The interest in one-euro homes remained high in Italy throughout 2024 and is now continuing into 2025. Many small Italian villages are using this initiative to achieve two goals: securing abandoned properties in historic centres and simultaneously repopulating these areas, breathing new life into the social and economic fabric of the region. From Sicily to Puglia, through Sardinia and Tuscany, let's explore some of the key opportunities from the past year, as well as the villages still in the spotlight in 2025.
Buying 1 euro houses in Italy
The one-euro homes project allows you to purchase a property for a symbolic price, but it requires the obligation to renovate and secure the property. This initiative is promoted by small municipalities at risk of depopulation. To buy a home for 1 euro, interested buyers must contact the local council directly, and in some cases, it is necessary to express interest, committing to both the purchase and renovation of the property.
Map of 1 euro houses for sale in Italy
To ensure you don't miss out on the opportunities offered by the villages running the one-euro home schemes, idealista/news has created a map featuring active schemes.
Italian villages offering 1 euro homes
The search for a one-euro home often focuses on seaside villages; many dream of owning a holiday home just a stone's throw from the beach, but the costs are often prohibitive. Alternatively, some people dream of changing their life and living by the sea. However, the options are quite broad. In some cases, you could opt for locations that, while not strictly coastal, are just a few kilometres away from the beach.
For example, Nulvi has launched its one-euro home project. Located in Sardinia, in the province of Sassari, it is not directly on the coast but is close to well-known destinations. The nearest seaside areas are along the northern coast of Sardinia, such as Castelsardo and Marina di Sorso, which are among the most visited spots during the summer months. Travel time to these beaches ranges from about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific location and traffic conditions.
Also in Sardinia, you can find Ollolai, another village that has launched the one-euro home scheme. Recently, this Sardinian municipality made headlines with a particularly unique promotion. After Donald Trump’s election, the municipality of Ollolai decided to offer the following proposal.
"Want to leave the United States after Trump’s victory? Then come to Ollolai, where you can even get homes for 1 euro." The promotional message, posted on the municipal website, quickly became an invitation for anyone wishing to start a new life in Europe, in a peaceful place, completely immersed in nature, and far from the chaos of big cities.
In the heart of the Apuan Alps, the municipality of Fabbriche di Vergemoli also launched its one-euro home scheme. This village is also an excellent starting point for visiting other historical and natural sites in the region, making it an unmissable place for anyone wishing to immerse themselves in the true essence of Tuscany.
In Campania, there is the example of Zungoli, which has now reached its fourth one-euro home initiative. Potential buyers are required to submit a renovation project within a year of purchase and complete the work within three years. The initiative has already brought numerous benefits to Zungoli, including increased tourist interest and a renewed sense of community. Many of the properties purchased have been transformed into homes, bed and breakfasts, and commercial ventures, contributing to the revival of the local economy.
Those looking for a one-euro home in Puglia might want to explore the initiative in Biccari, a small municipality in the province of Foggia. As the mayor explained: "We have people who want to move here once they retire, others simply want a second home to spend more or less extended periods in Italy. Some are even considering renting them out."
The story of the American who bought a 1 euro home
Often, the interest in one-euro homes comes from abroad, particularly from people of Italian descent wishing to reconnect with their roots. In this regard, idealista/news shared the story of Meredith Tabbone, 46, a financial consultant from Chicago, who revived an entire alley in Sambuca di Sicilia, the land of her ancestors, in the province of Agrigento. Meredith bought a one-euro home, selecting it online, and later expanded it by purchasing additional properties at market price.
Meredith transformed a ruin into a dream home, even though she lived about eight thousand kilometres away from the construction site and didn’t speak a word of the local language. It was a major renovation that also went viral on social media, as Meredith documented everything on TikTok and Instagram, amassing thousands of followers.
1 euro houses in Italy in 2025
Can you still buy a house for 1 euro in Italy in 2025? Yes, you can indeed still buy a house for 1 euro in Italy in 2025. This initiative, launched by small, depopulated villages across the country, continues to offer homes at a symbolic price to attract new residents and revive local communities. Many of the villages mentioned still have 1 euro homes for sale listings available in 2025, with more villages expected to join the scheme in the coming months.
Though the programme is ongoing, each village has specific requirements and conditions, so it’s essential for interested buyers to check the details for each location. View all the 1 euro houses currently for sale in Italy.