Louise Bawn, a 53-year-old British woman from Bristol, is living a nightmare after her €160,000 home in Cártama, Málaga, was illegally occupied by squatters. Purchased in early 2023, the two-bedroom property in the Sexmo district was meant to be a dream investment but has turned into a costly ordeal. In her own words, Bawn warns others: “Don’t buy homes in Spain, the law is on the squatters’ side.”
A Devastating Loss
The trouble began in February 2023, shortly after Bawn inherited the house from her father and started renovations. Squatters broke in, stealing two cars worth €15,000, tools valued at thousands, solar panels worth €50,000, and a partially installed kitchen. “I could lose more than 100,000 euros, not counting the amount I’ve already lost because two cars and the entire contents of my house and garage were stolen,” Bawn told the Daily Mail. She added, “My father had tools worth thousands of pounds, and now they’re gone. It’s disgusting that they’re allowed to get away with this.”
In September 2024, police evicted the squatters after uncovering drug trafficking on the premises. But within five hours, new squatters had reoccupied the house. “I think there’s a network in the area because the person I saw the first time isn’t the same person the alarm caught breaking in,” Bawn said. She called the Guardia Civil, but claims they sided with the new occupants, who falsely stated they had lived there for two years. “The police asked us if we were sleeping there, and when we said no because we were there to protect the house and sell it, they just shrugged,” she recounted.
A Systemic Issue
Bawn’s case reflects a broader squatting problem in Spain, particularly in Málaga, where a 2025 Idealista study estimates 3.8% of homes for sale are occupied. The legal distinction between “usurpation” (occupying a second home) and “home invasion” (entering a primary residence) means evictions for properties like Bawn’s can take 8–12 months. Despite spending €20,000 on legal fees, flights, accommodation, and hiring a desokupa service, Bawn has been unable to reclaim her home. Frustrated, she has decided to sell the property at a significant loss, warning buyers of the squatter issue.
Public Reaction and Warnings
Bawn’s story, shared with the Daily Mail and amplified on platforms like X, has sparked outrage. Users on X echo her warning, with some calling for legal reforms to protect property owners. The case raises concerns about the safety of real estate investments in tourist-heavy regions like the Costa del Sol, where squatting complaints are prevalent.
A Call for Reform
Bawn sought help from the British government, only to be told they “could not intervene in another country’s legal proceedings.” After a 10-month battle, she feels defeated by Spain’s legal system. “The law is on their side,” she reiterated, urging potential buyers to reconsider investing in Spanish property.
Bawn’s ordeal highlights the urgent need for faster eviction processes and stronger protections for homeowners in Spain. As she prepares to sell her ransacked property, her story serves as a stark cautionary tale for those dreaming of a home under the Spanish sun.
Note: The investigation into this case is ongoing, and further details may emerge as it progresses.
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