Housing

Squatter Crackdown Faces Setback in Spain: What Expats Need to Know

In a significant development that affects many expats and homeowners in Spain, the proposed fast-track trials for squatter cases have hit a roadblock. Here’s a detailed look at the current situation and its implications.

The Legislative Journey

Last month, Congress approved a measure aimed at tackling the persistent issue of squatting in Spain by introducing fast-track judicial procedures for cases of home invasion and unlawful occupation of property. This legislation, part of the Judicial Efficiency Bill, was designed to resolve such cases within an estimated 15 days by amending the Criminal Procedure Act to include squatting among minor offences eligible for expedited processing, similar to crimes like theft and burglary.