Want To Move to Italy? Another Town Is Selling Homes for 1 Euro

From the mountains of Piedmont in the north to the warm sunshine of Sicily in the south, it’s easy to see the appeal of living in Italy — especially when it’s possible to snap up Italian real estate for a paltry sum of 1 euro (a little over $1 — yes, you read that right). In the central region of Abruzzo, Penne is one of the latest towns to join the popular program. If it’s your dream to experience la dolce vita in Italy, find out what buying one of these 1 euro homes entails and how to make your dreams of living abroad a reality.

What Is the Case 1 Euro Program?

Faced with rural depopulation, homeowners wishing to offload their properties to cut their tax bill, and buildings in an increasingly dilapidated state of repair, some municipal authorities across Italy have taken drastic action to rectify the situation. In an attempt to breathe new life into affected towns and villages, homes have been put up for sale for a price of just 1 euro as part of the Casa 1 Euro program, which launched in Sicily in 2008 and has proved popular with both Italian residents and foreigners in the years since. 

Properties are for sale all over Italy, so whether you fancy a Tuscan home base from which to explore Florence or a Ligurian hideaway a stone’s throw from the Cinque Terre, the ideal home might just be out there waiting for you.

However, there’s a catch. It may be obvious, but properties in the Case 1 Euro program aren’t exactly the most desirable on the market. (If they were, they’d be selling for a lot more.) Often, they are situated in remote villages and towns, so if you were hoping to buy one to tick off some of Italy’s top visitor attractions, you’ll need to be prepared to travel. (Though that’s a good enough excuse for a road trip, right?)

Some older properties may also need extensive work, which, under the terms of the purchase agreement, will usually need to be completed within a set period. Others may be more modern homes or apartments, but they’ll likely lack curb appeal. Additionally, if you don’t speak Italian, finding and negotiating with local contractors — not to mention navigating the notoriously difficult local bureaucracy — can become a major headache. But if the idea of a tucked-away village appeals to you and you’re willing to put in the time (and additional investment), you might be able to move to Italy for a bargain.

A New Town Joins the Program

The village of Penne is situated about halfway between the Adriatic Sea and Monti della Laga National Park, home to Italy’s famous Gran Sasso massif. In part because it’s off the beaten tourist path — Rome is located about 85 miles southwest — Penne offers a slower pace of life. Home to about 12,000 people, the town is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and olive groves, and is known as the “City of Bricks” for their extensive use in its charming architecture.

According to reporting from CNN, the town is also taking a slightly more relaxed approach for those interested in the 1 euro house program. Unlike other municipalities, no down payment is required — only a commitment to renovate the property within a three-year period. 

The town also partners prospective buyers with local architects to support them through the renovation process and make it less burdensome. The town’s mayor estimates that the starting cost for a remodel of a small- to medium-sized home to be around 20,000 euros (around $23,000).  

Can Anyone Buy a 1 Euro Home?

The Casa 1 Euro program is open to anyone, but the first step is to source a home. Some local authorities require you to visit in person to be sure that you are a serious buyer. 

Once you’ve settled on a potential property, you’ll need to apply for an Italian tax code issued by the Revenue Agency, without which you can’t complete your purchase. To remain in Italy for more than 90 days as a noncitizen, you’ll need a residence permit, which you must request within eight days of your arrival. Therefore, it’s possible for foreigners to take advantage of the program, as long as they are willing to make the financial commitment to invest in repairs and renovations.

Do Similar Programs Exist Elsewhere in Europe?

Italy isn’t the only country to see an opportunity to find willing volunteers to redevelop aging properties and breathe new life into struggling communities and rural economies. In 2023, the Irish government launched its Our Living Islands initiative to attract new residents to some of its most remote islands. If you meet the country’s immigration requirements, you become eligible to apply for a Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant of up to 60,000 euros (about $65,950) toward the cost of renovations.

The village of Legrad in Croatia, located in the rural northwest part of the Balkan country, is also inviting applicants to demolish derelict buildings on sites where new housing can be built. If successful, applicants will receive a grant of up to 1,000 euros to cover removal costs. If you’re a citizen of a country that isn’t a member of the EU, you’ll need to complete formal paperwork to buy property in Croatia. Applicants have until December 2025 to submit their bid.