In recent months, the Valencian Community (Comunidad Valenciana) has seen a new surge in the fight for the safety of public housing. Regional authorities have decided to install 300 state-of-the-art alarm systems in government-owned apartments. The reason is a sharp increase in illegal occupations, which not only hinder the allocation of housing to those in need but also pose a threat to all residents of apartment buildings.
The value of the contract signed with six companies is impressive: nearly 4.75 million euros. These funds will be used to equip 150 apartments in Alicante (Alicante) and another 150 in Valencia (Valencia) and Castellón (Castellón). The authorities admit openly: the situation has gotten out of hand, and previous measures are no longer effective. Now, not only property but the safety of entire neighborhoods is at stake.
A new strategy
In 2025, the region’s vice president and the relevant ministry have tightened their approach to the problem. In addition to alarm installations, further steps are being taken: anti-vandal doors, private security, and regular inspections of the apartments. Special attention is paid to units that have just been renovated or are awaiting new tenants. These are the apartments most frequently targeted by so-called ‘okupas’—groups that illegally move into vacant properties.
The security systems currently being installed do not require connection to the power grid. This allows protection even for apartments where utilities have not yet been restored. All devices are linked to a central control panel, and any attempted break-in triggers an instant alert to the police. Officials believe this approach should significantly reduce the number of new property seizures.
Problems and consequences
However, implementing new technologies does not solve all the problems. Squatters not only occupy apartments but also often illegally connect to electricity and water, putting all neighbors at risk. In some cases, these actions have led to accidents and even fires. Residents of neighboring apartments report constant fear and worsening living conditions. Authorities acknowledge that tackling illegal occupancy is not only a technical issue but also one of social policy.
Another challenge is the inability to quickly restore and hand over the property to legitimate claimants. While an apartment is occupied, it cannot be renovated or officially rented out. This slows down the allocation process for municipal housing and causes frustration among those who have been waiting for years.
Contract and compliance
The contract for the installation and maintenance of alarm systems is set for four years. It covers not only installation and technical support, but also rapid equipment replacement in case of vandalism, as well as key storage and in-person inspection of apartment conditions. After an apartment is handed over to a new tenant, the alarm is dismantled and transferred to the next property undergoing renovation or preparation for occupancy.
Authorities emphasize that such measures are a forced response to a surge in incidents. In recent years, the number of attempted illegal occupations of municipal apartments has increased several times over. Each of these cases means not only material losses, but also significantly undermines public trust in the housing allocation system.
Public Response
Public opinion on the new measures is divided. Some believe installing alarms is a necessary step to protect the interests of those legally on the housing waiting list. Others point out that the root of the problem lies in the shortage of affordable housing and lack of social support. While some apartments remain vacant, others are forced to seek shelter by any means possible.
Meanwhile, some districts in Alicante and Valencia are already seeing initial results: the number of attempted break-ins has decreased and police have started responding more quickly to calls. However, experts warn that without a comprehensive approach and reforms in housing policy, alarms alone won’t solve the problem.
In case you didn’t know, the Entidad Valenciana de Vivienda y Suelo (EVHA) is a public organization that manages municipal housing in the Valencian Community. EVHA is responsible not only for allocating apartments, but also for their renovation, technical maintenance, and the implementation of new safety standards. In recent years, the agency has actively invested in upgrading housing and protecting property from illegal encroachments.
