Illegal squatters<\/strong>, known as \u201cokupas\u201d in Spain, are a growing concern, especially for foreign homeowners. Holiday homes<\/strong> that remain unoccupied for long periods are at increased risk. So what can you do to protect your property? This article outlines what really works \u2013 and how to professionally secure your holiday property<\/strong>\u00a0on the Costa Blanca.<\/p>\n Holiday properties<\/strong> or second homes often remain vacant for weeks or months, especially outside peak season. That makes them easy targets. In the past, Spanish law made it difficult to evict squatters quickly. Even though regulations have improved, prevention is still the best protection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Visible security measures are simple but highly effective. These include:<\/p>\n The visible presence of such features often discourages intruders, who assume the property is secured or monitored.<\/p>\n Modern alarm systems<\/strong> can be operated remotely. Even better: smart home<\/strong>\u00a0solutions that notify you via app when movement is detected, a door is opened, or a camera is triggered. Many systems offer:<\/p>\n Having someone on site is one of the most effective deterrents. A property management service<\/strong>\u00a0that regularly checks the house provides:<\/p>\n An occupied appearance<\/strong>\u00a0is one of the oldest and best forms of protection. You can achieve this with:<\/p>\n Many insurance providers now offer coverage for unoccupied second homes or holiday properties. Make sure your policy includes:<\/p>\n – Keep property documents<\/strong>\u00a0up to date and easy to access. The best protection is a combination of technology, regular supervision and local presence<\/strong>. A reliable property management service<\/strong>\u00a0at the Costa Blanca provides all this \u2013 plus peace of mind that your home is never left unattended. Tip: If you are looking for a professional property management solution with an integrated protection plan \u2013 we\u2019re happy to advise you individually. Recurring reports on \u201cokupas\u201d cause concern among foreign property owners Illegal squatters, known as \u201cokupas\u201d in Spain, are a growing concern, especially for foreign homeowners. Holiday homes that remain unoccupied for long periods are at increased risk. So what can you do to protect your property? This article outlines what really works \u2013 and how to professionally secure your holiday property\u00a0on the Costa Blanca. Why are holiday homes at risk? Holiday properties or second homes often remain vacant for weeks or months, especially outside peak season. That makes them easy targets. In the past, Spanish law made it difficult to evict squatters quickly. Even though regulations have improved, prevention is still the best protection. 1. Visible protection deters intruders Visible security measures are simple but highly effective. These include: High-quality, lockable doors and windows Security fittings and window bars Burglar-resistant shutters or locks Motion detectors with outdoor lighting The visible presence of such features often discourages intruders, who assume the property is secured or monitored. 2. Alarm systems and smart home technology Modern alarm systems can be operated remotely. Even better: smart home\u00a0solutions that notify you via app when movement is detected, a door is opened, or a camera is triggered. Many systems offer: Direct link to private security firms Notifications via app or text Integration with cameras and loudspeakers Lighting or siren activation in case of alarm Tip: Some systems are designed for holiday homes and work without a permanent internet connection. 3. Local presence \u2013 the key factor Having someone on site is one of the most effective deterrents. A property management service\u00a0that regularly checks the house provides: Early detection of suspicious activity or break-in attempts Fast response in the event of an incident Preventive routines like opening shutters or turning on lights Direct coordination with police, tradesmen or security providers Regular activity shows the home is looked after \u2013 and not an easy target. 4. Make the property look lived in An occupied appearance\u00a0is one of the oldest and best forms of protection. You can achieve this with: Timers for lights or music Motion sensors that trigger lighting Well-maintained garden and exterior Temporary use by friends, guests or neighbours 5. Insurance and legal protection Many insurance providers now offer coverage for unoccupied second homes or holiday properties. Make sure your policy includes: Burglary, vandalism and legal expenses Coverage for loss of rental income Proper land registry documentation Right to act quickly in case of illegal entry Support from a local lawyer if needed Legal preparation – Keep property documents\u00a0up to date and easy to access. – Understand the 48-hour rule: reporting illegal entry within this time may enable faster eviction. – Consult a legal expert\u00a0familiar with Spanish property law. Conclusion: prevention is the best protection The best protection is a combination of technology, regular supervision and local presence. A reliable property management service\u00a0at the Costa Blanca provides all this \u2013 plus peace of mind that your home is never left unattended. That way, your holiday property remains secure and well-maintained \u2013 ready for your next visit or rental. Tip: If you are looking for a professional property management solution with an integrated protection plan \u2013 we\u2019re happy to advise you individually. Photo credit: akportfolio24 – elements.envato.com<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6942,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[114,82],"tags":[175,166,146,145],"class_list":["post-6750","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-construction-and-technology","category-tips-information","tag-costa-blanca-en","tag-holiday-home","tag-protection","tag-squatters"],"yoast_head":"\nWhy are holiday homes at risk?<\/h3>\n
1. Visible protection deters intruders<\/h3>\n
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2. Alarm systems and smart home technology<\/h3>\n
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3. Local presence \u2013 the key factor<\/h3>\n
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4. Make the property look lived in<\/h3>\n
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5. Insurance and legal protection<\/h3>\n
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Legal preparation<\/h3>\n
\n– Understand the 48-hour rule<\/strong>: reporting illegal entry within this time may enable faster eviction.
\n– Consult a legal expert<\/strong>\u00a0familiar with Spanish property law.<\/p>\nConclusion: prevention is the best protection<\/h3>\n
\nThat way, your holiday property remains secure and well-maintained \u2013 ready for your next visit or rental.<\/p>\n
\nPhoto credit: akportfolio24 <\/a> – elements.envato.com<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"