A Pole invested in a property in the Canary Islands, only to discover during renovation that the dwelling was already occupied by a family with a child as part of the „okupas” movement, reports „Forbes.” They had even changed the locks. „Cold sweat broke over me,” comments the IT employee. Fortunately, he is only out 8,500 PLN.
In Spain, the „okupas” movement is still very active, despite a new law in 2025 intended to offer greater protection to property owners. This legislation introduced a provision allowing owners to file a complaint, obligating a judge to schedule a hearing within two weeks. If the occupant lacks, for instance, a rental agreement, the judge can issue an immediate eviction order. The verdict can be expected within a few days, rather than the previous waiting period of over a dozen months.
A couple with a child moved into a 95-square-meter apartment in Tenerife, for which the Pole paid 95,000 euros (approximately 400,000 PLN), during his absence and resided there for a week. The renovation professional informed him of this situation.
From a friend who owns a property in Barcelona, he learned that „everything can be resolved, provided it’s not a couple with a child. After those 48 hours, they are untouchable,” quotes „Forbes.” Fortunately, luck was on his side with vigilant neighbors. As soon as they noticed an open window, they alerted the police, who removed the „okupas.” However, along with the family, tools and construction materials worth around 2,000 euros also disappeared.
In 2024, Poles purchased 4,213 houses and apartments in Spain. What advice does the Pole offer them? Invest in good neighborly relations, a few locks, and a motion-activated camera (costing approximately 30 euros).
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