Usurpations of property across Spain have risen by six point nine percent in twenty twenty four, according to new data released by the Government. The figures reveal there were fifteen thousand nine hundred eleven incidents last year, marking a departure from a steady decline seen since twenty twenty one. Although there has been a five point five percent drop over that time, the latest figures show an increase from fourteen thousand eight hundred eighty-four cases reported in twenty twenty three.

The Basque Country and La Rioja have recorded the most significant increases in usurpations, with rises of seventy six point eight percent and fifty three point eight percent respectively. In contrast, ten autonomous communities, including Ceuta and Melilla, experienced a decrease in total usurpations since twenty twenty one, highlighting a disparity in regional trends.

Catalonia continues to have the highest total of usurpations, with seven thousand nine incidents reported in the last year; notably, more than five thousand of these occurred in Barcelona. Despite this, rates have fallen by four point five percent in the autonomous region since twenty twenty one and by three point seven percent in Barcelona province.

In response to queries from the Popular Party, the Government emphasised that law enforcement responds immediately to incidents of home invasion but requires a judicial order for the eviction of properties not classified as homes. This points to a complex legal framework governing property disputes and the handling of usurpations in Spain.