A British couple returning to their holiday home in Menorca found it occupied by squatters who had installed an alarm system and removed the owners' belongings. The couple, from Kent, arrived at their villa in June after a three-month absence to discover the unauthorized changes.
Two Spanish squatters, a father and son aged 55 and 25, later arrived at the property, leading to an altercation where both parties accused the other of assault. Initially, the police permitted the squatters to remain, citing evidence of residency such as an alarm installation invoice and supermarket delivery records. The homeowners were reportedly advised to stay in a hotel.
However, the situation changed the following day when the homeowners' solicitor presented Land Registry documents and other evidence confirming legal ownership. Following a complaint from the owners alleging illegal occupation and theft, both squatters were arrested. The couple has since returned to their property while further court proceedings are ongoing.
This incident is not isolated in Spain, where squatting has become a recurring issue. In a separate case last year, a British woman was reportedly forced to sell her Spanish holiday villa after a squatter refused to leave. The owner, Joanne Venet, faced difficulties due to Spain's tenancy laws, which could have led to a lengthy and expensive eviction process. Ultimately, Venet paid an eviction agency to remove the tenant, who owed nearly €5,600 in unpaid rent and bills.