Girona recorded 719 reported cases of illegal home occupations in 2025, making it the fifth-highest province in Spain for such incidents, according to data from the Ministry of the Interior.
This marks a 23.5% decrease from 2024, when 940 cases were reported, and follows two consecutive years of decline since a historic peak of 976 cases in 2021. Despite the drop, Girona still ranks high nationally, behind only Barcelona (4,403), Madrid (1,269), Valencia (856), and Alicante (772).
The downward trend coincides with the implementation of Organic Law 1/2025, which came into force on 3 April 2025 and integrates illegal occupation offences into Spain’s fast-track judicial system. Cases are now meant to be resolved within 15 days, a measure intended to deter potential squatters.
While reported occupations fell, Girona ranked second nationwide for people detained or investigated over property violations. In 2025, 982 individuals were identified, nearly three per day, by regional police (Mossos d'Esquadra) and other forces, second only to Barcelona’s 4,684. This suggests multiple suspects per case, rather than isolated incidents.
The drop in reported cases is real and not due to lower investigative capacity, as clearance rates remain high.
Evictions also declining
Court-ordered evictions in Girona totalled 1,048 in 2025, down from 1,502 in 2021, a cumulative 30.23% reduction. Compared to 2024’s 1,095, this represents a more modest 4.29% fall.
The vast majority, 767, or 73%, stemmed from rental defaults or lease expirations under the Urban Leases Act (LAU). These have declined by 29.05% since 2021. Mortgage enforcement evictions dropped more sharply, from 307 in 2021 to 196 in 2025, but remain a smaller share overall.
Second homes most affected
Most occupied properties in Girona are second homes. In 2025, 79 reports involved second residences compared to 36 linked to primary homes. The previous year saw 87 and 47 respectively, confirming an ongoing pattern in a region where holiday and seasonal housing is widespread.
Despite the recent reductions, the number of reported occupations in 2025 remains far above levels seen a decade ago, when only 63 cases were recorded in 2010. However, it is just seven higher than in 2019, suggesting a return to pre-pandemic trends.
Reported by diaridegirona.cat, elmon.cat, El Nacional, apdnoticies.com, elpais.com, Publicat per Iler Iuris, Diari de Girona.
