Panic in Spain as squatters take over 45 homes a DAY | World | News

Spain’s squatter problem has surged to worrying new levels – with 45 properties being taken over each day. Spain’s conservative opposition has accused the country’s prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, of «handing over keys of the housing market to squatters» amid an ongoing row over anti-squatting laws. 

Alicia Garcia, spokesperson for the Partido Popular (PP), said the illegal occupation of uninhabited buildings had risen by nearly 55% since Sanchez came to power.

She said: «45 homes occupied every day and 45 families left unprotected. In the PP, we are clear about this. Spain needs security, justice and respect. A home is not booty, it is a home, and a home must always be protected.

«The PP is clear on this: squatters must be evicted, and owners must be respected.»

The comments come as the PP political party looks to push through new legislation that would provide homeowners with the legal right to cut off essential supplies such as water and electricity if squatters occupy their property, reports The Olive Press.

They believe that the move is essential for tackling the problem of squatting and alleviating Spain’s housing crisis, which includes more than 23,000 properties listed for sale that are flagged as ‘occupied’ or ‘illegally occupied’.

The proposal was passed in the Senate last week, gaining support from the Basque nationalist PNV. It will then head to Congress after a time of debate by the lower chamber’s housing committee.

There, the PP will need the support of smaller and regional parties, such as far-right Voc or Cata separatists, in order to reach a majority.

If passed, the amendment will change the criminal code to ensure that interrupting the supply of utilities to an illegally occupied house will no longer be considered as ‘coercion’.

Last year saw 16,426 reported cases of squatting across Spain, an increase of more than 7% from 2023, and the third-highest figure since records began.

Catalunya is the most affected region, with 7,009 cases, of which more than 5,000 took place in Barcelona. The figure impacting the popular holiday spot accounts for more than 30% of cases nationwide.

In April 2025, laws were reformed to allow swift «express evictions» of illegal occupants, meaning squatters could be evicted in 48 hours and cases resolved within 15 days.

However, the method appears to be failing, as squatters are still able to employ various tactics during the 48 hours to delay proceedings.

Marta del Campo, property lawyer, said: «The law gave hope to many owners. But realistically, only a fraction of cases will benefit from the new provisions.»