Lorraine Williamson
In 2024, Spain experienced a 7.4% increase in home squatting incidents, with authorities documenting 16,426 cases. These incidents encompass both trespassing and more severe offences.
Catalonia remains the most affected region, reporting 7,009 cases, which accounts for 42% of the national total.
Regional disparities in squatting incidents
Data from the Spanish Ministry of the Interior’s Statistical Crime Portal, as reported by Europa Press, indicates a reversal of the downward trend observed in 2023. That year saw a nearly 9% decline in home squatting cases nationwide and a 10.63% reduction in Catalonia.
In 2024, Catalonia’s squatting complaints rose by 12% compared to the previous year. The Valencian Community reported 1,767 complaints, marking a 7.7% increase. Conversely, the Community of Madrid saw a 4.3% decrease, with 1,451 reported cases. Andalucia experienced a 5.3% decline, registering 2,207 complaints.
Long-term growth in squatting phenomenon
Official statistics reveal a significant rise in squatting since 2010. Annual reports indicated approximately 3,000 cases in both 2010 and 2011. By 2012, this figure had doubled, and by 2024, it had increased fivefold compared to 2010. In Catalonia, around 3,000 cases were recorded annually in 2014, a number that has since doubled, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
Squatting in context with other crimes
While 16,426 home squatting cases were registered in 2024, this crime remains less prevalent compared to others. The same year saw over 649,000 thefts, 414,000 fraud cases, and 29,342 incidents involving injuries and altercations. Additionally, there were more than 21,000 offences related to sexual assault and drug trafficking.
Legislative response to squatting
On 19 December 2024, the Spanish parliament enacted a legal reform introducing expedited trials for ‘okupas’—individuals who unlawfully occupy homes. This new eviction process aims to return properties to their rightful owners within fifteen days. Homeowners have welcomed this development, as they previously faced protracted legal battles to remove squatters from their properties.