Spain Records 16,426 Squatter Cases, Catalunya Leads National Increase

Spain faces diverse housing and tourism challenges across its regions. In Mallorca, Jordi Rosselló Ramón of Grupo Roxa highlights the need for a sustainable tourism model that preserves local culture and identity while addressing affordable housing shortages crucial to supporting the tourism sector. Meanwhile, the Andalusian village of Coripe is actively seeking new residents with affordable homes and a focus on rural entrepreneurship, supported by initiatives promoting remote work and local economic development. Contrastingly, areas like the Black Country in England are experiencing decline and neglect, illustrating challenges in maintaining community vitality. Spain also grapples with a significant rise in illegal home occupations ('okupación'), especially in Catalunya and Barcelona, prompting legal reforms in 2025 to expedite evictions and deter squatters. Additionally, on Ibiza, vulnerable families continue to face housing insecurity, with some forced to sleep outdoors despite relocation offers, underscoring ongoing social housing issues.