On the website of the Municipality of Sant’Elia a Pianisi, a small town of 1,610 inhabitants in the province of Campobasso, homes have been put up for sale at the symbolic price of one euro. The procedure for acquiring the properties is straightforward and the price extremely attractive, but there are also obligations for buyers.
So how does one go about purchasing the €1 houses in Molise?
Mayor Biagio Faiella explains to idealista/news.
Mayor, if I come to Sant’Elia a Pianisi with one euro, do I get a house?
In theory, yes. In practice, you need to bear in mind that there are very specific conditions to respect. For example, within six months of purchasing the house, a renovation project must be submitted to the Municipality. You are then required to complete the works within the following three years.
I see: after all, the aim is to start restoring and enhancing the existing housing stock.
Yes, but not only that. We are also trying to support the local economy, and for this reason we have introduced a scoring system for applications. If, for example, there are two buyers interested in the same building, the one who chooses to use local engineers and architects for the design receives a higher score.
Likewise, if the construction work is carried out by local companies, there is an additional advantage. Another criterion we apply is awarding a higher score to those who commit to completing the project sooner.
These houses usually belong to families who have moved away and perhaps settled abroad at least a generation ago. I’ve met mayors who had to track down the legal owners of ruins as far away as Australia. What about in your case?
That’s not the case here. These properties belong to people from Sant’Elia. Some of the houses belonged to the parents of the current owners and, since they now live elsewhere, these properties had become a burden. They entrusted them to the Municipality so they could be included in this project.
What condition are the properties in that you are selling for one euro?
Some are in a dilapidated state, but a couple are in good condition, although they still require work.
Are there any planning restrictions for reconstruction? If I buy one of these houses, could I, for example, build a glass-fronted building right in the historic centre?
At the moment, unfortunately, Sant’Elia does not have any restrictions of that kind. The town planning scheme dates back to the 1970s.
What kind of bureaucracy do I face if I embark on a project like this?
You need to submit an application through our website. The application will be reviewed, and the buyer will be contacted. At that point, the deed of sale is arranged with the seller before a notary. Then there is a contract to sign with the Municipality, in which you accept the conditions regarding the timeframe for completing the works. After that, the usual steps involved in a renovation follow.
Critics of this initiative say that projects like this fill historic villages with foreigners and, in some way, alter their identity. How would you respond?
People are leaving here all the time; unfortunately, that’s what happens in small towns. In 2014 Sant’Elia had 2,004 residents; today there are 1,680. Those who buy a €1 house are bringing ruined buildings back to life, and in many cases the Municipality would otherwise have to spend its own funds just to make them safe. I would say these people are welcome.
Homes for sale and rent
Sant’Elia a Pianisi is an ideal place for anyone looking to buy a home in a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. It provides the chance to enjoy a relaxed lifestyle away from the rush of city life, while still being well connected to other towns in the region.
Beyond the €1 houses, there are many properties for sale or rent in Sant’Elia a Pianisi, ranging from modern homes to traditional Molise-style apartments. As for location, homes are available both in the town centre and in the surrounding countryside, many with views over the natural landscape.
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