Squatting Crisis Surges in Canary Islands: Owners in Despair

URGENT UPDATE: The squatting crisis in the Canary Islands has escalated dramatically, leaving homeowners locked out of their own properties amid a devastating legal battle. A new documentary by Channel 4’s Unreported World reveals shocking details about how squatters are taking control of homes, forcing owners to endure lengthy evictions and crippling financial burdens.

Homeowners are facing overwhelming challenges, with legal fees skyrocketing. Many are left with no choice but to live in makeshift accommodations. One homeowner has resorted to living in a shipping container after a squatter took over his house, highlighting the urgent need for change in the region’s property laws.

The documentary, led by reporter Anja Popp, exposes how owners are struggling to reclaim their homes due to Spain’s favorable laws for squatters. “I didn’t know quite how much the law favors squatters, even though it’s illegal,” Popp stated, emphasizing that squatters gain more rights than owners after just a few days. Under current regulations, owners must secure a court order to evict squatters who have occupied their properties for more than 48 hours.

With the housing market in the Canary Islands under severe strain—exacerbated by a booming tourism economy and lack of affordable housing—this crisis is particularly pressing. Last year alone, Irish buyers purchased 209 properties in the region, compounding the problem for local residents.

Despite the introduction of the Anti-Okupa Law in March 2025, which aims to enhance property rights and expedite evictions, progress is slow. Margarita Domínguez, a hotel owner in Tenerife, has already spent over €50,000 in legal fees attempting to evict more than 200 squatters from her property. “The criminal gangs took over while I was preparing to sell,” she explained, adding that the squatters demanded €250,000 to leave.

The situation is dire. Many homeowners are continuing to pay utilities—often exorbitant—while facing empty properties. Domínguez mentioned that her last utility bill approached €6,000, and she anticipates hundreds of thousands of euros in repair costs following a recent fire in her hotel.

For Carlos, a resident from nearby Gran Canaria, the situation is equally bleak. After a former tenant stopped paying rent, Carlos is now living in a shipping container while the squatter remains in his home. Despite securing a court order over a year ago, Carlos is unable to reclaim his property, as the squatter, who is in a wheelchair, complicates the eviction process.

The documentary reveals that the term “squatter” encompasses a range of circumstances—from organized gangs to families unable to afford market rents. Popp highlighted the case of a woman who unwittingly purchased a property already occupied by squatters, illustrating the desperation many face in the current housing crisis.

As the squatting crisis deepens, there are reports of “desokupa” groups—teams of individuals employing intimidation tactics to pressure squatters into leaving properties. These groups operate within legal boundaries but often create a hostile environment for vulnerable occupants, who frequently call the police for protection.

Housing experts warn that without significant investment in affordable housing and clear differentiation between criminal elements and those in desperate need, the squatting crisis will worsen. Currently, an average of two properties are occupied each day in the Canary Islands, with eviction proceedings taking an average of 26 months.

For homeowners, especially those living abroad, the situation is critical. Popp advises, “Make sure somebody’s at home. The real vulnerability lies when the property’s empty.” As the crisis unfolds, the urgency for effective solutions has never been more pressing.