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.

1 euro house 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.

1 euro house italy
photo credit @p.happy92 via Instagram


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!

1 euro house italy
photo credit @p.happy92 via Instagram

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
1 euro house italy
photo credit @p.happy92 via Instagram

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 โ‚ฌ5,000 – โ‚ฌ20,000. 

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 โ‚ฌ1 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?

Shop my Italy essentials.

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