10 mins read
Spain has long struggled with the growing issue of illegal occupation, commonly known as okupas. In 2024 alone, the country recorded more than 16,400 cases of squatting — the third highest figure ever reported. For many homeowners, especially those with second homes or investment properties, the situation has often felt unfair and overwhelming. Now, a significant legal change is underway that could reshape how property owners protect their homes.
On November 19, the Spanish government will begin processing a reform to the Penal Code that aims to give homeowners more authority. Under the new amendment, cutting off essential utilities such as water, gas, and electricity in an illegally occupied property will no longer be considered a criminal offence.
Although approved by the Senate in February last year, the reform stalled until now. Renewed political momentum and public pressure have brought the issue back to the forefront as illegal occupation continues to impact homeowners nationwide.
A crucial shift came earlier this year when the Provincial Court in Barcelona ruled that property owners could legally disconnect electricity, gas, and water from homes unlawfully occupied by non-paying squatters. This ruling exposed a major contradiction in previous laws, where homeowners attempting to reclaim control of their own property risked being charged with coercion.
For many, this meant years of legal battles, financial strain, and limited options for recovering their properties. The Barcelona ruling set an important precedent — one that has now prompted the government to update the law across Spain.
Once implemented, the reform will give homeowners the legal backing to cut utilities without fear of criminal repercussions. While this does not replace the formal eviction process, it provides an effective measure to discourage illegal occupation and helps restore some balance between owner rights and occupant protections.
The People’s Party (PP), the driving force behind the legislation, described the court’s decision as “a precedent in the fight against a major social problem” — a statement that resonates with thousands of affected families and investors across Spain.
This legal update won’t eliminate the squatting problem overnight, but it is an important milestone. By removing the threat of prosecution for cutting utilities, the new law strengthens homeowners’ ability to protect their properties and reduces the loopholes that many illegal occupants have relied on.
At Molino Villas, we continue to monitor legislative changes across the Valencian Community and Spain to ensure our clients are always informed and protected. Property ownership should come with peace of mind — and this reform is a meaningful step in that direction.
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