(Spoiler alert: It’s not as dreamy as it sounds)
1 euro homes in Italy… we’ve all seen those headlines: “Buy a home in Italy for just one euro!” It sounds like something out of a romantic comedy movie… you move to a charming Italian village, renovate a crumbling old house, and sip espresso on your balcony. At the same time, friendly locals wave from the street below…
But let’s hit pause.
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1 Euro Homes in Italy
Yes, these one-euro home offers are real. But so is the fine print, the bureaucracy, and the not-so-small matter of renovation costs. We get asked about this topic, so here’s the real deal—what you need to know before you pack your bags and chase that Italian countryside dream.
First Things First
First, let’s be clear: these aren’t move-in ready homes. Most of the time, you’re looking at properties that have been abandoned for years—sometimes decades. Roofs are missing. The plumbing is shot. They’re unsafe to live in and require significant time, money, and patience. That dreamy fixer-upper? More like a full-blown major construction site.
So why are towns selling them for next to nothing? Many small villages in Italy have slowly lost their populations as younger generations move to cities. To avoid becoming ghost towns with tumbleweeds, local governments offer abandoned properties for symbolic prices—usually 1 euro—hoping that new owners will invest in restoring them and bringing some life back into the community.
Sounds reasonable, right? Here’s where it gets tricky.
Next…
These offers come with strings. Most towns require that you start renovations within a specific timeframe—often six to twelve months—and finish them within three years or so. You must submit official renovation plans, usually with a local architect. And you’ll likely have to provide a financial guarantee, like a deposit or insurance, to prove you’re serious about completing the work. If you miss deadlines or abandon the project, the town can take the home back.
Renovation costs vary wildly, but even the most conservative estimates usually start at €50,000 and go up from there—sometimes well over €100,000, depending on the condition of the property and local regulations. Remember that Italy has strict building codes, especially for earthquake zones and historical structures. That means you can’t just do a quick cosmetic refresh. Everything—from plumbing and electricity to the roof and walls—must meet modern safety standards, even if it looks centuries-old.
Then…
And, of course, there’s paperwork. This is Italy, after all. You’ll need a notary, a codice fiscale (Italian tax code), permits, contracts, insurance, and maybe even a translator if your Italian isn’t very strong. You may also be required to hire a local contractor or use local materials. It’s all part of the process.
What if you’ve moved past the one euro idea and are considering a home listed for €10,000 to €30,000? In many ways, this might be a better bet. These properties are often in slightly better condition and come without strict renovation deadlines. But don’t forget that even these still require additional costs—property taxes, utility hookups, notary fees, annual maintenance, and possibly real estate commissions.
And here’s something else worth thinking about — location. Most of these properties are in quiet, rural areas with limited infrastructure. There are no train stations, few supermarkets, and spotty Wi-Fi. That’s part of the charm—but also part of the challenge. If you plan on living there full-time, ask yourself: Can I handle being this remote? If it’s just a vacation home, how often will I realistically use it?
After That…
Planning to rent it out when you’re not there? Be careful. Italy has been tightening regulations on short-term holiday rentals. Depending on the town or region, you may need a registration number, a business license, or special permissions. Tuscany, for example, has already rolled out stricter rules in many areas.
Lorraine Bracco and Her 1 euro Home
An American actress, Lorraine Bracco is best known for her roles in The Sopranos and Goodfellas. In her HGTV show, My Big Italian Adventure, Bracco renovates two abandoned houses she bought in Sicily for 1 euro each. The two adjacent homes she purchased were, while visiting Sambuca, one of a handful of properties in Sambuca di Sicilia — with the requirement that the new owners would spend a boatload of money fixing up the dilapidated homes. Many of these homes fell into disrepair after the 1968 Belice earthquake.
Gary and I tried to look into it while visiting Sambuca. We couldn’t locate anyone on the street who could help point us in the right direction. We were just curious- not really looking. The town was lovely and while we strolled through the streets… we dreamed a little bit.
Finally… So, is a 1 euro Home in Italy Worth It?
That depends on your expectations. If you think you can scoop up a home for one euro and flip it into a dreamy B&B in six months—probably not. But if you’re financially prepared, open to learning the Italian way of doing things (bureaucracy and all), and genuinely interested in becoming part of a small, tight-knit community, then yes—it can be a meaningful project and a rewarding experience.
But it’s not something to jump into impulsively. Visit the town first. Meet with locals. Talk to the mayor’s office if possible. Read the whole contract and ask questions. Know precisely what you’re committing to—and why. There are oodles of hidden fees you need to be aware of.
Because living in Italy can be a dream come true. But like most good things, knowing exactly what you’re getting into is better.
