The prospect of buying a house in Italy for less than the price of an espresso caused a sensation back in 2019, when news of one-euro home schemes first made international headlines.
The offers resulted in a property stampede in towns across the south, particularly Sicily, where local mayors reported being overwhelmed with enquiries from the US and UK.
Over the years, the trend has spread like wildfire throughout the country, with dozens of depopulated towns and small villages placing old, unwanted homes on the market for one euro in a bid to lure new residents and revive their dying communities.
Though the schemes are sometimes still subject to a certain level of scepticism, they are legitimate attempts to unburden local authorities of properties that would otherwise be left to fall apart.
That said, if you're a buyer looking to take advantage of one of these programmes, it's important to be clear-eyed about exactly what you're getting into.
Most of the houses offered via these schemes are in a poor state of repair, requiring major investments from their new owners. And costs can be high, as some international buyers report spending tens or hundreds of thousands of euros on renovations.
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If you're interested in buying a one-euro home, you’ll also need to meet certain requirements, which vary depending on the local authority. These may require the prospective buyer to present a renovation plan or even make an upfront commitment of €10,000 or €20,000 to put in an offer.
That said, for a sensible buyer, one-euro properties can be a worthwhile investment.
As these schemes continue to be popular with foreign buyers (but less so with Italian ones), we looked at the offers available at the moment and selected some of the most interesting ones.
Villa Basilica, Tuscany
Perched 330 metres above sea level on the slopes of the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines, the village of Villa Basilica now numbers some 1,400 people among its residents – but is hoping to soon attract more.
The town is right next to the Pizzorne Plateau, a popular hiking destination, and just over a half-hour drive from the medieval city of Lucca.
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Having launched its first one-euro-home scheme in April 2025, Villa Basilica's authorities are working to identify available properties and suitable buyers. You can find out more by emailing sindaco@comune.villabasilica.lu.it.
Mayor Giordano Ballini said the move was inspired by the success of nearby Fabbriche di Vergemoli, which in 2023 celebrated its first birth in ten years after launching its own scheme.
Penne, Abruzzo
Penne is a hilltop town located in the province of Pescara, in Italy’s central Abruzzo region.
Often referred to as ‘città del mattone’ (‘brick town’) due to the widespread use of red clay bricks in historical buildings and paving, it’s been one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia – a prestigious list of the most beautiful towns and villages in the country – since 2012.
Known for its proximity to both the Adriatic Sea and the Gran Sasso mountains, as well as its cultural and culinary traditions, Penne started selling homes for one euro in 2023.
For more information about one-euro properties, contact the Penne town hall by calling 379 120 5449 or by emailing caseauneuropenne@consorziovestino.it.
Local authorities also publish updates regarding available one-euro homes on the following Facebook account.
Petrella Tifernina, Molise
Petrella Tifernina is a small hilltop town in Italy’s southern Molise region.
Known for its rural charm and quiet atmosphere, it lies around 850 metres above sea level, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The town’s population has declined since the end of World War II due to heavy emigration to North America, particularly to the Canadian cities of Montreal and Toronto.
Local authorities launched the town’s first one-euro-home scheme in March as part of efforts to curb chronic depopulation and give new life to many abandoned properties.
For more information about the scheme, see the Petrella Tifernina town hall website.
Ollolai, Sardinia
The small village of Ollolai, in rural Sardinia, made international headlines in November last year after local authorities offered one-euro homes to Americans looking to relocate abroad following Donald Trump's election win.
But the village has been in the one-euro property market for much longer than that, as the first scheme was launched as far back as 2016 under efforts to repopulate the local community.
Located in the Nuoro province, Ollolai is famous for its natural beauty. Surrounded by the rugged mountains of central Sardinia, it offers unique views and countless opportunities for hiking and cycling.
But the village is also famous for its historical and archaeological heritage, cultural festivals and culinary traditions.
For more information about one-euro properties in Ollolai, you can contact the local town hall by calling 0784 51051 or by emailing ufficiotecnico@comune.ollolai.nu.it.
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Chiaromonte, Basilicata
Perched on a hill in Basilicata’s Pollino National Park, Chiaromonte is a small town of around 1,700 inhabitants.
Its location makes it a great destination for outdoor lovers and those seeking the peace and tranquillity of rural life.
Chiaromonte launched its first one-euro-home scheme in 2023 in a bid to encourage “the recovery and urban-architectural redevelopment of the historic centre” and “combat depopulation”.
You can find more details about the scheme and an overview of the properties currently on sale here.
Cammarata, Sicily
Nestled on the slopes of Mount Cammarata, around 35 kilometres north of Agrigento, the town of Cammarata combines breathtaking natural landscapes with a rich cultural and historical heritage.
Cammarata has ancient origins, dating back to Arab and Norman rule in Sicily. Several traces of its history are visible to this very day, particularly in the historical centre, which boasts a typical medieval layout, with narrow, winding streets and stone buildings.
Cammarata was one of the first towns in Sicily to put properties on sale for one euro. Though many homes have since been snapped up, some are still available.
See this website for more information.
Mussomeli, Sicily
If no property in Cammarata catches your eye, don’t worry: a short 30-minute drive will take you to Mussomeli, which has been selling homes for one euro since 2021.
This Sicilian town is famous for its blend of architectural styles, which mix Norman, Baroque and Renaissance influences, and the imposing 14th-century Manfredonico Castle.
Besides its historical charm, Mussomeli is surrounded by the natural beauty of the Madonie Mountains, which offer plenty of hiking opportunities.
For further info on one-euro homes, see Mussomeli’s official website or join this Facebook group.
Troina, Sicily
Located in the mountainous province of Enna, eastern Sicily, Troina is one of the island’s oldest towns, with roots dating back to 7th-century settlements by the Sicels tribe.
The town, which is home to around 8,500 residents, is one of the Borghi più belli d'Italia. Local attractions include the 16th-century Church of Madre Maria Santissima Assunta and the Capitania Tower.
Troina entered the one-euro-home property market in 2021.
The House Troina official website is regularly updated to show all available properties.
Please note that the above list is non-exhaustive. Other locations offering one-euro homes can be found here.
The Local cannot advise on individual cases. For more information about buying a one-euro home in Italy, seek the advice of a qualified real estate agent.
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