This post is all about how to buy a 1 euro house in Italy in 2023.
In recent years, we’ve all seen the news articles, “buy a 1 euro house in Italy!”
Rarely do those news articles ever have any actionable links or steps to take on how to actually buy a 1 euro house in Italy.
Alas, I am here to help.
Here’s everything you need to know to buy a 1 euro house in Italy.
Why Does the Italian Government Run the 1-Euro Homes Incentive?
The Italian government, particularly in various small and depopulated towns, has initiated programs to sell homes for as little as 1 euro to encourage revitalization and attract new residents, especially for villages suffering from population decline.
The 1 euro house project incentive was initiated for many reasons such as to revive historic towns to preserve their cultural heritage and restructure the local economy of small villages.
Italian property selling for just 1 euro is available across many various regions of Italy that include many beautiful villages and charming towns. Reviving these towns can breathe new life into these Italian municipalities.
New residents may include families, elderly Italians, young people, and foreign citizens who can contribute to the cultural and social fabric of the town.
It’s important to note that while the homes are sold for a symbolic price of 1 euro, buyers often have to commit to renovating the property within a certain time frame. While the time frame can vary, it’s usually within so many years of purchase to ensure that the old buildings are restored and do not remain in a state of disrepair.
Why Buy a 1 Euro House in Italy?
Buying a 1 euro home in Italy can be a great business venture. Whether you’re looking for home renovation projects, tourism business prospects, or perhaps just dreaming of a second home in Italy, there are so many reasons why you should buy a 1 euro house in Italy.
What you need to know before buying
Firstly, let’s clear some things up here.
That 1 euro home is going to take A LOT of work before it’s your dream home. We’re talking renovation costs, legal fees, notary fees, and so many more additional costs.
Potential buyers should know that the 1 euro houses selling in Italy for this cheap are nearly in total ruins. The Italian government runs this incentive, frankly, so they don’t have to deal with the cost of renovations. Also, it boosts tourism in small Italian villages which could really enhance their local economy.
Those sneaky Italians!
The Guidelines
Rules for purchasing a 1 euro house in Italy change depending on the Italian municipality. However, many of the basic guidelines for most applications are below:
- You do not need to be Italian
- You must declare that you have not committed mafia crimes.
- A short application is required.
- In addition to the 1 euro payment, you will have to pay legal document fees.
- Restructuring and renovations must begin within 3 months of purchase, and be finished in 3 years.
- You must purchase an insurance policy of about 100 euros (the maximum coverage is 20,000 euros)
- Tourism intentions for the property are allowed but upon purchase, you must be upfront with your business plan
- New owner is responsible for all fees and renovation costs
How to Actually Begin to Buy a 1 Euro House in Italy
For whichever city you see the 1 euro homes advertised (there are several), try googling that city’s government website and see if you can find their 1 euro home incentive on their webpage.
Alternatively, if you can’t find clear advertisements on their official websites for the 1 euro Italian homes, you can usually find a government email listed at the bottom of the homepage or in the contact section.
It’s important to know that there isn’t a single place to really have access to these 1-euro house incentives. Even so many magazine articles and blog posts claiming that they have the listings, usually don’t.
This is because this information is changing all the time. New Italian government incentives are starting, ending, or re-launched depending on many different factors.
7 Italian Villages to Inquire About Buying Cheap Houses Right Now
Depending on what country you’re from, the official government website for that small Italian town may require some digging. Try to search through the first three pages of Google.
Different towns will have their own ways of communication. For example, not all towns will have the housing listings public, and suggest you email them directly for more information.
They have many requests coming through, so just be patient and they will get back to you after you’ve reached out to them.
I’ve included here a list of 7 Italian Municipalities and their government websites for interested buyers to research about purchasing a 1 euro home. Most of these government websites list the specific requirements of the town or you can inquire within to learn more information.
1. Taranto, Puglia
Looking for an Italian home surrounded by beautiful beaches? Taranto is a coastal city located in the southern region of Puglia. It’s the capital of the Taranto province and is situated on the heel of Italy’s boot shape, overlooking the Ionian Sea. Taranto has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. It was originally a Greek colony known as Taras and later became a significant Roman port city.
Check out Taranto’s government website here. The email contact for inquiring about 1 euro homes is comunication.urp@comune.taranto.it
2. Calatafimi-Segesta, Siciliy
Calatafimi-Segesta is a charming and historic town located in the Trapani province of the Sicily region in Italy. The historic properties are surrounded by beautiful Sicilian countryside, featuring rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves. The City of Calatafimi Segesta has its 1 euro listings featured online.
3. Leonforte, Sicily
Another Sicilian village, Leonforte has a general 1 euro house application.
Leonforte is a picturesque town located in the Enna province of Sicily, Italy. Situated in the heart of the island, Leonforte is known for its historical and cultural identity, as well as its stunning natural surroundings.
4. Laurenzana, Basilicata
Laurenzana is a small town located in the Basilicata region of Southern Italy. It is known for its medieval charm and the tranquility it offers to residents and visitors. Find their government website here and inquire within.
5. Pettineo, Sicily
Pettineo is a small and picturesque town located in the Messina province of Sicily, Italy. It is situated in the northern part of the island, near the Tyrrhenian Sea. Pettineo is known for its rolling hills, orchards, and fantastic Sicilian cuisine. Prospective buyers can research the Pettineo government website to inquire about more information on uninhabited houses for 1 euro.
6. Pratola Peligna, Abruzzo
Featuring a quaint city with a population of 7,000 Pratola is a lovely Italian city to buy cheap property. Pratola is situated near Majella National Park and is known for crafting handmade art pieces and local materials. Perfect for home renovations!
7. Caltagirone, Sicily
Caltagirone is a charming Italian village in the Catania province of Sicily, Italy. It is particularly known for its historic architecture, craft of ceramics, and vibrant celebrations that are a part of its identity.
What to Consider
Here’s a closer look at what new homeowners should consider when purchasing a historic property in Italy.
Depending on one euro homes that are in historic centers or a rural town, it is estimated that you could renovate your new Italian house for a relatively low cost ranging from โฌ5,000 – โฌ20,000.
However, it is important to consider how much time and work this will cost you.
Will you have to travel back and forth to oversee construction? Will you have to pay for accommodation while you are reconstructing your home?
In the end, it is obviously a lot more than โฌ1 that you are giving up.
This CNN Travel article followed a couple who actually bought a 1 euro home and completed renovations. Read about their experience here.
If you have money saved up, and owning a home in Italy has been a dream of yours – then I say go for it! Putting your home up on Airbnb while it’s not being used is a great way to earn back some of the money that you’ve put into it.
Documents Needed for Potential Buyers Further in the Application Process
After submitting your application for a 1 euro home, you may need to submit these documents to be reviewed by local authorities and the town council.
- Proposal for Renovation Plan – explaining your intent with the property.
- Proof of sums for renovations and obtaining required legal documents.
- Valid Passport & ID
- Italian Tax Code (foreign buyers without Italian citizenship)
Would you buy a house in Italy for 1 euro?
I’d love to know your thoughts.. would you or would you not buy?
Many thanks to Don Giuseppe Sgambetterra (Instagram @p.happy92) for allowing me to use his photos of beautiful Cinquefrondi!
Are you planning a trip to Italy for your 1 euro home?
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I certainly wouldnt! I would be too scared of the house collapsing on me! AS far as I know, there are many such “ghost villages” in Italy, and I visited one years ago. ON the other hand, there are many successful examples of such villages being resuscitated (been to a few in Turkey) so if there are a few people renovating a property close by, it would be a fascinating place to live!
I think it is such a cool concept! If I had enough money and time to properly restoring one, I probably would, especially if it was near the sea. I thought about them collapsing as well.. it would make me a bit nervous!
I think you CAN get a good quality apartment in Italy for relatively “little” money, same in Greece or Turkey – that are ready to move in or require light renovations. Three is plenty of advice online where to find and buy them. When I was in Italy ten years ago, lots of British were buying small apartments and “trulli” in Puglia for 10-20k as holiday homes. I would not like the idea to “own” something where I only spend so little time in. I like owning my home (and don’t mind fixing it) but for my holidays I prefer to visit different places, and, yeah, the creature comforts of hotel rooms that get cleaned every day and someone else making me breakfast ๐ not keeping an eye on my property and fixing broken things
You are right; you can buy a new house same price in Turkey:)
When I saw the deal come up on the internet I was already seeing myself in a personal version of Under the Tuscan Sun. I don’t think it’s a bad idea. I dont have the renovation money, but how cool would it be to have a home in Italy? I know I am totally in love with the country and the food and the wine. ๐
Yes it would be so cool!!
This is so interesting to me. I read the CNN article and thought to myself “if only”. Seriously, my hubby and I might consider this once we retire. ๐
It would be perfect for retirement!
This is such an awesome post – I had no idea you could buy houses for this cheap in Italy! Such a great opportunity for people who are looking for a place in Italy ๐
As with anything cheap there’s always a catch. But you just have to do some research and maybe it will work out. It’s a great idea and a really nice dream, but I would like to see more stories of people who have done this and the costs involved over and above the 1 EURO
Very interesting concept! If you wanted to invest in an AirBNB in an area that people want to visit and you could snag a hour for super cheap and fix up, could be a really good investment! Something to think about for the future. I never even knew about something like this. Thanks for sharing!
I definitely would buy one! Like you said, I would research the town and see what it’s like. It would be awesome to say that I have a house in Italy! Even though it would need renovations, it would be so fun doing up a house! Thanks for the informative article!
Great article, have read about this initiative in Italy and other European countries and not all the articles give a lot of useful information. We are currently in South Africa, ready to emigrate to a new country in Europe with a new business venture!
Hi Lanie, I am so glad you found it helpful! That exact reason is why I chose to do some research to write this article. I would often look on reputable news websites publishing about the houses, but they never offered any resources to take action. South Africa sounds like a dream, enjoy your European adventure!
Hi Lanie,
We are a group of four families looking to relocate to Italy and have been researching lots of towns/ villages. I am co-coordinating our group i.t.o. application/s, etc. We are looking to be out of SA by April/May 2021. A further three to four families are looking to follow us during late 2021.
I would love to make contact with you so that we can compare notes and information.
Hey I am interested too. Reach out to be on mrskhan30@gmail.com and lets share info.
Howzit Lanier
Alistair here, from Cape Town.
This does indeed sound like a good idea. We’re looking at immigrating soon, as well.
Did you find out more about viable 1 euro homes?
I am interested in this how do I go about accusing one of this
I am a an Irish citizen so would I qualify
Hi Michael, if you click on the link in the blogpost to Cinquefrondi’s government website, you can find the appropriate email to inquire about purchasing a $1 home in Italy. I do believe Irish citizens qualify!
Hello Natalie ,
Is it possible to but house in Sicilia now,where can I find web site,
Thanks
Stanley from Slovakia
Hi Stanley,
I’m not entirely sure about homes in Sicily. This article is about Cinquefrondi specifically. This website here may have more info for you about different regions: https://1eurohouses.com/
SomeOne get me a home. I am Indian ๐
I loved this post! I have been looking into potentially purchasing one of these homes and I found your article very helpful! I would love to be able to see someones renovation journey. I think that the language barrier could be a challenge, but it sounds very exciting!
If I were to purchase this property, am I qualify for temporary residence in Italy?
Hi, thanks for your comment! You will want to check out Cinquefrondi’s government website and contact them through email. Their website is interlinked in this blog post, or you can google Cinquefrondi’s government website. Best of luck!
I think it is a great idea. America doesn’t have the history Europe does and I think we miss out on preserving the past to benefit the future. I am going to review homes available. I’m just not sure if I want to live on mainland Italy or Sicily. I like the idea of jumping on a train and visiting other parts of Europe. What an adventure!
I think you should totally go for it!
To be truly motivated to consider such an undertaking, I would want to also see accounts of some of the very bad experiences people have had in these ventures. Love the concept, but I always approach with a healthy skepticism.
I don’t blame you Gary. I’d recommend anyone buying land overseas to do extensive research!!