Squatter Fears in Southern Spain: Murcia Property Sellers Remove For Sale Signs

Discover why property sellers in the Murcia region of Southern Spain are taking down 'For Sale' signs to deter squatters.

Property sellers in the MURCIA region are taking precautions to avoid their houses becoming targets for squatters by refraining from putting up sales boards. According to The Murcia region real estate agents association, signs are now ‘barely’ noticeable on the front of a third of properties being marketed, with traditional board displays down by 70%. Owners are opting to list their properties on online real estate sites instead, as they fear that an empty house with a sign will attract squatters.

Squatter Fears in Southern Spain: Murcia Property Sellers Remove 'For Sale' Signs

In the past, owners living in ‘for sale’ properties avoided displaying signs to prevent curious individuals from booking viewing sessions out of mere curiosity. However, the trend has shifted towards empty house owners who are reluctant to showcase their properties with advertising boards. It is estimated that only a third of homeowners looking to sell or rent still display signs, with occupiers showing less concern over nosy visitors.

While using real estate portals offers convenience, some listings lack specific location details, making it challenging for potential buyers or tenants to identify the exact property. This lack of information can lead to wasted time and dissatisfaction among interested parties. It is recommended that sellers provide accurate location details to streamline the viewing process and minimize complaints.

Despite a decrease in squatting cases going to court in recent years, squatting remains a serious issue in the region. Only a small percentage of cases make it to court, as owners often opt to resolve the situation by offering compensation to squatters. Many current squatting incidents are driven by attempts to extort money from property owners.

The shift towards online property listings and the reluctance to display sales boards reflect the growing concern among property sellers in the MURCIA region regarding squatting incidents. Providing accurate location details and maintaining transparency in property listings can help streamline the selling or renting process and minimize potential risks.