A British family occupying a luxury villa in Murcia, southeastern Spain, has reportedly demanded €50,000 (approximately $43,000) to vacate the property they have allegedly been living in for 13 years. Footage shared by a bailiff shows a confrontation where the bailiff addresses individuals identified as British citizens.
The bailiff, in a video posted on social media, stated that the family had sent a certified letter to the property owner. In this letter, the family reportedly claims ownership of the villa due to their prolonged occupation of over 13 years and demands that the owner arrange for the property to be transferred to their name at a notary's office.
The bailiff accused the family of demanding the sum in exchange for leaving the villa, expressing disbelief that they would seek to claim ownership after such an extended period of unauthorized occupation. He characterized their actions as an example of individuals coming to Spain with the intent to squat rather than work.
Police were called to the scene by the family. The bailiff presented documents to the officers, highlighting the family's demand for the property's title. The footage also shows the bailiff confronting an individual identified as the family's legal representative, questioning the ethics of defending such a claim.
This situation echoes a previous case from last year where a British woman, Joanne Venet, was reportedly forced to sell her Spanish holiday villa. She faced a tenant who refused to pay rent and then became a squatter. Due to Spain's tenancy laws, evicting the individual proved to be a lengthy and costly process, eventually requiring the engagement of an eviction agency. Upon regaining possession, Venet found the villa damaged and in disarray, leading her to sell the property due to the traumatic experience and its impact on her work.