The number of home squatting cases in Spain is on the rise. In 2024, there were 16,426 occurrences of breaking and entering and usurping of properties nationwide, which is over 1,200 more than the previous year, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
It should be mentioned that these statistics only include cases that have been reported to the State Security Forces and Corps. They show that there are, on average, 45 unlawful squattings across Spain every day, with Catalonia—and particularly Barcelona—at the top of the list. In actuality, this represents 42% of all instances, whilst the Valencian Community, the third autonomous region with the greatest prevalence, does not surpass 11% of all cases.
According to data from the Ministry of the Interior, Alicante is likewise highly ranked. The province of Alicante ranks sixth in terms of the number of usurpation and breaking and entering reports, while being far from Barcelona’s 5,077 squats.
This means that in 2024, there were 687 home squattings in the province of Alicante, which is greater than in places like the Balearic Islands, Malaga, Las Palmas, Seville, or Murcia. Although last year’s number is lower than that of 2022, when the historical series’ maximum was attained, the province has reported 68 more cases than in 2023.
The growth data is exponential if we consider how this phenomenon has changed over the past ten years. Squatter populations have increased by 245% since 2014, with an average of 1.88 squatters per day in the province—far less than the average of 14 squatters per day in Barcelona.
In 2024, 246 persons were detained or looked into for crimes linked to breaking and entering and usurping property, 253 people were victims, and 495 cases of these crimes were resolved, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
As for national data, for the first time the barrier of 11,000 people investigated or arrested for ‘squatting’ in Spain was surpassed, an increase of 17.7% compared to 2023, according to data compiled by Idealista. It is striking that in the case of Barcelona there are more people arrested and investigated than cases of ‘squatting’, with 5,686.
Verbal proceedings for illegal occupation of homes are also increasing. According to data from the General Council of the Judiciary, the Valencian Community recorded 18.7% of all such cases in Spain between January and September, making it the second autonomous region with the highest number.
Author: Derek Appleton
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