Relocating risks

[Omega1982]

Just like others here I've looked into the option of relocating.  I was actually considering planting a flag in Spain.  I wanted to share one of the major problems with relocating to Spain and have others here with the expert knowledge chime in whether this is a problem in other parts of the world or not.  In Spain if you have a property and it is empty you run the risk of having squatters enter.  These squatters are protected under Spanish law and it is difficult, lengthy and expensive process to get rid of them.  I've been told there are even groups of people one can hire such as Romanian, Bulgarians, etc to threaten the squatters and get them to leave.  This is of course illegal, but it goes to show the extent of the problem.  I imagine this doesn't affect more than 90% of Spaniards as their homes are always inhabited.  As an American, in my case the property would not be inhabited most of the time.  I do know of a friend of the family which is a retired teacher and lives six months in the US  and six months in Spain.  She doesn't run any risks because her property has a bellman which she tips generously and he ensure the property is fine.  This is a higher end building which is beyond my modest budget.  Can anyone with experience advise if this is a problem in some of the destinations others such as Manny have mentioned as desireable relocation destinations. 

[Manny]

Andrew is your man for this. His family has/had various properties in Spain, rentals and personal.

[Omega1982]

Andrew can you provide some insight as to the best practices to protect oneself against squatters in spain.

Manny do you know if squatters are an issue in the countries you're currently looking into.  ie Thailand, Portugal, Bulgaria, etc. 

Does anyone else know which countries to avoid for the above reasons? 

This is also a problem here in the US although to a lesser extent. 

[andrewfi]

Andrew can you provide some insight as to the best practices to protect oneself against squatters in spain.

Manny do you know if squatters are an issue in the countries you're currently looking into.  ie Thailand, Portugal, Bulgaria, etc. 

Does anyone else know which countries to avoid for the above reasons? 

This is also a problem here in the US although to a lesser extent.

Don't have a house in an isolated area; keep the place looking good, take out relevant insurance, and most importantly of all, do not get scared by a load of folks who have no idea what they are whining about.

[dorbradavid]

I understand beach front property in Syria is very inexpensive right now. 

[Omega1982]

Andrew the squatters are a big issue even in Madrid.  being isolated or not doesn't help. 

[andrewfi]

You asked, I told you.

Carry on spending your life in fear, or get on and enjoy your middle years - your call.

[rosco]

Andrew the squatters are a big issue even in Madrid.  being isolated or not doesn't help.

Most properties in Spain are fenced, gated, windows barred and shuttered off, for both the heat and security. You'd be super unlucky to come back and have squatters living in your apartment. If you decided not to live in Spain due to squatter fear, I'd imagine you'd brown your scant's at the thought of living anywhere.