The Spanish Congress of Deputies has recently approved a new regulation known as the "anti-squatting law," a reform aimed at radically changing how illegal home occupations are managed. Designed to address an increasingly pressing social issue, this law seeks to speed up eviction procedures, enabling property owners to reclaim their homes in significantly shorter timeframes. Until now, those whose homes were illegally occupied faced a lengthy and complex judicial process, with proceedings that could take months or even years, during which squatters could exploit the situation to their advantage.
With the reform, however, cases of illegal occupation will be handled through an expedited procedure, reducing resolution times to a maximum of 15 days and, in some instances, allowing evictions to occur within hours. A key feature of the new law is the removal of the requirement to assess the vulnerability of the occupants, a step that often delayed proceedings in the past. Additionally, law enforcement agencies such as the National Police and the Civil Guard will play a central role in carrying out evictions, ensuring that properties are swiftly returned to their rightful owners.
The reform has sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, property owners and industry associations have welcomed the measure, seeing it as a necessary step to defend private property rights and combat the abuse of illegal occupations. On the other hand, some political parties and social rights organizations have criticized the law, expressing concerns that it could further penalize individuals in vulnerable economic or housing situations, such as families with children or homeless individuals. Notably, the new law stipulates that even cases involving minors will be handled through the expedited procedure, a provision that has raised doubts and controversy.
The approval of the "anti-squatting law" marks a significant shift in Spain's legislative landscape. While it strengthens property owners' rights by providing greater protection and a faster path to reclaiming their homes, questions remain about its application in more complex and sensitive cases, where property rights could clash with the need to protect vulnerable individuals. Monitoring the impact of this reform will be crucial to ensuring a balance between the defense of private property and the protection of fundamental human rights.