Owning a holiday home on the Costa Blanca is a dream for many. However, a real concern for property owners is the risk of unauthorized entry or “okupas” (people who move into an unoccupied home without permission). When this happens, a quick and correct response is essential to regain the property and limit the damage.
Below, we explain why prevention and inspections are your best protection and provide a concrete action plan if you discover that someone has taken residence in your property.
Why early detection of intrusion is critical
Spanish legal practice and legislative reforms show that early reporting increases the chance of immediate police intervention. If an intrusion is reported within the first hours / up to 48 hours after unauthorized persons enter the home, the police have a greater opportunity to remove them without a lengthy legal process. After this time window, the case often becomes a standard eviction procedure, which can take much longer.
This means that detecting an intrusion “right away” increases the likelihood of a quick solution, and this is exactly why frequent inspections, alarm systems and good supervision routines are essential for owners who are not present.
What a property inspection agreement with Holiday Home Fix does for you
A professional property inspection service can offer several layers of protection that reduce risk and ensure very rapid response when intrusion is suspected:
• Regular inspections (physical checks of doors, windows, locks, signs of activity, as well as water and drainage). This makes the home less attractive to squatters because they see activity around the property.
• Rapid notification to the owner when irregularities are detected (photos, video, report).
Additionally, we recommend or can assist with the following:
• Preventive measures: securing doors/windows, removing valuables, installing alarms or cameras, and ensuring visible activity.
Expert advice shows that alarm systems, early alerts and professional follow-up can be decisive in prompting quick police intervention — and thereby avoiding long legal processes.
Concrete steps: If you discover that your property is occupied
- Stay calm — do not confront the individuals inside the property. Never attempt to remove people yourself (this may be interpreted as unlawful force or create dangerous situations).
- Call the police immediately (the emergency number in the EU/Spain is 112) and explain that the property has been illegally occupied. The sooner the police are notified, the greater the chance of immediate intervention, especially if the occupation is recent.
- Document everything: take photos (without entering), note times, keep any alerts from neighbours or cameras/alarms. Documentation is important for police reports and legal proceedings.
- Contact a local lawyer experienced in occupation cases. A legal expert can assist with sending the correct documents to the police and/or initiating a fast legal process (“demanda”/desalojo). Many lawyers offer 24/7 emergency assistance for such cases.
- Do not let the situation “sit” without action — if the occupants remain longer than the first hours/days, the legal process changes, and it typically takes longer to have them removed. Recent legislation in 2024–2025 has attempted to shorten timelines, but rapid reporting and legal action remain absolutely essential.
What do the police and legal system do?
• Police intervention: If the intrusion is recent and the police deem the situation “in flagrante” (meaning a clear and recent break-in), they can intervene and remove the individuals quickly. Otherwise, a legal process is usually required.
• Role of the courts: When the case goes to court, the owner must provide proof of ownership (titles, contracts) and that the stay is without permission — thereafter, the court can issue an eviction order (“desalojo”). New reforms have introduced faster procedures for certain cases, but the process can still take time without early police involvement.
What to do if the property has already been occupied for several days?
• Report it and follow legal guidance. Even if the 48-hour window has passed, it is still possible to regain the property through the legal system, but this usually requires a formal complaint, a court process and legal assistance.
• Secure evidence: Everything from photos and neighbour statements to surveillance logs strengthens the case.
• Expect time and cost: The process can be lengthy and expensive, which is why prevention (inspections, alarms, early alerts) is far cheaper and far less stressful.
Prevention and concrete measures you can implement today
• Inspection agreement / property checks: Frequent physical inspections of the property (e.g. monthly or weekly during the low season) to detect early signs of intrusion. This is often the key difference between a long legal process and a quick police intervention.
• Visible activity: Remove mail, use lights/timers periodically, owners or inspection personnel should ensure the home appears occupied or actively maintained.
• Secure access points: Reinforce doors, windows and locks; consider bars or additional locks.
• Alarm & camera systems: Connect alarms to a local security firm; use camera documentation as evidence.
• Keep documents easily accessible: Proof of ownership and contact information for a lawyer/police should be readily available for inspection staff so that a police report can be made quickly.
Why choose Holiday Home Fix as your inspection partner?
• Local knowledge: Holiday Home Fix knows the area well.
• Fast alerts: We can be on-site quickly, take photos, contact the police and secure the property.
• Practical follow-up: We can arrange cleaning, close windows/doors, provide temporary securing and supply documentation after any eviction.
• Prevention: Professional inspections reduce the risk of occupation through regular physical presence, which makes the property less attractive to potential squatters.
Summary and practical checklist for property owners
✅ Sign an inspection agreement for regular checks. Extra services such as terrace washing, leaf removal, etc., help make the house appear occupied — and for many reasons, are worth the investment. Holiday Home Fix offers these services.
✅ Install alarm/camera systems and ensure someone receives alerts 24/7.
✅ Establish clear routines: Who to call (police, local security/inspection, lawyer).
✅ Upon discovery: Call the police (112) immediately, document everything, and contact a lawyer.
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Kilder: Spanish Property Insight+1, idealista.com+1, generaliexpatriates.es, Ayuntamiento de Alicante, aobabogados.com+1, Chat GPT
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