British Couple's Dream Home in Mallorca Complicated by Squatters

In a tale that underscores the complexities of property ownership abroad, British expatriates Chris Hicks and Natasha Retzmann purchased a three-bedroom detached house in Mallorca for £173,000, only to discover that it came with unexpected occupants: squatters. This scenario has left the couple facing significant legal and financial challenges that threaten their dream of a peaceful life on the Spanish island.

Hicks and Retzmann, originally from Hertfordshire, moved to Mallorca in 2010, where they initially rented before buying a smaller flat. They were drawn to the new property by its promise of spaciousness and the opportunity to house their growing number of rescued cats. However, they were aware of squatters living in the home at the time of purchase, having been advised that the family would soon qualify for social housing and vacate the premises.

As reported by the Daily Mail on July 19, 2025, nine months later, the couple's optimism has dimmed. The squatters—a family of four—remain entrenched in the property, and despite Hicks and Retzmann's efforts, including a cash offer to facilitate their departure, the squatters refuse to leave. The legal framework in Spain regarding squatting is notoriously stringent, with penalties for illegal eviction potentially leading to imprisonment.

The couple now finds themselves trapped in their small flat, accompanied by 47 cats, while facing additional financial burdens, including taxes on both properties and legal fees that could mount to £10,000. Hicks, who works as a removals surveyor, expressed frustration over the situation: "We started out rescuing a couple of cats, but it's got out of hand. The cats in our home all have either eyesight problems or missing limbs—and all are unadoptable."

Retzmann, who operates a cycling clothing shop, lamented the lack of support from local authorities. They have attempted to communicate with the local council, which initially expressed support for Hicks and Retzmann's plight but has since ceased to engage. The couple attributes this lack of assistance to an apparent anti-expat sentiment on the island, further complicating their situation.

Spain's socialist government, as noted by Joan Monjo, the Mayor of Santa Margalida, imposes strict regulations regarding squatters, making the eviction process lengthy and expensive. Monjo indicated that there are significant numbers of squatters within the municipality, many of whom are immigrants or individuals unwilling to pay rent. The squatters in Hicks and Retzmann's case have been linked to a broader trend of squatting on the island, with over 514 reports of squatters logged last year alone, according to local authorities.

This distressing episode highlights the precarious nature of purchasing property in Spain, particularly for foreign nationals. The couple's experience serves as a cautionary tale for prospective buyers who may underestimate the complexities of local laws and the potential for legal disputes.

As they await resolution, Hicks and Retzmann continue to advocate for the rights of their rescued cats, all while navigating the tumultuous waters of property ownership in a foreign country. The couple remains hopeful that they will soon be able to move into their dream home, but the uncertainty surrounding the squatters leaves their future hanging in the balance.

In the meantime, they continue to care for the animals they have taken in, demonstrating a commitment to animal welfare amidst their personal challenges. Their case is ongoing, with the couple now waiting for the court system to address their eviction request, which could take upwards of two years to resolve, leaving them to contend with the realities of dual property ownership without access to one of the homes they have worked so hard to acquire.