How to Buy a €1 Home in Italy: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Choose a Participating Town

Many small Italian towns offer €1 homes. Each town has its own rules and application process. Popular cities include:

• Sambuca di Sicilia (Sicily)

• Mussomeli (Sicily)

• Gangi (Sicily)

• Ollolai (Sardinia)

• Zungoli (Campania)

• Laurenzana (Basilicata)

• Taranto (Puglia)

• Biccari (Puglia)

• Patrica (Lazio)

• Carrega Ligure (Piedmont)

2. Visit the Official Municipal Website

Search “[Town Name] case a 1 euro” or go to websites like:

• https://casea1euro.it (listing various towns and available homes)

• https://1eurohouses.com (English-language support for international buyers)

Each listing includes:

• Property details

• Renovation requirements

• Application forms

3. Apply for the Program

You'll typically need to:

• Submit a renovation plan

• Provide proof of financial resources

• Pay a deposit (usually €2,000–€5,000 refundable)

4. Sign the Purchase Agreement

You must sign:

• The purchase contract (deed transfer at the notary)

• A commitment to renovate (usually within 1–3 years)

5. Begin Renovations

You must:

• Start renovations within a set time (typically 12 months)

• Use local contractors (as preferred by some towns)

• Follow approved renovation plans

Helpful Agencies and Resources

• Casea1Euro.it – Centralized site for listings and legal info.

• 1eurohouses.com – Helps foreigners with paperwork and renovation logistics.

• Your local Italian consulate – For visa and residency guidance.

• Agenzia delle Entrate – Italian Tax Office for property tax matters.

• Real estate lawyers – Recommended for contract reviews and due diligence.

Requirements to Buy

• EU or Non-EU citizens can apply

• Must commit to renovating the property

• Pay notary and legal fees (€3,000–€10,000 approx.)

• Buy property insurance during renovation

• Renovate within 1–3 years (or lose deposit)

Can You Get Residency and Citizenship?

Residency:

• Owning property does not grant automatic residency.

• You may apply for:

  • Elective Residency Visa (if you have passive income)

  • Entrepreneur or Startup Visa (if your project creates jobs or economic benefit)

Citizenship:

• Not automatic with property ownership.

• After legal residency:

  • 10 years for non-EU citizens

  • 4 years for EU citizens

  • 2 years if of Italian descent or married to an Italian

Pro Tips for Foreign Investors

1. Hire a bilingual lawyer in Italy to assist with contracts and negotiation.

   • You can use Facebook groups to help you connect with other like-minded individuals who have or are going through the purchasing process. This is a great way to obtain referrals to highly recommended lawyers and agencies from individuals who have used their services.

2. Visit the property in person if possible before purchase.

   • If this cannot be done, ask your lawyer or the agency that you are working with if they will be able to do a video walkthrough of the property for you.

3. Plan your renovation budget realistically – most properties require €20,000–€100,000 in work.

4. Consider resale or rental restrictions – some towns limit resale for a few years.

   • This may not be the best for you if you are looking to immediately sell after you have bought your house. This is because many of the towns would like for you to come live and integrate with the community.

5. Follow content creators on social media - TikTok, YouTube, & Instagram offer great resources

   • Examples:

     • Kiki in Sicily on TikTok

     • Karl Pierre on YouTube