British couple forced out of their own holiday home in Spain after squatters move in

A British couple were forced out of their holiday home in Spain after squatters moved into the property. The pair were ordered to stay in a hotel after local police allowed the squatters – a Spanish man, 55, and his 25-year-old son – to stay at the cottage in Menorca.

They arrived at their villa at the end of June to find an unfamiliar alarm system had been fitted to the property while personal items, such as furniture and rugs, had been taken. They confronted the two men before police were called and it was determined the squatters could stay after they presented documents suggesting they had been living in the property. The evidence included a receipt for installing the alarm and records of deliveries to the address.

As reported by the Majorca Daily Bulletin, the British couple were told to find a hotel nearby. However, their lawyer submitted a Land Registry document the following day which proved they owned the villa.

Local police then detained both squatters before the couple were allowed to move back in. They also removed the squatters’ belongings which will be taken by authorities.

The authorities in Spain continue to warn Brits to install security cameras and an alarm system if they are planning to leave their home empty for a period of time. If squatters are caught on CCTV then the case for immediate eviction is much stronger.

The latest incident comes after 61-year-old Joanne Venet was forced to sell her holiday home near Benidorm after a squatter refused to leave last year. Ms Venet, an actress from Radcliffe in Greater Manchester, planned to stay at her home as she attended a wedding.

Her troubles began when a tenant stopped paying the monthly rent at the three-bedroom villa. She was charging rent of €1,400 for the €450,000 home.

Ms Venet was eventually forced to pay £4,000 to a specialist eviction service to remove the occupant who owed €5,600 in unpaid rent and bills. She then sold her home, following lengthy legal battles and substantial costs.