The new Spanish law speeding up squatter evictions is finally ready. Imagine someone walks into your home or property without permission and starts living there. In Spain, this is called “squatting” or “okupación,” and it’s been a headache for homeowners because it could take months—or even years—to get them out. A new law is changing that, making the process much faster.
What’s the new law?
– it’s called LO1/2025, and it updates the Criminal Procedure Act (lecrim) in Spain.
– it kicks in on April 3, 2025.
– it uses a “fast-track trial” process to handle squatting cases quickly.
How things worked before
– in the past, if someone squatted on your property, the legal system moved at a snail’s pace.
– homeowners often wait months or years to get their place back.
– squatters could stay put while the courts took their time.
What’s changed?
– now, squatting cases go to court much faster.
– a judge will make a decision in about 15 days after the squatter is caught.
– this applies to two specific crimes:
– trespassing: breaking into someone’s home.
– usurpation: taking over property that isn’t yours.
How it helps homeowners
– if your property gets squatted, you won’t be stuck waiting forever.
– in roughly two weeks, a judge can order the squatters out.
– it gives stronger protection to property owners and makes squatting less appealing since consequences come fast.
What it means for squatters
– squatters can’t drag things out anymore by hiding behind slow courts.
– if caught, they’ll be evicted in days or weeks, not months.
– this could discourage organized groups who rely on delays to stay longer.
