Set on the slopes of Mount Reventino with views stretching towards the Gulf of Sant’Eufemia, the Municipality of Platania is focusing on the revival of its historic centre. It is an opportunity for anyone drawn to the character of southern Italy, just minutes from the sea and Lamezia Terme airport.
Here is everything you need to know about the €1 houses for sale in this village in the province of Catanzaro.
Why buy a €1 house in Platania
This Calabrian village, thanks to its setting, combines fresh mountain air with proximity to one of southern Italy’s main transport hubs: Lamezia Terme.
It is here that the €1 houses initiative is attempting to write a new chapter of urban regeneration. Many €1 projects struggle with isolation. Platania, however, has a different advantage:
- Strategic location: Around 10–15 minutes from Lamezia Terme International Airport and the main railway station.
- Greenery and sea: In less than half an hour, you can move between the chestnut woods of Mount Reventino and the beaches of the Tyrrhenian coast.
- Quality of life: A village that preserves authentic traditions, known for its mushrooms, spring waters and a microclimate that provides relief from the intense summer heat.
How to buy a €1 house in Platania
For those interested, the Municipality of Platania provides an online showcase of properties on its official website, where technical details, photographs and floor plans of the available ruins can be consulted.
As these are privately owned properties transferred to the Municipality, availability changes over time. It is always advisable to contact the Technical Office directly or check the official public notice board for the latest active calls.
The Municipality of Platania’s initiative is not a traditional property sale, but rather a pact between citizens and local institutions. The goal is twofold: to secure buildings at risk of decay and to attract new residents or tourism investors.
The main conditions of purchase are:
- Commitment to renovation: The buyer must submit a restoration project within a set timeframe, usually between 6 and 12 months.
- Clear deadlines: Works must begin and be completed within a predetermined period, generally three years.
- Costs and guarantees: Notarial, transfer and administrative costs are borne by the buyer, who is often required to take out a surety bond to guarantee completion of the works.
The mayor and local administration have placed strong emphasis on international outreach. Platania has a long history of emigration, and the invitation to buy a €1 house is addressed not only to those seeking a retreat in Calabria, but also to the descendants of Platania natives around the world, encouraging them to bring new life back to their “grandparents’ homes.”
- Explore property for sale in Platania.
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.
