Buying a €1 home can sound very appealing, but it is important to understand the hidden costs involved. Properties sold for this price are often unsafe or in a state of serious disrepair, so spending on renovation work is compulsory. Homes sold for €1 are handed over by their owners to municipalities, which then sell them through a public procedure for the symbolic price of €1.

The list of Italian municipalities selling €1 homes is growing, with the latest village in Sicily. In Naro, in the province of Agrigento, the local council has recently approved new regulations and the case1euronaro.it portal is already online, making the process more transparent and accessible for applicants abroad. The aim is twofold: to restore abandoned buildings in the historic centre and tackle depopulation, encouraging renovation work, services and tourism. The project is open both to people looking for a home and to those intending to start a business.

Many Italian municipalities have adopted the initiative of selling properties at symbolic prices in an effort to increase their populations and revive local social and economic life. €1 homes are often found in villages in Italy’s inland areas. There are, however, a few examples of towns that have published public calls and put properties on the market near seaside destinations, including small places in Sicily and Calabria.

Owning a home by the sea is a dream for many people. Buying one, particularly in certain locations, is a luxury reserved for a select few. In the third quarter of 2026, the most exclusive coastal municipalities in Italy confirm a clear trend: prime property shows no sign of slowing down, with prices in some cases rising by more than 40% over the past five years.

Among the many listings published on idealista, there are also some genuinely dream-worthy homes. One such property is a grand villa overlooking the Ligurian Sea in Albisola, in the province of Savona.

Italians' travel habits are changing, along with the increasingly central role of pets. This is confirmed by research conducted by Rover.com, the world's largest online marketplace for personalized pet care services, on the travel habits of Italians with their pets. And, in collaboration with Lonely Planet, a free online guide for traveling with pets in Italy has been published.

Pratola Peligna is a small municipality in Abruzzo, in the province of L’Aquila, which, like many other Italian villages, has renewed its €1 house project. In this Abruzzese village, things are going so well that in a short time both the local administration and residents are beginning to see the hoped-for results. As early as April 2023, idealista/news visited the small Abruzzo town and spoke with the local authorities to report on what was happening after the launch of the €1 house scheme. A few years on, the success of the initiative shows no sign of slowing down.

Buying a house for €1 in Italy is an unusual but genuine opportunity. It appeals not only to Italians looking to swap city life for a quieter village setting, but also to international buyers who want to experience life in Italy without a huge upfront property cost.

Luxury property in Italy continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience. In 2026, Milan and Rome remain the country’s primary magnets for high-net-worth buyers and institutional investors seeking prestigious real estate.

Set on the slopes of Mount Reventino with views stretching towards the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, the Municipality of Platania is focusing on the revival of its historic centre. It is an opportunity for anyone drawn to the character of southern Italy, just minutes from the sea and Lamezia Terme airport. Here is everything you need to know about the €1 houses for sale in this village in the province of Catanzaro.