'Adiós' squatters: Thanks for the memories- New Spanish law clamps down. Radical new Spanish law set to boot illegal squatters in hours. New anti-squatter laws in Spain: ‘Adiós’ squatters, thanks for the memories- New Spanish law clamps down. Radical new Spanish law set to boot illegal squatters in hours. Squatters beware. Spain’s Congress has just dropped a legislative bombshell that promises to evict ‘okupas‘ faster than you can say “desalojo“. In a move that’s sparking heated debate across the country, the newly approved ‘anti-okupas’ law aims to slash eviction times from months to mere hours. This sweeping reform, which has already passed through Congress, now heads to the Senate for its final seal of approval. Once it lands in the Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE), it’s game over for squatters. Lawmakers get it wrong, but Spain gets it right. In a twist worthy of a soap opera, Spain’s Congress saw unexpected alliances and embarrassing mishaps during the vote. The controversial reform, backed by the PNV, won support from unlikely allies including PP, Junts, and even Bildu and ERC – though the latter two admitted their “inexcusable error” in supporting it. On the other side, PSOE, Sumar, Podemos, and BNG voted against allowing property owners to quickly evict illegal squatters, while Vox sat firmly on the fence with an abstention. With the PP holding a Senate majority, all signs point to smooth sailing for final approval. What’s changing? The reform targets articles 245 and 202 of the Penal Code, making squatting a fast-track offence. Usurpation and unlawful entry will now be dealt with in expedited trials – think eviction in 15 days or less. No more standard trials dragging on for months; it’s all about swift justice. For perspective, Spain currently has over 15,000 illegally occupied properties, according to the Ministry of Interior, with areas like Toledo rife. This law is set to flip the script on lengthy, costly eviction processes and hopefully bring some stability to the house rental market, as owners will feel more protected. Pizza plots and eviction loopholes Squatters have become increasingly creative in dodging eviction. One cheeky tactic involves ordering pizza to the property they intend to occupy. By showing a receipt dated more than 48 hours earlier, they’ve been able to claim residency – a loophole that’s left property owners fuming. But with the new law, such antics won’t stand a chance. Squatters will face the boot quicker than they can finish their slice of margarita. What about families with children? Here’s the sticking point: if children are involved, social services step in to assess the situation, potentially dragging out the process. Protecting minors remains a priority, even under the new expedited system. Golden Visas get the chop The reform doesn’t stop at squatters. In a move to curb speculative investment, Congress has also scrapped the controversial ‘golden visa‘ programme. This scheme previously allowed wealthy foreign investors to buy residency by snapping up properties worth over €500,000. Critics say the move will hurt Spain’s luxury property market, but supporters argue it prioritises homes for low-income residents over holiday villas for the wealthy. A legal game-changer. When fully implemented, the ‘anti- okupas’ law promises to be a landmark moment for property rights in Spain. While it’s being hailed as a lifeline for homeowners, critics argue it could trample on social protections for the most vulnerable. With evictions about to get turbocharged, one thing’s clear – the days of squatters living rent-free are numbered. But, where will all these people go? Sure, some will be forced to do the unthinkable and actually pay for rent, but the truly vulnerable may be left exposed. Is it time for more social housing in Spain? Back to NEWS