The Valencian regional government, the Generalitat, has put out to tender a brand new intervention service designed to reclaim public housing that has been illegally squatted across the Valencian Community. Announced by the regional president, Juanfran Pérez Llorca, the initiative introduces a 24-hour emergency response protocol intended to provide immediate assistance following reports of illegal occupancy or intrusion.
The contract has an estimated value of 796,831 euro, excluding VAT, and will initially run for a period of three years, with the option of two annual extensions. Companies wishing to apply have until 30 July to submit their bids via the state procurement platform.
The regional president defended the introduction of the service, highlighting it as a necessary resource to confront a problem that the administration has faced for years. He noted that illegal squatting directly prevents vulnerable families, who respect the law and remain on official waiting lists, from accessing social housing.
According to data provided by the regional government, the Valencian Housing and Land Entitat (EVHA) currently manages more than 14,500 public properties across the region, of which approximately 13 per cent are currently occupied irregularly. This translates to nearly 1,900 squatted homes. The primary goal of the new initiative is to strengthen the management of this public stock and guarantee that available housing is properly allocated to those who meet the regulatory requirements.
The new contract specifies that the successful bidder must guarantee a maximum response time of one hour from the moment a squatting incident or intrusion is reported. The appointed firm will also assist the EVHA during administrative recovery processes, coordinate actions directly with police and security forces, and oversee the installation of protective measures, such as anti-squatting doors or alarm systems. To deliver this, the tender requires the company to provide a dedicated team consisting of at least one legal coordinator and three technical inspectors, alongside all necessary material resources.
This service complements an ongoing, wider strategy against illegal occupation spearheaded by the regional department for housing. At the start of 2026, a four-year contract worth 4,743,200 euro was awarded for the installation and maintenance of 300 individual security and alarm systems in public properties. Furthermore, regional authorities state that 1,231 preventive actions have been carried out since July 2023 to protect vacant properties, which included changing standard doors, bricking up entry points, and installing 608 vandal-proof doors. Private security has also been stepped up across various residential groups to prevent the unauthorised use of garages and stop vacant houses from being targeted.
