**Editor’s Note:** The initiative to sell homes for a symbolic 1 euro began in Italy in 2008 as a measure to combat population decline in rural areas. Sixteen years later, as rural populations continue to age and shrink, this trend is gaining traction globally. Villages in Switzerland, Spain, Croatia, and even Japan are now adopting this approach. In Italy, the marketing focus has shifted towards attracting digital nomads.
Since 2018, major news outlets like CNN have frequently highlighted the availability of $1 homes across Italy. Indeed, with the necessary time and resources, you can purchase and renovate a dilapidated house in a remote village in Italy, France, or Spain.
This trend has even inspired television series. Around four years ago, American actress Lorraine Bracco, known for her roles in “Goodfellas” and “The Sopranos,” purchased a 200-year-old 1-euro house in Sambuca, Sicily. HGTV created an entire series around her renovation journey titled “My Big Italian Adventure,” with The Wrap providing a detailed overview of the show.
In June 2022, the BBC announced their own take on this trend with “The Italian Job” on BBC1, featuring British celebrities Alan Carr and Amanda Holden. The duo buys and restores a house in Salemi, Sicily, and the series promises viewers a hands-on renovation experience.
The results? Images from the real estate listing show the house, once bought for 1 euro, now listed for 145,000 euros—a significant potential return on investment.
While some media present the 1 euro house opportunity as a novel concept, this trend has been active since at least 2015. Entire Spanish villages have been listed for less than the price of a one-bedroom apartment in London. The underlying reason is clear: while outsiders may find the idea of living in a picturesque rural village appealing, local residents often cannot afford to stay due to economic opportunities in the cities.
Maurizio Berti from Case A 1 Euro explains, “It’s a cultural phenomenon, not just a business one.”
**Full Disclosure:** Nearly every region in Italy offers 1-euro houses through various initiatives. These can be ad hoc, with fluctuating rules set by local mayors and officials. A comprehensive list of participating villages is available for those interested.
Despite skepticism, some houses do indeed sell for 1 euro. However, buyers are typically required to invest significantly in renovations and must complete them within a set timeframe, usually three years.
Many potential buyers initially interested in 1-euro homes often end up purchasing ready-to-move-in properties at market rates, which are still considerably cheaper than urban real estate.
Countries like France, Spain, Croatia, and Japan are now embracing this concept, making it a global phenomenon. Investigative Europe provides an in-depth look at abandoned houses across Europe, while the Financial Times details how this trend has revitalized parts of Sicily.
Italy leads with the most active 1-euro house campaigns, aiming to restore and repopulate numerous villages. Although some areas are running low on available houses, new regions, especially in northern Italy, are joining the trend, offering plenty of options.
In Croatia, the village of Legrad, near the Hungarian border, has put 19 houses on the market for 1 kuna (about 16 cents USD). By mid-2021, 17 houses had sold. Requirements include being under 40 years old, financially stable, and committed to keeping the property for 15 years. Legrad’s mayor, Ivan Sabolic, adds that the town will cover 20% of renovation costs, up to 35,000 kunas (about 5,000 euros).
For more information, visit Legrad’s contact page (in Croatian).
France has entered the 1 euro house initiative, starting with a property in Saint-Amand-Montrond, located approximately 300 kilometers south of Paris. This 1,000 square foot house is being sold for the symbolic price of 1 euro. The aim, similar to Italy’s program, is to repopulate villages that have seen residents move to urban areas for better opportunities. Buyers must commit to living in the house and begin renovations within six months, with a completion timeline of two years.
For more details, visit The Mayor.eu. The official municipal information is available online, though it’s in French.
Ireland has also launched a repopulation initiative targeting its remote islands, offering grants of up to 84,000 euros to those willing to restore derelict properties. This “Our Living Islands” project, announced in June 2023, seeks to revitalize about 30 islands over the next decade. Non-citizens must apply for long-term residency to participate.
In Italy, the 1 euro house program is widespread, with thousands of properties available across the country, especially in the south. These houses often require significant investments for renovation and utility reconnections, typically costing around 30,000 euros post-restoration. Maurizio from Case A 1 Euro emphasizes the complexity of the process, suggesting potential buyers visit Italy to navigate the local systems effectively.
Albugnano in northern Italy is another village inviting outsiders to renovate neglected properties, aiming to boost its economy. They particularly welcome young couples, disadvantaged families, and those in the tourism sector. For more information, visit the local municipal homepage.
In southern Italy, Biccari offers both abandoned 1 euro homes and ready-to-occupy houses starting at about 7,000 euros. Buyers of 1 euro homes must pay a 3,000 euro deposit and complete renovations within three years. The region is ideal for slow tourism, with various outdoor activities and authentic local cuisine.
Bisaccia, located in the Campania region, has listed 90 properties for 1 euro, focusing on a communal revival by encouraging buyers to bring family and friends. For more information, market-priced homes start at around 11,000 euros.
Borgomezzavallee, in northwestern Italy near the Swiss border, also offers 1 euro homes and incentives for new businesses and growing families.
Calabrian officials in southern Italy offer up to 33,000 euros over three years to those who relocate and start a business in one of a dozen villages. This initiative has age and skill requirements, and more information can be found on the regional governmental website.
Calatafimi Segesta in Sicily is selling 42 properties for 1 euro, with detailed information available on their official website. The town of Cammarata in Sicily offers free houses under similar renovation conditions.
For a more affluent option, consider the village just south of San Marino, where a couple of historical buildings are still available. Visit the municipality’s 1 euro home website for details.
This scenic village in Northern Italy, Carrega Ligure, offers a unique approach to its housing market. Instead of the typical 1 euro dilapidated houses needing renovation, Carrega Ligure presents move-in ready homes for sale, starting at approximately 10,000 euros. This contrasts with the symbolic 1 euro deals seen elsewhere.
You can view all available houses for sale on their website.
Located in the Apennine Mountains about 50 kilometers north of Genoa, Carrega Ligure is a small mountain village, ideal for those seeking a quiet lifestyle away from urban hustle. For further details, CNN provides additional information.
In Sicily, Castiglioni offers a diverse selection of properties, boasting a total of 900 homes for sale. Half of these properties are ruins available for 1 euro, while the remainder are ready-to-renovate homes, priced up to 5,000 euros, as reported by various media outlets.
Initially, acquiring details about Castiglioni’s offerings was challenging, but now, all relevant house information is conveniently accessible on the Castiglioni website. Additionally, a tourist hotline is available for those interested in visiting before making a purchase.
Castropignano, a picturesque hilltop town about 140 miles southeast of Rome, takes a personalized approach under the guidance of Mayor Nicola Scapilati. With 100 houses available, Scapilati facilitates a matching process between potential owners and suitable properties. Unlike some other initiatives, Castropignano provides comprehensive contact information and specifics regarding the investments required for house restoration, estimated at 30,000 to 40,000 euros per property in addition to the 1 euro purchase price.
For further inquiries, you can contact Mayor Nicola Scapilati directly via email at nicola.scapillati@me.com. The municipality’s contact information is also provided:
– Municipality: Via G. Marconi, 1 – 86010
– Tel: 0039 0874.503132
– Fax: 0039 0874.503522
– Email: comune.castropignano@libero.it
– Website: http://www.comune.castropignano.cb.it/hh/index.php
CNN has extensively covered Mayor Scapilati’s efforts, generating significant interest, so prospective buyers are advised not to delay.
CNN has also highlighted Cinquefrondi, which offers a unique approach to its 1 euro house sales. Unlike many other municipalities, Cinquefrondi requires only an annual 250 euro insurance policy until renovations are completed. However, failure to renovate within three years incurs a 20,000 euro penalty.
For those interested in learning more, you can email protocollo@pec.comune.cinquefrondi.rc.it.
These initiatives span across Italy, from remote mountain villages to scenic coastal towns, each offering a distinctive opportunity to invest in revitalizing Italy’s historic communities.
Deputy Mayor Vincenzo Castellano’s message on the well-crafted website articulates a clear strategy:
As Tourism Assessor, I have initiated this project in two primary ways. Firstly, we offer tourists the opportunity to purchase or rent a house, providing comprehensive information to facilitate their decision-making process. Secondly, we empower Latronico residents by leveraging internet platforms to showcase their own properties. This website serves as a virtual window into our community, designed to attract investment and generate positive economic impact for our local medium and small enterprises.
Latronico, situated approximately 200 kilometers southeast of Naples and just 50 kilometers from the coast, boasts a population of about 4,000 residents. The village features a diverse range of homes for sale, spanning from no cost up to approximately 80,000 euros.
Various prominent media outlets, including CNN, Travel & Leisure, and the New York Post, have covered Laurenzana’s innovative approach in the Basilicata region, south of Naples. In contrast to other Italian towns, Laurenzana offers houses with no deposit required upfront. Typically, these agreements mandate a substantial initial payment to secure the property and ensure commitment from buyers, yet Laurenzana eliminates this financial barrier.
Mayor Michele Ungaro conveyed to CNN his intent to facilitate newcomers’ purchase of their dream homes, streamlining bureaucratic procedures and minimizing stringent requirements. However, he emphasized ongoing oversight to monitor renovation progress closely. Prospective buyers should anticipate investing at least 20,000 euros to restore properties to their former glory, although these funds go directly into home improvement rather than being held in municipal accounts.
Nestled in a rugged and scenic area, Laurenzana features attractions like a medieval castle and proximity to UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Matera. Additionally, it offers access to popular seaside destinations like Maratea, Praia a Mare, Scalea, Capo Palinuro, and Marina di Camerota.
For more detailed information on Laurenzana’s 1 euro home program, visit their official municipal website.
