Fear and panic among Costa del Sol residents as Squatters take over the golf resort

The peaceful mornings of one of Costa del Sol’s best-known golf resorts have been shattered more than by wayward drives. Residents of this exclusive hillside community in the middle of the Costa del Sol hills are battling two squatter occupations on empty investment-fund properties – one involving open fires and escaped dogs at the main entrance, the other suspected of irregular utility hook-ups and possible illicit activity just behind the course.

““Serious fire risk” at the entrance

The first problem is located right at the entrance, near the golf driving range. The property of an investment fund has been occupied by squatters without permission. Squatters have been living in the building without access to electricity or running water. They also light fires for cooking and heating. The site was halted and half-finished during the financial crisis. It has not been resumed. The unfinished homes were left open to exploitation by those who would use them in a way that was not legal or safe.

“Residents have reported seeing fires inside the building,” X stated. “This is a very serious fire risk, given the close proximity of other homes and to the golf practice area.

There are also several large dogs on site. The dogs have repeatedly escaped the site and wandered on to the driving range. “A clear and immediate risk to golfers, residents, and anyone using practice facilities.”

Trafic suspected in the vicinity of the course

Even more alarming for real residents is the situation at Calle Miguel Ángel Jiménez, number 14 within the resort –  This property is situated in a small cul de sac directly behind a golf course. This second investment-fund home has been occupied for around 18 month and is in a good condition. The constant traffic near this home means that children cannot play on the street. Vehicles drive down the road, stop for a minute outside the property, and then depart. This pattern has led to a feeling of insecurity from neighbours.

Residents fear they are subsidizing the costs of water and electricity. ““Strongly suspect” is a fraudulent or irregular means. A constant stream of vehicles arrive and leave at untypical hours. There are also frequent large gatherings.

“Residents are very concerned about the possibility of some sort of suspect activity,” X said. These concerns have been reported to the police. Due to the location of the property, it is very visible for the surrounding houses. This increases the feeling that the area is unsafe. Only the legal owner of the property can initiate eviction procedures under Spanish law. To date, the investment fund appears to have taken no action.

It is evident that the contrast between the lifestyle of the owners (including the high-value cars) and their frustration in paying the bills is palpable. “We all feel increasingly uncomfortable and worried. “The individuals involved have been known in the local community and have displayed inappropriate and aggressive behaviours, which is a cause for concern.”

Broader Costa del Sol context

Andalucia – including the province of Malaga – has surpassed Catalonia in Spain‘Squatting is the leading cause of squatting in Spain. Malaga is repeatedly mentioned as a region with more than 2,800 files active in January. “critical” area.

The 2025 National Agenda “Anti-okupa laws introduced speedy evictions, stronger police powers and limitations on delays for vulnerable people. Although these reforms are helping in many parts, such as Marbella Estepona Fuengirola they still require property owners to act. Residents complain that new legislation does not offer immediate relief when the owners are remote investment funds who fail to respond immediately.

X invited anyone who had doubts to contact directly the neighbours association and said the community was united in its search for urgent solutions.

For now, views once enjoyed by golfers are obstructed by smoke from illegally lit fires, rumbling traffic and constant banging of golf ball.

Residents hope that their voices will finally prompt actions before a serious event occurs

Contact Euro Weekly by leaving a comment below if you have any information or are experiencing similar problems. Does your area have a similar issue to this? It has happened in the past. Have you ever been successful in evicting the squatters from your property? Tell us.