it’s a criminal offence, and the police can intervene immediately to remove the occupants.
Occupation, on the other hand, happens when someone takes over an empty or unused property. While the legal process can take a bit longer, it’s still an offence with legal consequences. Moreover, these cases are far less common than people think. Most occupied homes belong to large financial institutions or have been abandoned for years.
What the numbers say: fear exceeds reality
The data speaks for itself — occupation is a minor phenomenon. According to judicial data and reports from media outlets such as El País and Cadena SER, the number of occupation-related complaints represents less than 0.1% of all homes in Spain. Yet more than 80% of citizens believe it’s a much bigger issue.
Why such a huge gap between perception and reality? Mainly because stories about squatters are repeated, amplified and mixed together. The same few cases appear on TV and social media over and over again, from different angles, creating the impression that it happens constantly.
In tourist and residential areas such as the Costa Blanca and the Costa Cálida, the situation is even more peaceful. Most homes are legally occupied, either as permanent residences or vacation rentals, which greatly reduces the risk. These municipalities enjoy strong community life, regular police presence and high property turnover — all factors that make illegal occupation extremely rare.
Why we feel more afraid than we should
Fear is a powerful emotion. When alarming messages are repeated often enough, even the most rational people begin to doubt. It’s understandable — nobody wants to put their property or investment at risk.
However, much of that fear comes from misinformation. Spain has a strong legal framework that protects property owners and offers various ways to act quickly. The issue, more than being widespread, is emotional. We’ve been led to believe it’s more likely than it truly is — and that fear, in many cases, does more harm than the actual risk.
Simple ways to protect your home (without living in fear)
Protecting a home from occupation doesn’t require big expenses or complex measures. In fact, the most effective actions are usually the simplest ones:
-
Install high-security locks or anti-bumping systems.
-
Add cameras or sensors with mobile alerts or a connection to a security company.
-
Take out a home insurance policy that covers occupation or vandalism.
-
Make the property look lived in — use timer lights, keep the mailbox empty, visit regularly.
-
Stay connected with neighbours or building managers who can alert you if something seems off.
These steps provide not only real protection but also peace of mind. It’s not about living in fear — it’s about feeling in control. And with these basic precautions, the risk is practically non-existent.
Invest or rent out with confidence on the Costa Blanca
The Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida remain among the safest and most profitable areas to invest in property. Both national and international buyers find here a stable environment with high rental demand and well-maintained communities.
Contrary to the image often portrayed in the media, occupation cases in these regions are isolated and exceptional. Thanks to a combination of vigilance, tourism activity and professional management, buying a home to live in, rent or invest continues to be one of the smartest and safest decisions you can make.
Most buyers and investors in the Costa Blanca rely on professional real estate guidance, ensuring that every step — from contracts to insurance — is handled securely. That’s the best protection of all.
Conclusion: information, calm and confidence
Occupation exists, yes, but it’s far from the widespread threat many imagine. Fear, amplified by headlines and social media, has had a far greater impact than reality itself.
Getting informed, surrounding yourself with professionals and applying simple security measures are all you need to feel at ease as a homeowner or investor. It’s not about denying the issue, but about understanding it in its real context.
Because owning, renting or investing in a home shouldn’t be a source of worry — it should be something to enjoy. Most homeowners live peacefully and benefit from their investments without any problems. You can too.
Get informed, stay protected and focus on what truly matters: your peace of mind.
Discover how to invest with confidence on the Costa Blanca.
