The fear of the occupations grows in the heat of the increase of this phenomenon. Last year, 16,726 complaints were registered for usurpation or trespassing, 57% more than in 2017, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior. Among those affected is Enric Camarena, who suffers from multiple sclerosis and who asserts that he does not have enough financial resources to recover his apartment, which has been occupied for more than half a year. "Charging 700 euros a month, which doesn't even reach me for water, how am I going to pay it?" He explains on the "Pocket" podcast.
Although large holders and funds tend to suffer more from the problem, "in general it affects the entire group of owners," says Òscar Gorgues, manager of the Chamber of Urban Property of Barcelona. And vulnerable households are not spared either. They have the option of taking advantage of free justice, "but the process usually takes about four more months," says lawyer David Martínez Cubells. In the meantime, they must continue to bear the costs of supplies and taxes. But how much money can an owner-occupied home end up losing? The amount amounts to thousands of euros.
'Pocket' is a fortnightly podcast that offers information, experiences and advice to learn how to manage better in the complex world of domestic finances. You can listen and subscribe to the "Pocket" podcast through audio platforms such as Spotify, iVoox, Podtail, Podimo, Google podcast or Apple Podcast.
If you want to contact La Vanguardia's "Pocket" team to participate in future podcasts or suggest a question about finances of your interest, you can send an email to bolsillo@lavanguardia.es.
