Residents of El Toscal, one of Santa Cruz de Tenerife’s most historic districts, are breathing a sigh of relief after the final illegally occupied property in the neighbourhood was vacated following months of community pressure and legal action.
The last occupied building, located on Calle El Saludo, was abandoned voluntarily by squatters after five months, in response to a judicial order issued by the magistrate of the First Court of Instruction in Santa Cruz. The court had urged a peaceful departure ahead of any forced eviction.
Neighbours, who had staged nightly protests and worked closely with authorities, played a key role in encouraging the squatters to leave. "We made our presence felt every night. It was the only way to reclaim our streets," said one local resident.
Despite the departure, the aftermath has left a sour note. The property was found in a state of severe neglect, littered with rubbish, leftover food, dirty cookware and infested with insects. Images shared by neighbours show the extent of the filth, with many questioning how the squatters had been living in such unsanitary conditions.
The community has since taken preventative measures, boarding up doors and windows to deter any future attempts at occupation. However, fears remain. "We’re relieved, but we’re not letting our guard down," another resident added. "There are still many abandoned houses around here. It could happen again."
The issue of squatting had disrupted daily life in the normally quiet and picturesque neighbourhood, where residents endured months of tension. The first major breakthrough came when squatters were evicted from a nearby property on Calle Pasaje Segundo Ravina, following a successful court order that required them to leave within 48 hours. That property was quickly secured by its owner.
In contrast, the process for the house on Calle El Saludo was slower and more complicated due to its poor condition and the absence of its owners. This allowed the squatters to remain for months before the recent legal intervention finally cleared the property.
El Toscal remains a neighbourhood steeped in cultural and architectural heritage, but its ageing housing stock and vacant properties have made it vulnerable to illegal occupation. Residents now hope that increased vigilance and swift legal action will prevent future incidents.
