Sicily sits at the centre of Italy’s 1‑euro house movement. No other region has experimented with symbolic‑price homes on the same scale, largely because so many inland towns have spent decades losing residents to bigger cities and the coast.
This isn’t about the places that were famous once and then went quiet. These are the Sicilian 1‑euro schemes that still matter right now.
The Sicilian villages that put 1‑euro houses on the map
A small group of towns made Sicily synonymous with the idea of buying a house for the price of a coffee. Their early success is why Sicily still dominates lists of the top places in Italy to buy a 1‑euro house in 2026 and why the island now accounts for such a high share of active schemes.
As interest grew, Sicily became the region with the widest spread of participating municipalities, something that’s easy to see when looking at a current map of 1‑euro houses in Sicily.
Located in central Sicily, this was one of the first places where foreign buyers arrived in noticeable numbers. Its hilltop setting, castle views and relatively clear application process helped it gain momentum early on.
Sambuca di Sicilia
In the province of Agrigento, became internationally recognisable after extensive media coverage and televised renovations. The scheme there has changed over time, including symbolic prices at €2 in later rounds. But it remains a benchmark for how much attention these projects can attract.
Gangi
Sitting in the Madonie mountains, was one of the earlier adopters of symbolic‑price sales, a vaious couples and families breathing new life into the village. It helped normalise the idea that abandoned housing stock could be reused rather than written off entirely.
Three standout 1‑euro house schemes in Sicily right now
These villages still attract interest because the location, lifestyle and structure of their schemes continue to make sense for international buyers. Not every town moves at the same pace, but together they put Sicily firmly in the spotlight among the villages in Italy offering 1‑euro houses in 2026.
Cammarata
Cammarata sits in the mountains, with woodland and open countryside starting just beyond the last row of houses. The Monte Cammarata Nature Reserve, the highest peak in the Sicani Mountains, sits close by and is used year‑round by locals.
Street vendors still pass through town selling fruit and vegetables, announcing themselves loudly as they go. There are enough pizzerias and small restaurants to cover everyday eating out, usually paired with local wines rather than anything fancy.
Who Cammarata suits
Cammarata works well for people who want everyday Sicilian routines and are drawn to outdoor space rather than beaches on the doorstep. Being inland means fewer visitors and a quieter pace.
Cammarata’s 1‑euro scheme
In 2015, the local council approved a formal regulation to repopulate the old town, allowing properties to be transferred to third parties. A second turning point came in 2021, when the Municipality of Cammarata signed a collaboration agreement with StreetTo, a local non‑profit organisation.
- Check out the 1-euro houses that are currently for sale in Cammarata on StreeTo's official listings page.
Caltagirone
Caltagirone is a Baroque town recognised for its ceramic tradition and stepped historic centre. It’s larger than most 1‑euro villages and feels more like a functioning town than a rural settlement, with shops, cafés and regular local life year‑round.
Who Caltagirone suits
This suits buyers who want cultural depth without sacrificing everyday conveniences. It’s a better match for people balancing renovation with work, family commitments or longer‑term relocation plans rather than short renovation trips.
Caltagirone’s 1‑euro scheme
Caltagirone adopted its formal 1‑euro house regulation in 2021. Successful applicants were required to commit to renovating the property within three years and to lodge a €5,000 guarantee as security.
Progress has been slower than in some smaller villages, but local officials have indicated that the project is expected to move into a more active phase by mid‑2026. They plan to position it as a structured, longer‑term regeneration effort rather than a fast‑moving scheme.
- Check out the official municipality website, or email protocollo.caltagirone.@pec.it.
Troina
Troina sits high in the mountains of the province of Enna, surrounded by forests and protected natural areas. It’s firmly inland, quiet for much of the year, and largely untouched by mass tourism.
Who Troina suits
Troina tends to suit people looking for long‑term immersion rather than seasonal use. It works well for those who value landscape, space and quiet over nightlife or easy transport links.
Troina’s 1‑euro scheme
Troina’s 1‑euro project sits within a broader regeneration effort that has been developing since the mid‑2010s. The municipality supports the scheme through House Troina, a dedicated portal created to promote local properties and assist both Italian and foreign buyers with practical information about the town and the process.
- Check out the current listings of 1-euro houses for sale in Troina, or email casea1euro@comune.troina.en.it
How to check which Sicilian 1‑euro schemes are open right now
When it comes to buying a 1-euro house in Italy, availability changes often, and schemes open and close in waves. Always verify details through the official municipal website and check carefully for the latest bando or avviso pubblico. Be very aware of:
- Application deadlines and submission methods
- Renovation timelines and minimum investment requirements
- Any deposits or financial guarantees requested by the council
It’s common for schemes to sell out, pause, and then reopen later with a new batch of properties and revised conditions. Media coverage often lags behind these changes, so relying on headlines alone can be misleading.
Stay in the know about living in Italy as a foreigner—get our weekly newsletter for the latest travel, legal, and lifestyle news.
For a taste of the high life, sign up for the monthly luxury market round-up.