The 1995 Criminal Code among other things criminalised squatting, but failed to stop it.
As of 2017, it took on average eight months for owners to regain properties from squatters. A company called Desokupa ("De-Squat") became notorious for evicting squatters without a legal process, for example La Yaya social centre in Argüelles, Madrid.
What Am I Allowed To Do If I Have Squatters In My Property In Spain?
squatters in spain
It’s not hard to imagine the lengths that some property owners will go to in order to remove squatters. However, if you do not follow the correct route, you are in danger of encountering many legal problems ( i.e. being charged with coercion or trespassing).
Under Spanish Law, if your property is occupied by squatters it is forbidden to:
Change the locks
Threaten, intimidate or attack occupants
Block access to the house while its occupants are away