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An estimated 56,000 Britons live in Málaga province, drawn by its sunny weather, warmth and affordability. Unfortunately, not all tales are rosy. What started as a dream renovation project in the sun has turned into a financial and emotional nightmare for one British woman, who is now warning others against buying property in Spain.

 

Louise purchased a two‑bedroom house in Cártama for €160,000: an inherited property once being renovated by her father. In February 2023, someone unlawfully entered, initiating a long ordeal for Louise. Despite multiple attempts through legal channels, private companies, and the Guardia Civil, she claims nothing worked.

 

The squatters did not leave until September 2024, when authorities finally evicted them due to drug-related offences.

 

But what should have been the end was instead farcical. Louise returned with her estate agent, installed alarms and bolstered security that very day. But just five hours later, the house was reoccupied. "I think there’s a network in the area," Louise said. "The person I saw the first time isn’t the same person the alarm caught breaking in."

 

Despite securing the house, she claims the new squatters were allowed to stay. "The Guardia Civil arrived, but they believed them more than us and our real estate agent," she said. "The squatters claimed they’d been living there for two years. The police asked us if we were sleeping there, and when we said no because we were there to protect the house and sell it, they just shrugged... they believed them more than us and our real estate agent”

 

Louise reached out to the British government for help but was told it couldn’t intervene in another country’s legal system.

 

Louise says that she has so far paid over €20,000, on flights, lodgings and lawyers, hoping to regain her home. She has also lost two cars (valued at €15,000) and tools and solar panels worth €50,000, were stolen during the occupation. Now the house is on the market, offered at a fraction of its value, squatters and all.

 

"I could lose more than €100,000, not counting what I’ve already lost," Louise said. "My father had tools worth thousands of pounds, and now they’re gone. It’s disgusting that they’re allowed to get away with this."

 

Buying a property that has previously been squatted is a gamble some expats take to save money, but experts warn that these homes often come with unresolved legal complications and no guaranteed access to the property. Others are unaware that under Spanish law, homeowners can face serious penalties if they attempt to forcibly remove squatters themselves.

 

"Don’t buy homes in Spain, the law is on their side… My advice is not to even consider buying there," Louise said. "The only suggestion I’d give is to get a monitored alarm, never leave the property vacant for long, and take out squatter insurance. But even that’s no guarantee. No amount of locks or alarms will stop them if they want to move in."

 

 

Image: Burkay Canatar/Pexels