Adverse possession

I’m visiting my parents in Spain, across the road from them is an empty property. It has been empty for at least two years, the door is left open, the garden is overgrown and it looks like it half way through being redecorated. We were in the local bar with some of the neighbours and there were comments said about “adverse possession” It was most probably said in a joking manner, but it has got my parents thinking about if they came to visit England what would happen if someone entered their property? Where would they stand? Is it really as easy as going to live in an empty villa and setting up home? 

In the first place, the acquisition of land under the doctrine of adverse possessionis recognized in the Spanish civil jurisdiction. This means, that under certain restricted conditions, a trespasser might come onto your property, occupy it, and gain legal ownership of it after a period of time.

Maybe yes...Maybe no...If you care to believe the above.

** EDITED - Against forum rules **

For those who are surprised that a squatter can acquire ownership in Spain, take a look here:-

http://www.gov.uk/squatting-law/squatters-rights-to-property

** EDITED - Inciting **

This message was last edited by Kavanagh on 08/04/2018.