The myth of the occupiers: profitable business and the real problems of housing in Spain.

The authorities of the Spanish community of Madrid are facing the problem of low housing activity in reality, despite it receiving significant attention in public discourse. Reports indicate that the likelihood of being evicted from one's own home is higher than the risk of illegal occupation. Nevertheless, insurance companies see an opportunity to expand their business by offering insurance against occupation at a higher price than traditional policies.

Concern among citizens is increasing, and along with it, the demand for such services is growing: "Listening to our clients, we discovered a rising need among homeowners for protection against the risk of occupation. Therefore, in June of last year, we introduced a unique and comprehensive insurance product in the Spanish market designed for cases of illegal occupation of homes. This product has been well received by clients, and currently, more than 50% of new home policies from Línea Directa include this insurance," says the company Línea Directa Aseguradora.

Meanwhile, housing prices in Spain are steadily rising, suffocating more than three million people across the country. About 100 evictions occur daily due to the inability to cope with monthly payments, which are becoming increasingly expensive and diverging further from average wages. Yet morning talk shows and advertisements focus on the issue of occupation. The Provienda Research Center, which deals with housing issues, claims that "71% of evictions are due to the inability to pay rent," and only 6% are related to illegal occupation.

“The discussion of the housing problem is spreading in Spain through various political and media discourses. It has reinforced a frightening narrative that raises concerns, even though it is a minority situation compared to other issues of social exclusion faced by a significant part of our population,” experts say.

The Tenant Syndicate brings together many residents who are burdened by rental costs, and they are opposing this victorious narrative while focusing on the positions of right-wing politics: "This is clearly a joint strategy. The press, security companies, and real estate, increasingly leaning to the right, are seen as the winners," the organization states.

Monthly television shows that discuss the issue of occupation do not provide solutions. "We need a positive discourse that examines the problem in its complexity and offers solutions, rather than inciting fear. We believe it is a priority to focus on the structural issues that affect the population, such as the rising costs of housing and rent," experts demand.

Talking about the occupiers is, first and foremost, simply useless in the search for solutions. "We need the discourse on housing to always take into account people in vulnerable positions and to offer solutions for everyone. Let us remind you that almost 30% of families in our country remain in relative poverty after paying for housing. If we want to solve the housing problem, we need to address the causes and the policies that sustain these issues," the experts conclude.