Finding your feet in Italy doesn’t have to mean shelling out for a city flat or jostling with tourists on the coast. Some of the best—and cheapest—places to settle down are the small villages in Italy, where property prices are refreshingly low and community life still runs at its own easy pace.
Find your dream stone cottage in the north, perhaps through Trentino's new initiative of offering grants as an attempt to repopulate the Alps. Or, move into one of the sun-baked hill towns down south, these villages to enjoy the local markets and the slower, more sociable rhythm of life.
And if you’ve heard the buzz about €1 houses, you’re not alone—plenty of Italian villages are still offering up old homes for the price of a coffee, although there are always a few hoops to jump through.
Mussomeli, Sicily
One of the best-known €1 house towns, Mussomeli has a steady flow of low-cost property offers and a lively local initiative welcoming international buyers. Traditional properties here often list for between €20,000 and €50,000.
The historic hilltop town is surrounded by rolling countryside and dramatic views. It’s best known these days for its atmospheric medieval centre and the striking Manfredonico Castle perched above the rooftops.
Sambuca di Sicilia, Sicily
Sambuca di Sicilia sits in the hills of western Sicily, surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, with sweeping views down to Lake Arancio. It has winding Arab-influenced streets, a warm local community, and a lively food scene.
Another one of Sicily's €1 house schemes, Sambuca remains popular for its scenic town centre and proximity to the sea. It has seen a few success stories with new residents taking advantage of the scheme. Properties in good condition start from around €40,000.
Mosso, Piedmont
Mosso is tucked away in the hills of Piedmont, in northern Italy, within easy reach of the Alps. Despite its scenic setting of forests, walking trails, and panoramic views at every turn, Mosso is far from pricey. According to the latest figures, average property prices here are some of the lowest in Italy, at just €342 per m2 in May 2025.
You’ll find a handful of traditional stone houses, friendly locals, and a slower lifestyle that suits anyone after a bit of breathing space.
Penne, Abruzzo
Set between the mountains and the Adriatic coast, the village is known for its winding medieval streets, terracotta rooftops, and weekly markets. The town is well-connected, with schools, shops, and medical facilities close by.
Property here remains much more affordable than in many parts of central Italy, and Penne has rolled out its own €1 house scheme, aiming to revive neglected homes and attract fresh faces to the community.
Borgorose, Lazio
This village is a proper little gem just over an hour's drive from Rome. Buying a house here is seriously good value, with Borgorose's average property prices in May 2025 under €500 per m2. Picture old stone houses and simple flats for a fraction of what you’d pay in the city.
It’s just the place if you want a quiet pace of life, rolling hills on your doorstep, and a community that feels genuine without being overwhelming.
Carrega Ligure, Piedmont
Carrega Ligure is about as peaceful as you can get, sitting high in the Apennines of Piedmont. It’s often flagged up as one of the cheapest spots to put down roots in northern Italy, with mountain views that cost a lot less than you’d expect. You'll find three and four-bedroom houses for around €40,000.
This is the go-to for anyone after proper breathing space, endless hiking trails, and that “away from it all” feeling.
