Rising Wave of Housing Takeovers in Barcelona
In the Catalonian capital, the situation with illegal apartment occupations continues to worsen. Over the past year, Barcelona registered 1,460 cases of housing occupation—an increase of 7% compared to the previous year. Statistics show that every six hours a new apartment in the city is occupied. Although Barcelona has long led all Spanish cities in the number of such incidents, the growth rate remains high.
Recent trends confirm a steady pattern: 1,380 cases were recorded in 2022, 1,366 in 2023, and already 1,460 in 2024. In the first four months of 2025, the number of new incidents has not declined. Beyond the occupations themselves, authorities also report other crimes related to illegal entry and attempts to seize other people’s homes.
Clash of Opinions: Problem or Exaggeration?
The scale of the problem is the subject of debate among politicians and experts. Some officials say the situation isn’t as critical, pointing out that occupied apartments represent only a small fraction of all housing units. However, for residents and property owners in Barcelona, the problem is increasingly tangible.
Studies conducted by city institutes sometimes label the scale of occupation as insignificant, but statistics suggest otherwise. Even if such cases account for a small share of total housing, their frequency and the impact on property owners raise serious concerns.
Legal challenges and lack of quick solutions
Property owners facing home occupation are forced to go to court, as immediate eviction is nearly impossible. Procedures drag on due to an overloaded judicial system, and the police are not always able to intervene promptly. This creates a sense of impunity among those involved in squatting.
Lawyers note that even after filing for eviction, the process can take months. Some owners prefer not to take the case to court, fearing lengthy proceedings and additional complications. As a result, many incidents go unreported in official statistics, and the issue continues to grow.
Outlook and challenges for the city
Authorities in Catalonia and Barcelona have yet to offer effective measures to curb the wave of home occupations. Experts believe that without legal reforms and stricter accountability, the situation will only worsen. At the same time, overburdened courts and a lack of resources prevent a swift response to new cases.
While some politicians continue to insist the problem is exaggerated, city residents face real challenges. Home occupation has become not just a legal, but also a social challenge for Barcelona and all of Catalonia. Without urgent action, the number of occupied apartments may keep rising and public trust in institutions may erode.
