Introduction

 Imagine buying a house in Italy for the price of an espresso. It sounds like a fantasy, but the one-euro house scheme makes it a reality – with a few catches. Italy’s “Case a 1 Euro” (one-euro homes) initiative was launched to save abandoned, crumbling homes in depopulated towns by practically giving them away. The program started in 2008 when the mayor of Salemi, Sicily, Vittorio Sgarbi, first proposed selling off the town’s dilapidated properties for €1 as a way to revive the community (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Since then, dozens of villages – from the Alpine north to the Sicilian south – have jumped on board, offering foreign and local buyers the chance to own a piece of Italy for €1. Why would towns give away houses? The logic is simple: having new residents invest in renovations and put down roots is worth more than leaving homes to rot (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent) (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). In this article, we’ll explore where these one-euro houses are, how to actually buy one, the hidden costs and challenges to beware, stories from buyers who took the plunge, other Italian towns that will even pay you to move there, and finally whether snagging a €1 home is truly “worth it.” Let’s dive in!

(1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news) A panoramic view of Cattolica Eraclea in Sicily – one of the villages that opened applications for one-euro homes in 2024. Like many southern Italian towns, it has suffered depopulation and hopes to revive its historic center through the scheme (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news).

Where Are These Houses?

The one-euro house phenomenon began in Sicily, and the island remains the heart of the €1 program (Where in Italy are 1-Euro Homes Sold?). Over the years it has spread across Italy. As of 2024, dozens of towns (over 30 by some counts (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy)) have offered €1 homes, primarily in southern regions but also in parts of the north. Here are some notable areas and examples:

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  Sicily: Small Sicilian towns have led the charge. For example, Salemi (Trapani province) was a pioneer in 2008. Later, places like Gangi, Mussomeli, Sambuca di Sicilia, Caltagirone, and Troina joined in (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). Sicily’s offerings are attractive because even inland villages aren’t far from the sea. (Sambuca and Mussomeli gained international fame after CNN and others featured their one-euro home auctions, drawing foreign buyers in droves.) Many Sicilian comuni list available homes on their websites – e.g. Mussomeli’s official site (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) actively showcases €1 properties.

  
  
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  Sardinia: This island has a few participants like Nulvi, Bonnanaro, and Ollolai in an effort to rejuvenate their charming historic centers (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). Sardinia even sweetens the deal in some cases (the region at one point offered grants for new residents, which we’ll discuss later).

  
  
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  Southern Mainland: Regions such as Calabria, Campania, Puglia, Molise, Basilicata, and Abruzzo all have small towns in the program. For instance, Taranto – a port city in Puglia – made headlines as the first major city to offer €1 houses (a rare case since most are tiny villages) (Where in Italy are 1-Euro Homes Sold?). Pietramelara and Teora in Campania, Biccari in Puglia, Castropignano and Sant’Elia a Pianisi in Molise (Living in Molise, Italy — idealista/news) (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news), and Ripacandida in Basilicata are a few examples. In Abruzzo, Penne and Pratola Peligna have historic homes on offer (Where in Italy are 1-Euro Homes Sold?) (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). Each has its unique local flavor – from mountain hamlets to coastal locales – but all share the need for new life.

  
  
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  Central & Northern Italy: While less common in the prosperous north, a handful of communities have tried it. Borgomezzavalle in Piedmont and Triora in Liguria, for example, have symbolic €1 sales (Where in Italy are 1-Euro Homes Sold?). These northern properties tend to involve higher renovation costs (the trade-off for being in regions where labor and materials are pricier) (Where in Italy are 1-Euro Homes Sold?). Even Tuscany joined the movement: the village of Montieri and others in Tuscany have listed one-euro homes, capitalizing on the allure of Tuscan life (though the houses are usually in remote hill towns rather than the Chianti hot-spots).

  
  

It’s important to note that there isn’t one centralized real estate website for all €1 homes (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Each municipality handles its own listings and application process. Some towns post official announcements and lists of available properties on their Comune website (often under a section titled “Casa a 1 Euro” or similar), and updates can be sporadic. For a broad view, enthusiasts often consult aggregator sites like 1eurohouses.com, which provides a map of known projects (Map of 1 euro houses – 1 Euro Houses – Cheap Houses in Italy), or join social media groups where people share tips (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). But ultimately, once you identify a town offering one-euro homes, you’ll be dealing with that town’s local council directly.

New towns continue to join the scheme. For instance, in early 2024 Caltagirone – a Sicilian Baroque city and UNESCO World Heritage Site – announced it would list homes for €1 to boost its historic center’s safety and population (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). Also in 2024, Cattolica Eraclea (Sicily) opened applications for its abandoned houses (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news), Bonnanaro (Sardinia) put more homes on the market (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news), and Sant’Elia a Pianisi (Molise) reopened its program with new listings (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). The trend is alive and well, giving buyers plenty of choices across Italy’s map.

How to Buy a One-Euro House

So, how do you actually snag one of these €1 deals? Buying a one-euro house in Italy is not as simple as clicking “add to cart” – it’s a process that requires paperwork, a plan, and a bit of patience. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it typically works:

1. Find a Town and a Property: First, research which towns currently have one-euro homes available. Check official comune websites or reliable news sources for announcements. For example, if you hear that Pratola Peligna (Abruzzo) or Troina (Sicily) has an active program, go to that town’s website to find the €1 house section (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news) (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). Often, municipalities will list a contact email or an application form. Sometimes they even list specific properties with photos and reference numbers. (If language is a barrier, use translation tools or enlist help – many towns won’t have English webpages.)

2. Contact the Municipality / Submit an Application: Almost always, you must express your interest in writing. This might be via an online form or by emailing/phoning the city hall. Each village has its own application process, usually published on the local council’s site (1 euro houses in Italy near the sea 2024 — idealista/news). Generally, you’ll need to provide personal details and a statement of your intent for the property. Some towns operate on a first-come, first-served basis for eligible buyers, while others might collect proposals for a certain period then choose the best candidate (especially if multiple people want the same house). Be prepared to fill out forms and possibly draft a brief renovation plan or letter of motivation. The key is convincing the town that you’re serious about fixing the home and bringing value to the community.

3. Verify Requirements and Eligibility: Before you get too excited, make sure you meet any stated requirements. The good news is there usually aren’t income or residency status restrictions – “basically anyone can access this initiative” as long as they commit to the rules (How do you buy a 1 euro house in Italy? — idealista/news). Foreigners can buy one-euro houses; Italy does not forbid non-citizens from owning property. However, you will need an Italian codice fiscale (tax identification number) to do the purchase (How do you buy a 1 euro house in Italy? — idealista/news) (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). This tax code is easy to obtain – you can request one from an Italian consulate or locally in Italy, and it’s required for signing contracts, paying taxes, and setting up utilities. Additionally, some towns may ask for proof that you have the financial means to complete the renovation (they don’t want a buyer to take the house and never actually fix it). In a few cases, towns have specified they prefer younger buyers or those who will reside with family – for instance, Cattolica Eraclea’s 2024 rules targeted young couples, singles or families, to favor repopulation (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). But generally, if you have a solid plan and the funds, you’re eligible.

4. Pay the Symbolic €1 (and Any Deposit): If your application is accepted, you’ll typically sign a preliminary agreement or deed of sale where you pay the symbolic price – yes, usually just one euro coin (some buyers literally frame the receipt as a souvenir!). In many cases, you’ll also be asked to put down a security deposit or surety bond at this stage. This deposit can range from around €1,000 up to €5,000 (sometimes more) depending on the town (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). It’s a guarantee that you’ll renovate the property within the agreed timeframe – if you fulfill the contract (e.g. finish renovations in 3 years), you get the deposit back; if not, the town keeps it. For example, one comune might require a €5,000 deposit that you forfeit if you don’t complete the works in 3 years (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). This clause is basically the town’s insurance policy. Be aware that you’ll also pay some legal and notary fees at closing – the €1 price doesn’t include transaction costs. Notary and registration fees for a house purchase in Italy can be a few thousand euros (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent), but even so, you’re effectively getting a house for the cost of paperwork.

5. Prepare a Renovation Project: Buying the house is only step one – renovating it is the main act. Most contracts stipulate that the buyer must submit a renovation plan or outline within a certain period (often 6-12 months after purchase) (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). In practical terms, this means you should start consulting an architect/engineer soon after you acquire the property. You’ll need to get renovation plans drawn up and apply for building permits (permessi) locally. If you’re not living in Italy, you may want to hire a local architect to handle this process for you and navigate Italy’s bureaucracy.

6. Renovate (within Deadlines): Once permits are approved, you’re expected to begin work quickly (sometimes within a couple of months of permit issuance (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent)) and definitely start within the first year. Many towns require that the renovation be completed within 3 years of purchase (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent) (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). In some cases, if you finish earlier, you can reclaim your deposit sooner and even start enjoying or renting out the home. Renovation can be a lengthy process – think structural repairs, new roofing, electrical and plumbing overhauls, plastering, etc., essentially turning a ruin into a habitable dwelling. You’ll likely need to hire local contractors. It’s highly recommended to be present periodically to oversee progress (or have a project manager), especially if you don’t live in Italy. Factor in multiple trips or an extended stay if possible – it’s part of the adventure!

7. Obtain the Certificate of Completion: After works are done, you’ll need sign-off from the local authorities that the property is now up to code and all works promised were completed. Once you have that, congratulations – the house is officially yours to enjoy for the long term, and you should be able to get your deposit refunded as agreed. You’ve turned a €1 purchase into a real home.

Throughout this process, communication with the Comune is key. Don’t be shy about calling or emailing the town hall if you have questions – many small-town officials are quite enthusiastic and helpful to would-be buyers (they’re excited someone wants to invest in their town). It might be a good idea to visit the town in person before committing: meet the officials, see the house options, and soak in the atmosphere. In fact, some municipalities require a site visit before signing the deal. As one guide notes, many towns insist that buyers come see the properties in person before any final offer (Where in Italy are 1-Euro Homes Sold?) – a very sensible step so you know exactly what you’re getting into.

Hidden Costs and Challenges

If a one-euro house sounds too good to be true, that’s because – in a sense – it is. The price tag might be nearly free, but these schemes come with plenty of strings attached and potential pitfalls. Prospective buyers should go in with eyes wide open about the hidden costs and challenges. Let’s unpack a few:

(What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) A before-and-after look at a one-euro home in Sicily. The left image shows the crumbling facade before renovation; on the right is the same building after structural repairs and a facelift. Buyers must be prepared to transform ruins like this through significant investment.

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  Renovation Expenses: The biggest cost by far will be the renovation. These houses are often centuries-old stone structures that may have been abandoned for decades, sometimes since a past earthquake or simply left to decay. Expect to essentially rebuild the interior. Roofs, floors, and walls might be partially collapsed or unsafe. Plumbing and electrical systems likely don’t exist or need total replacement. As a rough estimate, renovation can cost anywhere from €20,000 to €50,000 (or more) depending on the size and condition (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). One official source pegs typical costs around €20–25k for a modest village house reno (How do you buy a 1 euro house in Italy? — idealista/news), but if you’re ambitious or the building is large, budget higher. In one real buyer’s case, she spent about €50,000 to completely refurbish one of her €1 houses, essentially turning a shell into a “brand new house” with all new plumbing and electrical (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Remember, while labor costs in rural Italy can be reasonable, materials and the sheer scope of work add up. It’s wise to get a survey done (when possible) to understand the structural issues. Also leave a contingency in your budget for surprises – as with any old-house renovation, you will find surprises (from rotten beams to ancient wells to who-knows-what behind a wall).

  
  
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  Taxes and Fees: Even a €1 house comes with taxes. You will owe a small purchase tax on the deed – not huge, but it exists. More significantly, once you own the home, you may have to pay IMU property tax each year (though sometimes these semi-derelict homes might be taxed very little until improved). Notary and legal fees for the transaction usually run a few thousand euros as mentioned (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent) – that covers the deed registration, contracts, stamps, etc. There can also be administrative fees for permits and connection of utilities. None of these are deal-breakers given the home’s price, but add them to the budget.

  
  
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  Guarantee Deposit or Bond: As noted, many towns demand a security deposit. For example, Cattolica Eraclea’s 2024 program explicitly requires a €5,000 deposit to ensure the buyer actually renovates the home (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). In other towns it might be €2,000 or even €10,000 in rare cases (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). This money isn’t lost if you do what you promise – but it is an upfront cost you need to have on hand (and you might not see it again for a few years). Essentially, you need to have enough cash to put aside for a while.

  
  
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  Bureaucracy and Time: Italy is famous for its bureaucracy, and getting permits for construction can be a slow process. You may face paperwork delays at various stages – from obtaining your codice fiscale, to getting architectural plans approved by the local ufficio tecnico, to hooking up electricity and water. Each town has its own bureaucratic rhythm. Patience (and polite persistence) is essential. Also, finding reliable contractors in a remote village can be challenging; there might only be a few local builders, who are busy working on multiple €1 house projects at once (some towns became inundated with renovations simultaneously). Expect the renovation to take longer than you optimistically plan. One buyer quipped that it takes “years, not months” to get these remodels done (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) – so don’t plan to move in next summer if you just bought a house now.

  
  
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  Language Barrier: While many Italians speak at least some English, in the small towns you’ll be dealing with local officials, craftsmen, and neighbors who may speak only Italian (or local dialects!). Communication can be a hurdle if you don’t speak Italian. You might need a translator or interpreter for key meetings. That said, some towns now partner with English-speaking real estate agents to assist foreign buyers, given the international interest. In Mussomeli, for instance, realtors realized the demand and started catering to English speakers (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Still, if you’re learning Italian, this project will certainly accelerate it!

  
  
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  Geographic and Lifestyle Factors: Many one-euro villages are beautiful but remote. Think tiny mountain villages or hilltop towns that are picturesque but far from cities. This means limited amenities: perhaps a couple of cafes, a post office, maybe one grocery store. Some buyers have noted that certain villages don’t even have a pharmacy or bank in town, requiring a drive to a larger town for basic services (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). If you plan to live there full-time, consider what that rural life entails. Even as a holiday home, note that reaching these towns often requires a car and some mountain roads. On the flip side, a few places like Mussomeli or Taranto are larger towns or cities that have everything you need on hand (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) – some buyers specifically chose those for convenience. So, do your homework on the town itself: its population, climate, nearest hospital, etc.

  
  
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  Competition and Bidding Wars: A funny twist is that a “€1 house” can sometimes sell for more than €1. How? In popular towns, when dozens of people all apply for the same property, some municipalities have turned it into a sort of auction – whoever is willing to pay the highest (above €1) wins the deed. There have been cases where a €1 listing attracted bidding that drove the price to several thousand euros (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent). For instance, Sambuca di Sicilia famously got such overwhelming response that they started auctioning their best-located €1 houses – some went for €5,000 or €10,000. This is still cheap for a house, but just be aware that €1 is often the starting price. If you’re flexible, you can usually still get one for €1 by picking a less contested property.

  
  
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  Obligations and Risk of Penalty: The contract will obligate you to complete the renovation in time. If you fail to do so, in the worst case the town could take back the house or impose a penalty (such as keeping your deposit). You’re also obliged to maintain the property once fixed. So this is not a light promise – it’s a commitment. Make sure you’re ready to follow through, otherwise you could be out a few thousand euros and end up with nothing to show.

  
  

It’s not all horror stories, though. To help offset costs, note that Italy has offered various tax bonuses for renovations. There was the famous “Superbonus” scheme which (at its peak) gave a 110% tax credit for certain eco-friendly home upgrades (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent), meaning some renovations could essentially pay for themselves via tax rebates. That program’s terms have been scaling down recently, but other incentives like a 50% restoration bonus up to €96,000 exist (How do you buy a 1 euro house in Italy? — idealista/news). These programs have eligibility nuances, but if you navigate them well (often requiring Italian tax residency or working through Italian tax authorities), you could save a lot on your costs. Many foreign buyers don’t bother with the Italian tax credit stuff, but it’s worth investigating – it’s basically “free” money if you can get it.

Bottom line: the house may cost one euro, but plan for the overall project to cost tens of thousands. Think of it like buying a fixer-upper – the acquisition is cheap, but you’re investing what you saved (and then some) into bringing it back to life. If you budget wisely and choose a house that fits your renovation skill level (do you want a total ruin or something with a roof intact?), you can control the expenses. Go in with a realistic mindset and a financial cushion, and the project can be hugely rewarding instead of a money pit.

Success Stories and Buyer Experiences

So, what is it actually like to go through this one-euro house adventure? Let’s look at some real-life success stories and experiences from people who have taken the plunge – the good, the bad, and the quirky.

(What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) Rubia Daniels, a Brazilian-American buyer, proudly holds the old-fashioned key to one of her three one-euro homes in Mussomeli, Sicily. In 2019, she flew to Italy, snapped up three abandoned houses at €1 each, and began a renovation odyssey.** Rubia’s story is one of the most oft-cited examples of a foreign buyer diving headfirst into this scheme. She heard about Italy’s €1 homes in 2018 and “promptly got on a flight to Palermo” to check out Mussomeli (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Mussomeli appealed to her because, as she says, it had all the basic amenities (banks, shops, hospitals) that some tiny villages lack (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) – an important consideration for anyone doing a long renovation. After touring a bunch of crumbling houses, she chose three (yes, three!) that had good potential and high ceilings, and by mid-2019 she closed the purchase. The paperwork and deed costs came to about €4,000 per house (including a €500 agency fee and ~€3,500 notary fees) (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) – so her “€1 houses” were more like €4,001 houses. Still a bargain! She then got to work. Rubia literally brought over suitcases of tools from the U.S. and recruited family from Brazil to help start demolition on one of the properties (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Over the next few years, she hired local contractors to complete the project, doing some work herself when possible. It wasn’t easy – she navigated Italian contractors (noting that the first contractor did shoddy work and a new one had to redo some stuff) (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). But in the end, she transformed one house completely, spending roughly €50,000 on renovations (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). What she got for that was essentially a brand new, modernized home wrapped in historic stone walls. “For that amount of money in the U.S., you can buy a car,” she quipped, “It got me a brand new house in Italy” (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Rubia’s plan is to retire in Mussomeli eventually; for now she visits a few times a year to check on progress and enjoy the local life (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). She has become an unofficial ambassador of the €1 house life, sharing advice like: don’t expect everything to be easy or cheap, but if you love a project and the Italian lifestyle, it’s totally worth it (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy).

Rubia’s story also highlights the sense of community that can form around these projects. She mentions that Mussomeli now has an “international community” of folks from around the world – Koreans, Russians, Americans, Argentinians – who all bought one-euro houses and bonded over it (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). It’s not just a real estate transaction; it can turn into a social experience as well. In many of these towns, locals are thrilled to have newcomers renovating old homes. Buyers recount neighbors dropping off vegetables, offering help, or just expressing gratitude that the house next door is no longer a ghost house. One American couple who bought a €1 home in Sambuca di Sicilia shared that the local residents welcomed them warmly and even the mayor invited new foreign owners for a dinner. Such hospitality makes the renovation challenges more bearable.

Another success story comes from Sambuca di Sicilia, one of the most famous one-euro towns. In 2019, Sambuca auctioned off 16 homes starting at €1 and got international attention (they reportedly received tens of thousands of inquiries!). The winners included people from the US and Europe. One couple from Trenton, New Jersey ended up with a house for about €10,000 after a bidding war, but still considered it a steal for a Sicilian vacation home. They chronicled their journey on social media, from clearing out decades of debris to the joy of sipping wine on their refurbished terrace overlooking vineyards. Sambuca was such a hit that the town launched a second round of one-euro home listings in 2021, and even Airbnb got involved to sponsor a designer makeover of one house to be offered as a residence prize for a year. Now Sambuca’s old quarter has several beautifully restored homes owned by foreigners who infuse money into the local economy and spend part of the year there. It’s a win-win scenario: the buyers get a slice of la dolce vita, and the town rescues its historic houses from ruin.

There are also stories from Piedmont and Abruzzo – for instance, a young Italian man who bought an old Alpine village home for €1 in Borgomezzavalle (Piedmont) and turned it into a B&B, or the family who moved from the UK to a village in Abruzzo to restore a €1 home and open an artisan gelato shop there. Many have blogged or YouTubed their experiences, giving future buyers a treasure trove of tips (and cautionary tales). Common threads in these stories: perseverance, flexibility, and a sense of humor are required! Almost everyone hits a point where they wonder “what have I gotten myself into?” (like when a renovation uncoveres a hidden structural issue or Italian bureaucracy tests your patience), but those who stick it out end up with not just a house, but a deep connection to a community and a personal achievement they’re proud of.

It’s worth noting that not every story is 100% smooth. Some buyers encountered unreliable contractors or ran over budget, and a few have sold the homes afterward (usually at a profit, since even a €1 house that had €30k put into it can resell for at least the cost of renovation if not more, given it’s move-in ready). But outright failures seem rare – the towns do vet buyers to try to ensure they will follow through. As a result, the majority of these tales end happily, with a once-abandoned home shining bright and lived in again.

Comuni That Pay You to Move There

If a one-euro house sounds like a lot of work, how about getting paid to move to an Italian village? Yes, beyond the €1 schemes, various Italian regions and towns have offered financial incentives to attract new residents. These programs often go hand-in-hand with the same goal – repopulating small communities – but work a bit differently. Typically, they involve grants or stipends rather than cheap real estate. Here are a few notable examples of towns (or regions) that will pay you to move there:

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  Presicce-Acquarica (Puglia): This beautiful town in the heel of Italy made news in 2022 for offering up to €30,000 to newcomers who buy a house and move there (This Dreamy Italian Town Will Pay You $30,000 to Move There). The catch? The house you buy must be an older home in the historic center (which are quite affordable, starting around €25,000) and you need to take up permanent residency. The grant is intended to cover roughly 50% of the house purchase and renovation costs (This Dreamy Italian Town Will Pay You $30,000 to Move There). Essentially, Presicce is subsidizing your home purchase – you buy a vacant home, and the town reimburses a big chunk of the price. They launched the program because they have a lot of empty homes and a shrinking population (around 10,000 residents currently (This Dreamy Italian Town Will Pay You $30,000 to Move There)). On top of that, Presicce also introduced a “baby bonus” of €1,000 for each newborn to families in town (This Dreamy Italian Town Will Pay You $30,000 to Move There), trying to encourage growth. These incentives combined make it very tempting if you’re willing to relocate. (And by the way, Presicce is in a lovely area of Puglia, not far from the gorgeous beaches of Salento – not a bad place to live at all.)

  
  
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  Molise Region: In 2019, the southern region of Molise (famous for the joke “Molise non esiste” – Molise doesn’t exist – due to how overlooked it is) grabbed headlines by offering €700 per month for three years to people willing to move to one of its villages (Living in Molise, Italy — idealista/news). This was part of the “Active Residency Income” program. The total came to about €25,000 over three years, roughly similar to Presicce’s offering but paid as a stipend. The twist was that recipients had to start a business or activity in the village – basically contribute economically, not just live there (Living in Molise, Italy — idealista/news). So you could open a B&B, a bakery, or even remote-work as a freelancer but demonstrate community involvement. The scheme had an initial application window (by the end of 2019) and received hundreds of applications from all over the world. It was successful in drawing attention to Molise’s plight. By 2023, Molise launched a renewed initiative along similar lines, again touting the €700/month incentive for new residents in its underpopulated towns (Living in Molise, Italy — idealista/news). If you love countryside living, Molise’s gentle hills and historic towns (and excellent traditional cuisine) plus a paycheck to move there could be enticing. Just remember you’ll be expected to stick around – these deals often require a commitment of at least 3-5 years residency.

  
  
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  Santo Stefano di Sessanio (Abruzzo): This tiny medieval hilltown in Abruzzo (population barely 115!) made waves in late 2020 by announcing a plan to pay new residents up to €44,000 in grants (The Italian village paying up to 44,000 euros to anyone who decides to go and live and work there — idealista/news). The offer included a monthly stipend up to €8,000 per year for three years (so max €24k total) plus a one-time grant up to €20k to start a business (The Italian village paying up to 44,000 euros to anyone who decides to go and live and work there — idealista/news). They also threw in a symbolic rent on a town-owned house for those who participated (The Italian village paying up to 44,000 euros to anyone who decides to go and live and work there — idealista/news) (The Italian village paying up to 44,000 euros to anyone who decides to go and live and work there — idealista/news). The conditions were that you had to be under 40 years old and willing to move there for at least 5 years, and either find a job locally or create a small business (remote work counted too, as long as you contribute to the community). The response was overwhelming: within days of the news, over a thousand people applied or at least filled the interest form (The Italian village paying up to 44,000 euros to anyone who decides to go and live and work there — idealista/news)! The town has been carefully selecting candidates. Imagine being paid to live in an Apennine mountain village with stunning scenery and not far from Rome – for some, that’s a dream, not a sacrifice. Santo Stefano’s initiative is a prime example of how far some places will go to fight demographic decline.

  
  
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  Calabria’s Villages: The Calabria region (the “toe” of Italy’s boot) launched a program in 2021 to attract new residents to certain small villages. The offer was up to €28,000 (about $33,000) over three years for people willing to relocate to villages with under 2,000 inhabitants (A Village In Italy Wants To Pay You As Much As $52,500 To Move …). Similar to Molise, the deal required starting a small business or at least working in certain professions needed in the town. This was targeted at both Italians and foreigners under 40. The idea was to inject fresh life into dying Calabrian hamlets by bringing in entrepreneurial newcomers.

  
  
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  Other Incentives: Various other towns have had creative incentives. Candela in Puglia a few years back offered up to €2,000 to families to move there (that was more of a relocation bonus and much smaller scale). Santa Fiora in Tuscany and Rieti in Lazio offered to pay part of your rent if you moved there as a remote worker during the pandemic period. These aren’t permanent relocation schemes like the above, but show the variety of ways towns are competing for new residents. There are also housing-specific incentives, like regions offering renovation grants if you move in and restore a home (even outside the €1 program). For example, Tuscany announced in 2023 a fund to cover 50% of the cost (up to €30k) of buying and fixing a home in certain villages (Want To Live In Italy? Tuscany Will Pay You $32,000 To Move There) – a bit like Presicce’s plan but region-wide.

  
  

If you’re interested in these, the best approach is to follow Italian news or regional government announcements. Often these programs have application deadlines and specific criteria. They also tend to come and go – a region might fund it for one or two years, then pause. But the trend of “luring inhabitants with cash” is likely to continue as Italy grapples with rural depopulation.

One thing to note: you typically cannot combine a “€1 house” deal with a “we pay you” deal in the same town – it’s usually one or the other, since a town with €1 houses already has a strategy. However, you could hypothetically buy a €1 house in one town and take a relocation grant in another town, but that would require physically moving to that other town, so it defeats the purpose. In essence, decide if you want a project (then €1 house is great) or if you are looking for a subsidized move (then the grant programs are attractive). Some people have actually done both sequentially: e.g., move to Italy via a paid-to-move program to settle in, then later also invest in a €1 house elsewhere as a second project.

Is It Worth It?

After all the excitement – and all the caveats – the big question remains: Is buying a one-euro house in Italy worth it? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all. It depends on your goals, resources, and mindset. Let’s weigh some pros and cons:

Pros:

• Ridiculously Low Entry Cost: You get a property in Italy for basically nothing. Even with €5k in fees and a €30k renovation, a total of ~€35k for a house is something you’d be hard-pressed to find on the open market in many countries. For many buyers, it’s a chance to own a holiday home or retirement home in a beautiful location without taking on a huge mortgage.
• Personal Reward: The process of restoring a historic home can be incredibly rewarding. You’re not just buying a house, you’re creating one. Many buyers take pride in preserving a piece of heritage and making something with their own hands (or project-managing it). It’s an adventure and a learning experience – you’ll come away with stories and skills, not just a house key.
• Community and Lifestyle: If you’ve dreamed of integrating into an Italian community – shopping at the local market, chatting with neighbors at the café, learning to make pasta from Nonna down the street – this is a direct path. Unlike buying a turnkey vacation villa where you might be isolated, here you become part of a local revival effort. Towns often celebrate the arrival of new homeowners. You might get invited to locals’ homes for dinner, and form friendships with fellow international renovators. Buyers often remark on the slower, richer pace of life they get to sample: fresh produce, sunshine, local festivals, and a sense of contribution to the community’s future.
• Investment Potential: While most do it for passion rather than profit, it’s worth noting that you could end up with a house worth significantly more than you put in. Real estate in Italy is not generally a quick-flip proposition (especially not in remote villages), but if tourism picks up or if you operate the home as a B&B/guesthouse, you could see returns. At the very least, you’re adding real equity by turning a €1 ruin into a €50k renovated home. Some towns have seen an uptick in real estate interest around the €1 homes – for instance, after Sambuca’s publicity, even homes not in the scheme (i.e., normal sales) started selling more briskly. So you’re kind of getting in on the ground floor of a potential upswing for the town.
• Cultural Experience: It’s hard to quantify, but going through this process gives you a crash course in Italian culture – from bureaucracy to construction practices to local customs. If you’re the kind of person who values experiences over simple transactions, this will certainly be an experience! You’ll celebrate small victories (like finally getting your building permit) and enjoy deep immersion in a way tourists never do.

Cons:

• Time and Effort: There’s no sugarcoating that it’s a major project. If you only want a hassle-free vacation home, this is not for you. It will demand a lot of your time (even if you’re hiring professionals, you’ll need to oversee, travel, coordinate). If you have a full-time job and limited vacation, you might find it stressful to manage from afar. Basically, if you’re not excited about the process itself, the frustration might outweigh the fun.
• Financial Risk: Despite the low initial cost, you could encounter unexpected expenses that strain your budget. Perhaps the foundation needs reinforcement, or costs run over. If you run out of money mid-project, that’s a real risk – you could end up worse off, with a half-renovated house and a contract obligation unfulfilled. So you need a financial buffer. This isn’t “free real estate”; it’s a discounted fixer-upper. As one commentator put it, “this is a scheme for people who have some savings stored up beyond the initial euro.” (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent) In other words, not ideal for someone hoping to do it on a shoestring with no margin.
• Remote Resale Value: If after doing all the work you decide to sell, remember these are in remote areas. The pool of buyers is limited. It might take time to find the next buyer, and you might not get back every euro invested unless the town’s popularity has grown. Essentially, don’t do it purely as a short-term investment flip; do it because you want the house and experience.
• Lifestyle Constraints: Living (or vacationing) in a tiny village is idyllic for some, but too quiet for others. If you’re used to lots of entertainment, restaurants, and services at your fingertips, you could feel isolated. It’s important to choose a town that matches your desired lifestyle. Some are very rural and quiet; others, like certain Sicilian towns, have a bit more life and tourism. Know thyself – if you need a cinema and sushi, a mountain hamlet might not cut it, €1 house or not!

In talking to folks who have done it, most say they don’t regret it. They acknowledge the challenges but emphasize the uniqueness of the journey. One American who bought in Sicily said it was one of the hardest but most fulfilling things he’d ever done – and that first night he slept in the finished house, under a new roof that used to be open to the stars, he felt on top of the world. People also mention that they gained friends and a “second family” in the community, which is priceless.

However, there are a few who quietly decided against it after initially being enthusiastic – perhaps after seeing the house in person or crunching the numbers, they backed out (which is fine; better to back out early than be stuck later). It’s okay to acknowledge it’s not for everyone. If you hate dealing with contractors or get anxious with uncertainty, you might lean toward buying a more ready-to-go home instead (note: Italy also has very cheap homes in some regions – maybe not €1, but even €10k-€20k for habitable places in some villages, which could be a simpler route).

Final thoughts: the one-euro house scheme is as much a social experiment as a real estate deal. It marries the dreams of resourceful buyers with the needs of struggling communities. When it works, it’s a beautiful partnership – towns get a second life, and buyers get a slice of Italy and an adventure to call their own. If you have the passion, reasonable funds, and adaptability, then yes, it can absolutely be worth it. You end up with not just a house in Italy, but a home full of your own hard work and memories, and a community that’s genuinely grateful for your presence. As one successful buyer put it, if you’re someone who gets excited about a project, then this is for you (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy). Just go in prepared and realistic, then raise a glass of vino with your new neighbors to celebrate when your one-euro dream house finally becomes reality. Cin cin – here’s to reviving Italian villages one euro at a time!

Sources: Italian news reports and official announcements on one-euro house programs (Italy’s 1 euro houses: How you can buy one | The Independent) (1 euro houses in Italy near the sea 2024 — idealista/news); idealista/news guides on buying €1 homes (How do you buy a 1 euro house in Italy? — idealista/news) (How do you buy a 1 euro house in Italy? — idealista/news); first-hand accounts from buyers like Rubia Daniels in Outside Online (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy) (What It’s Really Like to Buy a 1 Euro Home in Italy); and various regional initiatives offering relocation incentives (This Dreamy Italian Town Will Pay You $30,000 to Move There) (Living in Molise, Italy — idealista/news). Each town’s official comune website (often listed on platforms like 1eurohouses.com) is the best place to find up-to-date listings and application forms for their €1 properties (1 euro houses in Italy near the sea 2024 — idealista/news) (1 euro houses in Italy 2024 — idealista/news). Be sure to consult those sources directly when you’re ready to take the leap!