Buy an Italian Villa for Less Than a Cup of Coffee ☕🏡

Wait… Why Are These Houses So Cheap?

Like much of rural Europe, small towns in Italy have been facing significant population declines as younger generations move to larger cities in search of better opportunities. As a result, entire villages are filled with empty, crumbling homes, many of which haven’t been lived in for decades.

Rather than letting these properties sit in disrepair, local governments have come up with a solution: sell them for €1 to anyone willing to restore them and bring life back to the town.

Where Can You Buy a €1 Home?

Over the past few years, several Italian towns have introduced €1 home initiatives to revitalize their communities. Here are some of the most notable:

• Penne, Abruzzo – The Latest to Join the €1 Home Movement
Penne, located in Italy's central region of Abruzzo, is selling abandoned homes for just one euro in a bid to combat depopulation. Since the program began in 2022, six homes have been sold, mostly to Italians. The next batch of properties will soon be up for grabs, with potentially over 40 empty buildings in the historic center looking for new owners. The town offers a team of architects and experts to assist buyers with renovations, which cost around €20,000. Additionally, turnkey properties requiring no renovation are available starting at €40,000.
  
  ✔ Best for: Those seeking an affordable entry into Italian property ownership with support for renovations.

• Ollolai, Sardinia – A Sardinian Escape

  Ollolai, a village on the island of Sardinia, has been selling homes for €1 to attract new residents and revive its community after decades of depopulation. The town offers free temporary homes to certain digital nomads, €1 homes in need of renovations, and ready-to-occupy houses for prices up to €100,000.
  
  In an effort to show how committed the village is to accepting new residents, the mayor has set up a special team to help guide interested buyers through every step of the purchase, from organizing private tours of the available homes to finding contractors, builders, and navigating required paperwork.
  
  ✔ Best for: Those looking for a tranquil lifestyle in a picturesque Sardinian village.

• Sambuca, Sicily – One of the First €1 Home Towns

  Sambuca, a charming Sicilian town known for its olive groves and historic streets, was one of the first places to offer €1 homes—and it became so popular that all the properties sold out within weeks. Now, new batches of homes are regularly added, attracting buyers from around the world.
  
  ✔ Best for: Wine lovers, sun-seekers, and those who want a taste of authentic Sicilian life.

• Troina, Sicily – The “Window to Sicily”

  If you love medieval villages, Troina might be your perfect match. Sitting on a hilltop with views over Mount Etna, this picturesque town has been offering grants and incentives for those willing to restore its historic stone houses. The village has a website with a list of homes that are available to buy for €1.
  
  ✔ Best for: Those who want stunning views and a quieter lifestyle.

• Mussomeli, Sicily – A Sicilian Charmer

  Mussomeli, a town located in the heart of Sicily, has been offering €1 homes to attract new residents. The project is non-profit and was designed to repopulate the historic center of Mussomeli with people from all over the world.
  
  ✔ Best for: Those seeking a historic Sicilian town with a strong sense of community.

What’s the Catch?

Before you start daydreaming about your Italian getaway, it's important to understand the commitments involved:

• Renovation Requirements: These homes are often in disrepair and require significant renovations. Buyers are typically obligated to submit a renovation plan within a specific timeframe (usually 6–12 months) and complete the work within 1–3 years. ​

• Financial Guarantees: Many municipalities require a security deposit, ranging from €1,000 to €5,000, to ensure that buyers fulfill their renovation commitments. This deposit is usually refunded upon completion of the renovations. ​

• Additional Costs: Beyond the purchase price, buyers should anticipate expenses such as notary fees, taxes, and the actual renovation costs, which can vary widely depending on the property's condition. ​

Success Stories and Cautionary Tales

While the idea of snagging a €1 Italian villa sounds like a dream come true, it's wise to approach with both excitement and a pinch of caution. Some adventurous souls have transformed these bargain properties into stunning homes. For instance, an American buyer turned a dilapidated house in Sambuca di Sicilia into a luxurious retreat, complete with modern amenities. Another buyer in Mussomeli, Sicily, purchased a three-story house for €1, with initial costs totaling around €5,000 ($6,500). He plans to spend about $13,000 to $19,000 on renovations, doing much of the work himself while learning from YouTube and courses.

However, others have found the journey more challenging than anticipated. Renovations can be costly and time-consuming, often exceeding initial expectations. It's crucial to thoroughly research and prepare for potential hurdles before taking on such a project.

Is It Worth It?

If you’ve always dreamed of owning a home in Italy, this could be the opportunity of a lifetime—but it’s not for everyone. Renovating a centuries-old home in a foreign country comes with challenges, from securing permits to hiring local contractors.

That said, if you’re up for the adventure, you could soon be sipping espresso on your own Italian terrace—for less than the price of a coffee. ☕🇮🇹

Sources & Further Reading:

* CNN – One Euro Homes

* BBC – Buying a €1 Home In Italy

* The Independent – How to Buy a €1 Home