Situation (legal and other) regarding squatters

Last activity 11 March 2024 by hbinder36

1648 Views

6 replies

Post new topic

nz7521137Portugal Advisor27 March 2023 07:23:27

562

I would like to find out the legal and other situation in Portugal when it comes to squatters, aka people that are occupying and using your property without your permission. From France and Spain I have heard real horror stories, because there it is a very lengthy and costly process to get these people removed from your property. During the whole process the owner has to pay for all utilities and afterwards for all damages cause to the real estate. So, how is the situation in Portugal?

sarazindarciMember27 March 2023 10:46:54

@nz7521137

It would be very difficult. In portugal to get utilities you have to have a deed or contract which is recorded. You have to register in thst municipality also

nz7521137Portugal Advisor27 March 2023 14:13:58

562

@nz7521137
It would be very difficult. In portugal to get utilities you have to have a deed or contract which is recorded. You have to register in thst municipality also
-@sarazindarci

Well, the squatter enters the home while the owner (with utility contracts in place) is not at home and then stays there. And in France/Spain it would be impossible to terminate the utilities or even change the locks. The squatter can stay until the situation is legally clarified, which can take months or years.

StrontiumSerial expat27 March 2023 14:27:42

325

Hi,

That is a bit Bizzzare.

To get legal advice it is usual to have interaction with a legal professional (which I am not) and not on an open access interweb forum where you may possibly get persons giving various stories, obviously those who have an "axe to grind" (if that's the correct Brit expression) will be the loudest to post in response.

Good luck on your quest.

JohnnyPTPortugal Expert27 March 2023 15:13:29

4419

I'm going to be honest, I don't know any stories like that in Portugal.

In Spain I have heard of some cases in spanish newspapers.

janicecallantActive member27 March 2023 21:56:39

This happens in the USA all the time. I've never had it happen in any of my properties, but there was a home a few doors away from one of my homes that some homeless people moved in during an unoccupied time where it was up for sale. The people just destroyed this home, it was just disgusting, and heart breaking for the homeowners.

hbinder36Active member11 March 2024 09:30:23

Squatting is not legal in Portugal. It's a huge problem in Spain, however.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Portugal

Buying property in Portugal
If you've lived in Portugal for a while and plan to build a future in this country, you may want to explore ...
Buying property in Porto
In the last decade, Portugal has become an important destination for culture and investment in Southern Europe. ...
Accommodation in Lisbon
With a thriving expat community, a rising yet still manageable cost of living (for Western standards) and a ...
Accommodation in Porto
Considered Portugal's second-largest city, after the capital of Lisbon, Porto is home to over 230.000 people ...
Accommodation in Portugal
As you are planning your move to Portugal, one of the key things that you will need to decide is where you are ...
Renting options in Porto
Over the past few years, rent prices in Porto have been soaring. As the city's popularity grows among tourists ...
Neighbourhoods in Porto
Most people visiting Porto for the first time spend most of their time exploring the downtown, and the same thing ...
Buying property in Lisbon
So, you are finally in Lisbon! You have a flat, a job and your life is moving forward quickly. Well done! But if ...