10 Small Towns in Italy That Are Selling Homes for €1
The Italian countryside has been experiencing an exodus for decades as young people leave for cities and old stone houses sit empty. Savvy mayors across the country have come up with a plan to sell those crumbling homes for the price of a cappuccino. The €1 house scheme has attracted buyers from around the world who will face renovation costs and bureaucratic hurdles, but will also enjoy medieval architecture and mountain views. These 10 Italian towns still welcome those who are brave enough.
Mussomeli
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This Sicilian town perched on a hillside has become one of the most popular destinations for the €1 house program. Buyers have snapped up dozens of properties since the initiative launched, and the local government has streamlined the process to make it easier for foreigners. The town requires a €5,000 deposit, which it refunds upon completion of renovations within three years. Renovation costs typically range from €20,000 to €50,000, depending on the property’s condition.
Salemi
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As one of the pioneers of the €1 house movement, Salemi knows how to run this program. The town, located in southwestern Sicily and famous for its vineyards and olive groves, is about 100 kilometers from Palermo. Properties are auctioned, so you’ll compete with other bidders. Buyers must submit a €3,000 deposit and present a detailed renovation plan. Salemi hosts an annual jazz festival honoring musician Tony Scott, whose parents emigrated from here to America.
Gangi
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Winning the title of Italy’s most beautiful village in 2014 put Gangi on the map. The town is located in the Madonie mountains of Sicily, surrounded by hiking trails and medieval architecture. Local authorities have made more than 100 abandoned houses available through the program. Buyers must submit a detailed renovation plan and commit to completing the work within 3 years. The deposit requirement is €5,000, refundable upon completion.
Cammarata
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Within the Sicilian mountains between Agrigento and Palermo, Cammarata offers €1 houses. Properties range from small apartments to multi-story townhouses. While owners must begin renovations within 2 months and finish within 3 years, they are not required to make a deposit. The surrounding area is known for its almond groves and wildflower-covered hills.
Troina
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At 1,120 meters above sea level, Troina holds the title of Sicily’s highest town. Winter here means snow, which is unusual for an island better known for beaches and warm weather. The town’s €1 house program targets buyers willing to invest in significant renovations, as many properties have been abandoned for generations. Troina has distinguished itself by offering incentives of up to €15,000 to help offset restoration costs.
Ollolai
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Sardinia’s interior has endured depopulation, and Ollolai is no different. The town’s population has dropped from 2,250 in 1925 to 1,146 residents in 2025. The government serves as an intermediary between owners who want to offload their ancestral homes and buyers willing to restore them. While renovation costs for the typical stone dwelling run into five digits, aid funds covering 20% to 60% of renovation costs are available. History and culture buffs will appreciate the town’s pagan folklore and traditional festivals.
Nulvi
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In northern Sardinia, Nulvi is located 20 kilometers from the northern shore. Houses under its €1 scheme are in conditions ranging from “needs work” to “structurally sound but dated.” Buyers have three years to complete renovations and aren’t required to establish residency since the property can serve as a vacation home. The municipality handles all the bureaucratic paperwork, which is a selling point for foreign buyers unfamiliar with Italian property law.
Zungoli
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This Campanian hill town has become a standout success story and kicked off its fourth round of €1 house sales in 2024. The medieval village is around 60 kilometers from Avellino, known for its distinctive gradoni stone steps that climb the hillside. Buyers must pay a €2,000 refundable deposit and commit to starting renovations within a few months of purchase. For those who love coastal access, Zungoli’s location puts it within reach of both Naples and the Amalfi Coast.
Bisaccia
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Bisaccia, in Campania’s Irpinia area, pairs €1 houses with a hilltop setting and a castle that watches over the valley. The town has used low-cost property programs to counter emigration and empty homes. Expect municipal requirements such as presenting a renovation plan, showing deadlines, and making a deposit. For wine lovers, wineries in the surrounding Irpinia region produce Greco di Tufo and other variants.
Cinquefrondi
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This Calabrian town, with approximately 6,000 residents, is about 20 kilometers from the Tyrrhenian coast in the Gioia Tauro plain. Cinquefrondi requires an annual €250 insurance policy until renovations are completed. The commune prefers people who will open shops, restaurants, or other businesses that serve residents and tourists. The vibe is southern, warm, and authentic like Calabria itself.