Before you plunk down 1 Euro to buy a house in Sicily, you should know that the idea to sell off these crumbling ruins was the brainchild of Oliviero Toscani, a marketing genius famous for his Benetton ad campaign. When announced by the mayor, it seemed like an innovative solution to rebuilding the town center, still in ruins from an earthquake in 1968. The first clue as to whether this project will come to quick fruition ought to be obvious here: 1968. It’s taken 40 years just to get to this point! Nonetheless, the 1 euro houses for sale in Sicily brought a flood of offers from would-be buyers, but the project is still stalled, as a multitude of other problems have come up, such as the lack of city sewer lines. Before you consider buying and restoring a house in Italy, I recommend that you rent in the area first, to experience what it’s really like to live in a particular area of Italy. If you plan to live in Italy year round, you need to consider the climate and seasonal changes. The best views in Tuscany may be from a lofty hilltop that’s idyllic in summer, but winter will bring strong cold winds that rattle the terracotta roof tiles for days on end. Think of being driven mad like Van Gogh. Down in the valley an old mill house won’t be windy but it will be dark, moldy and subject to flooding (I lived in an old mill house and came to understand the true meaning of “going through the mill.”) In either case, you’ll stay fit by hauling wood to stoke up the wood stove to keep warm. If you smugly choose gas-fired radiators over a wood stove, you will simply go bankrupt. In Sicily, if you choose a seaside villa, you’ll find vast seasonal differences in day to day life. The coast swarms with Italians in the hot summer with lots of restaurants and bars open late, while in winter coastal towns will be tightly shuttered and you’ll be alone with the seagulls looking for fresh fish. If you crave the city life of art exhibits, theatre and shopping, then you may not adjust well to life in the Italian countryside where your nearest neighbors are sheep, and a night out is a walk to the garden gate to lock it.
Good guide and nicely written. My accountant also referred me to italyinfiltrator.com which gives load of details on the little things we really needed to know. It’s a big step coming to italy
Thanks, Henry. It is a also a good idea to rent first to try out life in Italy before buying.
Hello,
I am interested in further information on houses for sale for €1. Do you have photos/ or some more information about this?
Warm Regards,
Nana
There is a link at the end of the post to see the current houses – here it is again: http://www.comune.sambucadisicilia.ag.it/Case%20a%201%20euro/Immobili%20a%201%20euro%20English.htm
House for sale for 1 euro.
We are a Norwegian couple who are interested in their offers on houses in Salemi, Sicily.
I think the initiative in Salemi may be finished, but there is a new one in Sambuca di Sicilia. You can read about this and get links to further info in my latest post: https://italian-connection.com/living-in-italy/1-euro-houses-fo…n-sambuca-sicily/
I’ve read your article and found it informative . However I’d still like to consider buying one of these properties .I am struggling to find information on how to commence the process of purchasing one of the properties. I am assuming that since you have information regarding the pitfalls of purchasing that you would have the relevant information I’m looking for . Please could you contact me with respect to the forementioned properties . I look forward to your reply. Thank you.
Here is a link to the municipality of Sambuca with current houses and email contact. Good luck! http://www.comune.sambucadisicilia.ag.it/Case%20a%201%20euro/Immobili%20a%201%20euro%20English.htm
You might want to read a more recent post and follow the links to the appropriate sources. Good luck with your house search! https://italian-connection.com/living-in-italy/1-euro-houses-for-sale-in-sambuca-sicily/
We Indian family. I m intrested purchase home.
Dear Rupendre, I am not personally involved with these 1-Euro house projects. You must contact the town hall – “comune”- for all current details. I also advise you to read the entire blog post for the pros and cons. Good luck! Anita
Hello, I am interested information on houses for sale for €1. Do you have photos/ or some more information about this?
Dear Abhisek, I am not personally involved with these 1-Euro house projects. You must contact the town hall – “comune”- for all current details. I also advise you to read the entire blog post for the pros and cons. Good luck! Anita