Okupa Key Trends, Affected Areas and Low-Risk Regions

The okupa movement, which refers to the unauthorised occupation of properties in Spain, has been a significant challenge for property owners, particularly in high demand areas.

We have therefore written a full article on what okupa is and how to avoid squatting on your property in Spain.

Over the past decade, the number of okupa incidents has fluctuated, with certain regions experiencing constant activity while others remain relatively low risk. 

Here's a look at how the okupa trends situation has developed, which areas are most affected and where the risks are minimal.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the number of okupa cases in Spain increased significantly between 2010 and 2023.

 In 2010, Spain reported 2,702 cases and this number reached a peak of 17,274 cases in 2021 (See Chart 1). 

However, there has been a slight decrease in recent years, with 16,765 cases in 2022 and 15,289 in 2023. 

This trend suggests some improvement, although okupación remains a concern for property investors and homeowners in Spain.

Certain regions in Spain consistently report high numbers of okupa incidents, making them more risky for property owners (See Chart 2):

• Barcelona: With 4,610 cases reported in 2023, Barcelona remains a significant hotspot for unauthorised occupation, albeit with a decrease from the peak numbers of previous years.

• Madrid: Consistently high with 1,516 cases, reflecting a stable pattern of unauthorised occupation over recent years.

• Valencia and Girona: Valencia saw an increase to 828 cases in 2023, while Girona remained high with 759 cases, continuing an upward trend in occupation incidents.

• Seville and Tarragona: These cities have seen an increase, with Seville with 723 cases and Tarragona with 691, indicating their increased vulnerability.

For property investors, these regions suggest the need for increased security measures and vigilant monitoring.

In contrast, several regions in Spain report consistently low numbers of cases of unauthorised occupation (okupación), suggesting that they are safer for property investment:

• Ávila, Ourense and Soria: with fewer than 30 cases per year, these regions are among the least at risk of squatting. Their lower population density and limited urban demand may contribute to this low risk profile.

• Ceuta and Melilla: Both cities report minimal okupa incidents, presenting themselves as relatively low risk areas for investors concerned about occupation.

• Palencia and Segovia: These areas also have lower case numbers, with Palencia at 8 and Segovia at 28, further indicating a lower risk environment for property investors.

• Lugo and Teruel: With only 18 cases in Lugo and 10 in Teruel, these regions are also among the safer options, with minimal unauthorised occupation.

For property investors looking for security and stability, these regions offer attractive opportunities with a much lower risk of squatting.

Statistics from 2010 to 2023 show that okupación in Spain peaked in 2021, but has declined slightly since then. 

However, the problem remains, particularly in high-demand urban areas such as Barcelona and Madrid. 

The data shows that although okupación is improving slightly, it remains an issue for investors to consider carefully when choosing where to buy property in Spain.


While the okupación situation in Spain is showing some signs of improvement, certain high-risk areas continue to report high numbers of incidents. 

Investors should carefully consider location-specific risks, with urban areas such as Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia experiencing the highest rates of okupación. Meanwhile, low-risk regions such as Ávila and Ourense offer a safer environment for property ownership. 

Monitoring these trends and choosing locations wisely can help investors make informed decisions in the Spanish property market. 

For more information on okupa statistics and prevention, visit the official website of the Policía Nacional.