Former investment banker Orla D. reports on threats, the alleged murder of her dog and a life in constant fear.
She has already conducted three legal proceedings against her neighbor and spent around 70,000 euros on legal fees. In 2023, she fled her home ‘for her own safety’ and has since changed her place of residence between Spain and Portugal. She is now warning other pensioners who are thinking about buying a house in the picturesque Algarve. “You have to think long and hard about your decision and be on your guard right from the start,” advised the 65-year-old. It is not uncommon for retirees to get into conflicts with other owners after moving. Disputes between tenants also occur in Germany, but instead of going to court, angry notes from neighbors often find their way online. The Federal Court of Justice in this country has already dealt with the question of whether neighbors are allowed to build a pool. The case is an extreme example of a phenomenon that has been occurring in the region for years.