Faced with deserted alleys and shuttered windows, many Sicilian towns have embraced a bold idea: offer homes for one euro. This initiative addresses the rural depopulation draining some of Italy’s villages, particularly in the south. “Certain towns, especially in Sicily, are suffering from major rural exodus. People head north for jobs and services, leaving homes to decay,” explains Luca Pietro Ungaro of Barnes real estate group in Le Figaro Immobilier.
Launched in 2009 by Gangi’s mayor, the “Case a 1 euro” program aims to attract new residents, revive sleepy streets, and preserve neglected heritage. While these houses are often crumbling and hold little market value, their potential is immense—if you have the vision and budget for renovations.
What It Takes to Own a Home in These Italian Towns
Buying a one-euro home isn’t as simple as writing a check. Each town has its rules, designed to ensure serious buyers willing to commit to full-scale renovations. Buyers usually need to provide a security deposit between €2,000 and €5,000, depending on the location. “They also must commit to renovations costing at least €20,000 to €50,000,” Ungaro adds. While the house may be virtually free, the transformation carries a real price tag.
Time is also a constraint. After signing the deed, buyers typically have two months to start renovations and one year to complete them. This isn’t a whimsical escape; it’s a serious commitment. Plus, buyers must cover property transfer costs, including taxes, admin fees, and notary fees ranging from €1,000 to €1,500 for a 100-square-meter home.
The Towns Call the Shots
Buying such a home means adhering to the town’s rules. Owners must submit renovation plans for approval by local officials and hire town-approved contractors. Some villages enforce stricter requirements, such as living in the home, turning it into a B&B, or presenting a community-benefiting business plan. While the idea is appealing, bureaucracy can quickly become overwhelming. “The biggest roadblock is the bureaucracy these requirements create,” notes the real estate agent.
Where to Find These One Euro Homes—And How to Get Started
About 40 towns, mostly in southern Italy, offer these homes to revitalize historic centers. From Sicily and Sardinia to Piedmont, Puglia, Tuscany, and Calabria, villages like Sambuca di Sicilia and Ollolai lead the movement. The website casea1euro.it regularly lists available homes.
Good news for non-Italians: there’s no entry barrier. “Foreign buyers just need to obtain an Italian tax code to pay taxes,” explains Ungaro. This taxpayer ID number is available through the Italian Revenue Agency or the French Consulate in Italy. It’s a simple formality, opening the door to a new life under the Italian sun.
**Dans ces villes italiennes, il est possible d’acheter des maisons à 1 euro, mais à une condition**
This article first appeared on grazia.fr – Author: Sandrine Dumas
