Protecting Your Property: A Guide to Illegal Home Occupation (Okupas) on the Costa del Sol
Owning a second home or investment property in Spain is a dream for many — especially along the Costa del Sol. But with this dream comes a growing concern that property owners can’t afford to ignore: okupas, or illegal home occupation.
As a trusted property management company based in Marbella, Solcierge helps property owners across the Costa del Sol safeguard their homes. In this article, we explain what okupas are, how illegal occupation works in Spain, and what steps you can take to protect your property — especially if you don’t live here full-time.
🏚 What Are Okupas?
The term "okupas" refers to individuals who unlawfully occupy a property without the owner’s permission. While some cases involve political squatters or activist groups, many involve opportunistic trespassers who take advantage of empty holiday homes and unoccupied properties — especially in popular coastal areas like Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, and Fuengirola.
⚖️ Why Is It So Difficult to Remove Okupas in Spain?
Spain’s laws around illegal occupation have historically offered strong protection to individuals inside a property, making it legally complex (and often slow) for owners to reclaim their homes.
While recent legal reforms have sped up some processes — particularly for private residential properties — evictions can still take weeks or even months, depending on the situation. In the meantime, damage to the property, loss of rental income, and emotional stress can add up quickly.
🛡 How to Protect Your Property from Okupas
At Solcierge, we work with property owners along the Costa del Sol to minimise risk and give peace of mind. Here’s how we help — and what you can do to stay protected:
✔️ Regular Inspections & Presence
Unoccupied homes are a target. Our property management team conducts regular visits and inspections, maintaining a visible presence that discourages illegal occupation.
✔️ Keyholding & Access Control
We provide secure keyholding services and manage access to your property, ensuring only trusted individuals (cleaners, contractors, guests) are allowed in.
✔️ Alarm Systems & CCTV
We help owners install and maintain security systems, including motion sensors, alarms, and remote CCTV — all of which can alert you (and authorities) to unauthorised entry.
✔️ Legal Support & Local Expertise
In the unfortunate event of an illegal occupation, we can connect you with trusted legal professionals experienced in property law and okupa removal — helping you act quickly and effectively.
📬 Bonus Tip: Appear Present
A few smart tactics can help your property look occupied, even when you're not around:
Use timers for lights and blinds.
Keep the garden maintained.
Forward or manage your mail to prevent overflow.
Regularly open and close shutters or windows.
These are all tasks Solcierge can manage on your behalf through our comprehensive property management services.
🏠 Why Work with Solcierge?
Solcierge is a boutique property management agency based in Marbella, offering discreet and professional services across the Costa del Sol, Spain. Whether you own a villa, apartment, or holiday rental, our team ensures your property is safe, secure, and always well looked after.
From keyholding and maintenance to holiday rental management and security, we’re here to protect your home — and your peace of mind.
💬 Need Help Managing Your Property in Spain?
If you're concerned about protecting your home from illegal occupation — or simply want a reliable team to look after your property while you’re away — get in touch with Solcierge today.
Let’s keep your Costa del Sol property safe, secure, and stress-free.