Buying Property in Spain: What to Know About ‘Okupas’

Buying a place in Spain sounds like the ultimate dream—sun, tapas, siestas. But if you’ve done any Googling in the past year, you’ve probably stumbled across a word that throws a bit of shade over the whole idea: “okupas.” These are squatters, and the stories about them can get pretty wild. Let’s break down what’s real, what’s hype, and how you can actually protect yourself if you’re thinking of buying property in Spain—especially if you won’t be living there full-time.

What Are ‘Okupas’ and Why Does Everyone Talk About Them?

In plain English: an okupa (plural: okupas) is a squatter—someone who moves into a property without the owner’s permission and refuses to leave. Spain’s laws around eviction are… let’s say, complicated. This means if squatters get in, you can’t just show up and drag them out. The process can drag on for months, sometimes even years.

Quick stat: According to Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, there were over 17,000 squatter incidents reported in 2022. But the vast majority happen in bank-owned or abandoned properties—not well-maintained homes.

The media loves to hype horror stories (some are true, but many are edge cases), so let’s get honest about the actual risks and what you can do to avoid a nightmare scenario.

Case Study: The Apartment Left Empty

Here’s a real case I ran into while searching in Valencia: a British couple bought a second home, planning to visit twice a year. They left it empty for six months. When they returned, their key didn’t work. Someone had changed the lock. It took eight months—and a lot of lawyer fees—to resolve.

What went wrong? They skipped some key steps that could’ve made a huge difference. Let’s break down what you can actually do to keep your Spanish investment safe.

Practical Steps: How to Prevent Squatting in Your Spanish Property

You don’t have to turn your place into Fort Knox, but a few practical moves can save you a ton of headaches. Here’s a 15-minute action plan (plus some things to set up longer-term):

1. Know the Risk Factors

Properties in big cities or coastal areas are more at risk.
Empty homes (especially those left for months) are prime targets.
Ground-floor apartments or easily accessed houses attract more attention from squatters.

2. Get to Know the Neighbors

I know, this sounds obvious. But a friendly neighbor can be your best line of defense. Ask them to keep an eye out, and swap WhatsApp numbers. Some communities have informal chat groups for this purpose.

3. Physical Security: Smart, Not Overkill

Install a security door (“puerta blindada”). Costs start around €400.
Get a smart lock (brands like Yale, Nuki, or Tesa are popular in Spain). Let you check remotely if the door’s been opened.
A basic alarm system with remote monitoring: companies like Securitas Direct or Prosegur offer starter packs from €30/month.
Don’t leave your place looking abandoned—have someone open the shutters and water plants occasionally.

4. Legal Paperwork: Set It Up Before You Need It

Leave a signed power of attorney with someone you trust (a lawyer or friend) in Spain. If something happens, they can act fast—otherwise, it can take weeks just to get started.
Register your property with the local police as your residence—even if you’re not there year-round, this can help speed up any legal process.

5. Insurance: Read the Fine Print

Most standard home insurance does not cover damage or legal costs related to squatters. If you’re buying a second home, look for policies that offer:

Legal assistance for eviction
Coverage for property damage caused by illegal occupants
Loss of rental income (if you rent out)

Companies like Mapfre, AXA, and Allianz have specialized products. Expect to pay €100–300/year extra for this coverage.

Buying Smart: Tips to Avoid Okupa Problems from Day One

Don’t buy a property that’s already occupied, even if the seller says it’s “just a friend staying.”
Visit at unpredictable times before you buy—check for signs of recent use.
Ask for proof that the place is empty and in your control at handover (video call works if you’re remote).
Change all locks immediately after purchase.
If your agent or seller seems evasive about access, walk away. It’s not worth the risk.

Quick Checklist: 15-Minute Risk Review Before You Buy

Step	Action	Time	Tips/Tools
Neighborhood Check	Ask locals about squatting incidents	5 min	Local expat Facebook groups
Physical Visit	Inspect for signs of occupation	5 min	Look for mail pileup, broken windows
Insurance Quote	Request coverage specifics	3 min	Mapfre, AXA, Allianz
Legal Contact	Find English-speaking lawyer	2 min	ICAM, Expatica directory

Useful Links & Tools

Bottom Line: Real-World Advice

If you’re not planning to live in your Spanish place year-round, take a few commonsense steps to keep it safe. Don’t skip the “boring” stuff like insurance and legal paperwork—it’s a lot easier to prevent problems than to fix them later.

I’ll admit, the first time I locked up my own place in Spain for a few months, I had a few sleepless nights. But with a good neighbor, a solid door, and a little planning, you can enjoy the sangria—and your investment—with a lot less worry.

Some links in this post may be affiliate. You pay the same price, and this blog may earn a small commission—never at your expense, and always with honest recommendations.

Buying Property in Spain: What to Know About ‘Okupas’