Having the opportunity to purchase a house for the modest sum of 1 euro might seem like a dream, especially when it comes to coastal locations. However, this project, now widespread across Italy, truly offers the chance to live in some of the most picturesque settings of the peninsula, often far from the hustle and bustle of city life and completely surrounded by nature. Nevertheless, those hoping to find 1-euro houses by the sea in Puglia in 2024 might not get what they wish for: at present, no such properties are available along the Puglian coast. But all is not lost, as other regions, like Sardinia and Calabria, offer excellent options just a few kilometres from the sea.
How to buy a 1 euro house in Italy
Thanks to Italy's 1 euro house project, whose main aim is to breathe new life into small Italian towns that are gradually losing residents, it is indeed possible to purchase properties for the symbolic sum of just 1 euro. There are however some things to keep in mind, including additional costs.
To buy a 1 euro house, you generally need to:
- Contact one of the local councils that have joined this repopulation plan;
- Express your intention not only to purchase but also to renovate the property;
- Cover a number of additional costs, such as notary fees and a €5,000 surety bond to guarantee the municipality;
- Begin renovation within a maximum of two months from the date the relevant permits are granted;
- Complete all renovation work within a year;
- Invest around €20,000-25,000 in the project;
- Have an Italian tax code.
Buying a 1 euro house in Italy, aside from being an advantageous deal through which you can create the home of your dreams in some of Italy's most beautiful villages, can also become a profitable investment, especially if you want to transform it into tourist accommodation.
1 euro houses by the sea in Puglia 2024
Currently, there are no 1 euro houses by the sea in Puglia in 2024. However, by looking at other locations, there are several Italian towns close to the coast where it’s possible to buy a house for this symbolic price.
In Sardinia, for example, the project is active in Nulvi, a town located in the north of the island, more precisely in the province of Sassari. This charming village, nestled in the hills of Anglona, is about 20 kilometres in a straight line from the Tyrrhenian Sea. The nearest beaches are those of Castelsardo and Marina di Sorso, which are easily reachable by car in about 40 minutes.
Calabria is no different. Here too, in the town of Cinquefrondi, which is about a 30-minute drive from the sea, it’s possible to start the process of buying a 1-euro house.
In Sicily, specifically in Mussomeli, you can also purchase a house for the modest sum of 1 euro. The town is entirely surrounded by the Sicilian hills and is about 45 km from Agrigento. The sea? Just an hour's drive and you can reach the stunning coastal areas of the island.
Buying 1 euro houses in Puglia
While there currently aren't any 1 euro houses by the sea in the area, you can still buy a 1-euro house in Puglia in 2024 by moving inland. Head to Biccari, a small village located in the province of Foggia. While this town doesn’t offer a sea view, the immense beauty of its mountain landscapes more than makes up for this.
Biccari is also rich in history, as demonstrated by its many monuments, such as the Church of Santa Maria Assunta and the Byzantine Tower. The natural wonders are no less impressive; nearby, you’ll find Lake Pescara and Monte Cornacchia, the highest peak in the region.
The 1 euro house project is a real opportunity for anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle of big cities and move to a more peaceful setting, completely surrounded by nature.
It’s true that the various homes available through this project require significant renovation work, but in return, they offer the chance to own a second home at a cost much lower than that of a newly built property.
Find out more on the local council's website.
Which villages are selling 1 euro houses?
The 1-euro house project is an initiative that, year after year, is gaining more traction, helping to revitalise various areas. In fact, the phenomenon involves both small villages in the north and several towns in central and southern Italy, from Tuscany to Sicily and Sardinia. These places, despite often being characterised by unique scenic and cultural beauty, have suffered from a significant population decline over the years.
The list of available properties continues to grow, with the aim of breathing new life into the small municipalities across Italy at risk of depopulation, whose beauty is often forgotten.
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