The list of Italian municipalities launching the €1 house sale initiative continues to grow. Recently, Guardia Sanframondi, a village nestled in the Sannio hills not far from Naples, has joined the ranks.
What is the €1 housing project in Guardia Sanframondi?
The village of Guardia Sanframondi in the province of Benevento has approved a scheme to support the sale of properties in the historic centre that are abandoned or in poor condition. The village is now another addition to the list of 1-euro homes in Italy.
The project has two main aims. The first is to ensure the buildings in the town’s historic centre are safe and properly restored. The second is to attract new residents and tourism-related businesses.
Many owners are unable to cover renovation costs or ongoing taxes. As a result, they transfer their properties to the municipality or sell directly to a buyer through the municipality’s mediation for the symbolic price of €1.
The objectives of the initiative: recovery and repopulation
Guardia Sanframondi is not simply trying to sell houses. The goal is to bring life back to the historic centre. The main objectives of the public call are:
- Restoring historic buildings: Preventing the collapse or irreversible deterioration of properties with heritage value.
- Economic revitalisation: Involving local tradespeople in renovation works and supporting small local businesses.
- Tourism and hospitality development: Converting some properties into B&Bs, holiday homes, or artisan workshops.
- Tackling depopulation: Encouraging young couples and foreign residents to settle in the Sannio area.
Who can participate, and what are the requirements?
The initiative is open to a wide range of individuals. The following can apply to purchase:
- Private citizens: Both Italians and foreigners (including non-EU citizens) interested in creating their own primary or secondary residence.
- Sole proprietorships and companies: Those intending to renovate properties for commercial or tourism-hospitality purposes.
- Associations and cooperatives: For social or cultural purposes.
The main criterion is not only financial availability, but the validity of the renovation project that the candidate intends to implement.
Buyers' obligations: timeframes and guarantees
Buying a house for one euro involves specific obligations to ensure the property's recovery actually takes place. According to municipal regulations, the buyer undertakes to:
- Sign the deed of purchase: Generally, within a few months of the assignment.
- Submit the renovation project: Within the deadline established by the tender (usually 6-12 months).
- Starting and completing the work: The work must start within a pre-established time and be completed, normally, within 3 years from the start of the construction site.
- Covering additional costs: The buyer is responsible for notary fees, transfer fees, inheritance taxes (if applicable) and urbanisation charges.
- Bank guarantee: The municipality often requires a bank guarantee (typically around €5,000) to guarantee the completion of the work, which is returned upon completion.
How to apply
To view the list of available properties and download the official forms, visit the Guardia Sanframondi Municipality website. The dedicated section contains building specifications with photos and floor plans (when available). If you're interested in other areas of Italy where 1-euro houses are available, have a look at the map to see where these villages are located.
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