Idealista and Fotocasa face ‘squatter’ ad complaint

Homes with valid leases appear in listings marked “illegally occupied”, according to Spanish trade union UGT: it has filed a complaint against Idealista and Fotocasa. In Madrid, Spain, on 20 October 2026, the union asks the Directorate General for Consumer Affairs to investigate what it alleges is misleading advertising and unfair commercial practice. UGT says the labels can wrongly portray people who have a right to live in a home as squatters.

Different homes, the same label

UGT says it checked adverts on both property portals and found legally different situations grouped together. Some homes appeared in as many as three categories, including “illegally occupied” and “rented with tenants”. The union says the “illegally occupied” label also appeared on homes involving older people with lifetime rights to use them, and on properties in mortgage enforcement proceedings.

Some adverts gave inaccurate or unverified details about a home’s size, number of rooms, floor or location, UGT says. In some cases, the pictures did not show the property for sale. The union argues that such listings can mislead buyers and stigmatise people living in the homes legally.

What UGT wants investigated

UGT wants investigators to ask Idealista and Fotocasa how they decide a property is occupied and what proof they require from advertisers. It also wants the case passed to other relevant authorities and penalties imposed if breaches are found.

Topics: Housing

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com