Italy’s one euro house scheme has been running for nearly a decade, but the list of active villages changes every year. Over 50 Italian towns now participate in various forms of the program, with more municipalities announcing initiatives throughout 2026, according to European Real Estate. The catch? These aren’t turnkey properties. They’re abandoned stone houses, medieval apartments, and crumbling farmhouses that need serious renovation — and the towns selling them have strict rules about how fast you fix them up.
This guide covers the villages with active programs in 2026, what the application process actually looks like, and the real costs that sit behind that symbolic price tag. If you’re serious about buying, you’ll want to know which towns have streamlined processes, which ones require residency, and where the renovation requirements differ.
Over 50 Italian towns now participate in various forms of the one euro house scheme, with more municipalities announcing programs throughout 2026.
Yes, you can buy a house in Italy for one euro — but the purchase price is the smallest number you’ll deal with. Renovation costs typically run between €20,000 and €50,000 or more, and most towns require you to finish the work within three years. The real question isn’t whether the scheme is real — it’s whether you have the time, budget, and patience for a long-distance restoration project.
How Italy’s One Euro House Villages Actually Work
Remote workers with flexible schedules
Retirees seeking a project
Investors targeting holiday rentals
The one euro house phenomenon emerged from a pressing demographic challenge. Thousands of small villages across Italy have experienced dramatic population decline as younger generations migrate to cities. Local governments recognized that abandoned properties represented lost tax revenue and the gradual extinction of centuries-old communities. By offering homes for one euro, municipalities attract new residents and investment capital while preserving architectural heritage.
The program serves multiple strategic purposes beyond simply filling empty houses. Renovation projects create local construction jobs and stimulate economic activity in struggling regions. New residents bring fresh perspectives and often establish businesses catering to tourism or remote work. The Italian government views these initiatives as tools for balanced regional development, preventing the complete abandonment of interior territories.
Most municipalities impose strict renovation timelines, usually between 18 months and three years, with penalties for non-compliance including forfeiture of security deposits ranging from €2,000 to €5,000. Properties sold through these schemes often lack basic amenities like plumbing, electricity, and structural integrity, requiring comprehensive restoration rather than cosmetic updates.
Typical renovation costs for a one euro house, depending on property condition and local requirements.
European Real Estate
Foreign buyers need Italian tax codes (codice fiscale), and many municipalities require establishing Italian residency or demonstrating concrete renovation plans during application. Working with local geometras (surveyors) and notaries familiar with one euro house transactions proves essential for navigating building permits, historical preservation requirements, and property registration.
Active Villages With One Euro Homes in 2026
Not every town that launched a program still has available properties — these are the villages with active schemes as of 2026.
Sambuca di Sicilia — Sicily’s Streamlined Model
Sambuca di Sicilia continues attracting international buyers with its well-organized program and stunning hilltop location offering Mediterranean views. The town has successfully sold dozens of properties and established a streamlined application process that serves as a model for other municipalities. Properties here range from small stone houses to larger structures with renovation potential, and the town’s popularity means competition can be stiff.
What I’d do: arrive with a clear renovation budget and timeline already drafted. Sambuca’s committee evaluates proposals based on project merit, so a vague plan won’t cut it.
Penne, Abruzzo — No Deposit Required
Penne started its program in 2022 and recently announced plans to offer even more one-euro homes. Mayor Gilberto Petrucci told CNN Travel that the town potentially has over 40 vacant buildings looking for new owners. “Although our total population is roughly 1,200 inhabitants, there are only 1,000 people left living in our gorgeous old district, which risks becoming a ghost town,” he said. The available properties have up to three floors and range from around 750 to 1,300 square feet, with some buildings dating back to medieval times.
Unlike other towns with similar programs, Penne is selling the one-euro homes with no down payment or deposit required. The only commitment is completing renovations within three years. The town also offers the services of an agency that helps facilitate renovations. “We have a team of architects and experts who may advise and support in the renovation works, finding builders and surveyors, showing buyers through renderings what their home will look like once fixed,” Petrucci told CNN. If multiple buyers are interested in the same properties, they will be sold to the person with the best and fastest renovation plan.
Penne’s starting renovation costs for a small-medium size house are around €20,000 — one of the lower entry points among active programs. The town’s support agency is a significant advantage for first-time buyers unfamiliar with Italian renovation processes.
Zungoli, Campania — Medieval Stone Houses Near Naples
Zungoli in Campania has emerged as a newcomer to watch, offering medieval stone houses with renovation potential in a region known for exceptional cuisine and proximity to Naples. The village sits in the Irpinia area, a less-touristed part of Campania that offers lower property prices and authentic southern Italian life. Properties here tend to be smaller and more rustic than those in Sicily or Abruzzo, which keeps renovation costs relatively manageable.
The tradeoff is accessibility. Zungoli is a hilltop village with narrow streets and limited parking, and the nearest major transport hub is Naples, about 90 minutes away by car. Buyers should factor in the cost of a rental car for the duration of their renovation project.
Biccari, Puglia and Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Abruzzo
Biccari in Puglia and Santo Stefano di Sessanio in Abruzzo present compelling opportunities with different architectural styles and climatic conditions compared to their southern counterparts. Biccari sits in the Daunian Mountains, offering cooler summers and four-season living, while Santo Stefano di Sessanio is a medieval stone village in the Gran Sasso National Park, appealing to buyers seeking alpine aesthetics and proximity to hiking trails.
Both villages have smaller inventories than Sambuca or Penne, and properties tend to sell quickly through local word-of-mouth rather than international listings. Checking municipal websites directly or working with a local real estate agent is often the only way to hear about available properties.
Costs, Timelines, and the Application Process
The one euro price is the headline, but the real numbers live in the renovation budget, security deposit, and timeline commitments.
| Village | Region | Renovation Timeline | Deposit Required | Starting Renovation Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sambuca di Sicilia | Sicily | 3 years | €5,000 | €30,000+ |
| Penne | Abruzzo | 3 years | None | €20,000 |
| Zungoli | Campania | 18–24 months | €2,000–€3,000 | €20,000–€40,000 |
| Biccari | Puglia | 3 years | €3,000 | €25,000+ |
| Santo Stefano di Sessanio | Abruzzo | 3 years | €5,000 | €40,000+ |
How the Application Process Works
Prospective buyers should start by researching active programs through municipal websites or real estate platforms specializing in Italian properties like Idealista. Most towns require submitting formal applications including personal information, financial documentation proving renovation capacity, and detailed restoration proposals outlining timelines and intended property use.
Some municipalities conduct auctions where multiple applicants bid above the one euro minimum, while others evaluate applications based on project merit and community benefit. Some villages prioritize applicants proposing businesses or projects benefiting the community, such as bed and breakfasts, restaurants, or artisan workshops.
The process involves signing preliminary agreements, paying security deposits, and obtaining necessary permits before commencing renovations. Hiring local contractors familiar with historical restoration and regional building codes significantly improves project outcomes.
Banks are unlikely to give loans to foreigners for redoing abandoned buildings, according to Forbes. This is a requirement of the application process in many cases, so you’ll need to demonstrate you have the cash on hand before applying.
Getting There and Getting Around
Most one euro house villages are in rural areas with limited public transport. The nearest airports are typically regional hubs — Palermo and Catania for Sicilian villages, Naples for Campania, Bari for Puglia, and Pescara for Abruzzo. From there, you’ll need a rental car to reach the villages, as train connections to small hilltop towns are often infrequent or non-existent.
If you’re planning extended stays during renovation, consider the practicalities of daily life in a small Italian village. Grocery shopping, medical services, and building supply stores may be a 20–30 minute drive away. Many buyers underestimate the time investment required for managing long-distance renovations, making extended stays in Italy advisable during critical construction phases.
What to Know Before You Commit
Renovating a one euro house is a lifestyle decision as much as a financial one. Here’s what the research says about the realities on the ground.
The Renovation Reality
The one euro purchase price represents only a tiny fraction of the actual investment required. Buyers must commit to renovation projects typically ranging from €20,000 to €50,000 or more, depending on property condition and local requirements. The mayor of Penne told CNN that the starting costs for renovating a small-medium size house is €20,000 — but that’s a basic remodel, not a full restoration.
Abandoned buildings often need a lot of work. Average costs seem to be around €100,000 across Italy and France to renovate a house, which is much less than the house would have cost, according to Forbes. Properties sold through these schemes often lack basic amenities like plumbing, electricity, and structural integrity, requiring comprehensive restoration rather than cosmetic updates.
Check municipal websites and platforms like Idealista for current listings. Not all towns have available properties at any given time.
This Italian tax code is required for any property transaction. You can apply through the Italian consulate in your home country or in Italy.
Include financial documentation, a detailed renovation plan, and your intended use for the property. Strong proposals include timelines and contractor estimates.
A geometra (surveyor) familiar with historical preservation requirements and a local notary will handle permits and property registration.
Long-distance renovations are notoriously difficult. Plan to spend several weeks or months in the village during critical construction phases.
Italian Bureaucracy and Local Customs
Working with local geometras and notaries familiar with one euro house transactions proves essential for navigating building permits, historical preservation requirements, and property registration. Many municipalities require establishing Italian residency or demonstrating concrete renovation plans during application. Some villages prioritize applicants proposing businesses or projects benefiting the community, such as bed and breakfasts, restaurants, or artisan workshops.
As the president of the Union and mayor of Monte di Malo, Mosè Squarzon, says in one program, the project is “an investment in life, not money”, adding that “The main goal is to bring people back to places that were emptied in the pursuit of modernity and comfort.” This philosophy underpins the entire scheme — towns aren’t just selling houses, they’re recruiting new community members.
- Budget at least €20,000–€50,000 for renovation before you apply — and have the cash available, since banks rarely lend to foreigners for these projects.
- Penne, Abruzzo offers the lowest entry barrier with no deposit required and a dedicated support agency for renovations.
- Plan to spend extended time in the village during construction. Long-distance renovation management is the most common reason projects fail.
Common Questions About Italy’s One Euro Houses
Can I actually buy a house in Italy for one euro?
Yes, the scheme is real and active in over 50 Italian towns. The one euro price is the purchase cost, but you’re committing to a renovation project that typically costs €20,000 to €50,000 or more. The town of Penne in Abruzzo, for example, sells homes for one euro with no deposit required, but buyers must complete renovations within three years.
What happens if I don’t finish the renovation on time?
Most municipalities impose penalties for missing the renovation deadline, typically between 18 months and three years. You risk forfeiting your security deposit, which ranges from €2,000 to €5,000 depending on the town. In some cases, the municipality can reclaim the property if no progress has been made.
Do I need to live in the village full-time?
Not necessarily, but many towns prioritize applicants who plan to establish residency or contribute to the local community. Some villages require you to demonstrate concrete renovation plans and may ask for proof of extended stays during construction. Remote workers and retirees tend to have an easier time meeting these expectations.
Can I get a mortgage for a one euro house?
Banks are unlikely to give loans to foreigners for redoing abandoned buildings, according to Forbes. Most buyers need to have the renovation budget available as cash. This is a requirement of the application process in many cases, so you’ll need to demonstrate financial capacity before applying.
Which village has the easiest application process?
Penne in Abruzzo stands out for its streamlined approach — no deposit required, a dedicated agency to help with renovations, and a straightforward application process. Sambuca di Sicilia also has a well-organized program, though competition is higher and a €5,000 deposit is required.
Is a One Euro House Right for You?
The one euro house scheme isn’t a shortcut to cheap Italian property — it’s a long-term commitment to restoring a piece of Italy’s architectural heritage. The towns that participate aren’t looking for investors who will flip houses; they’re looking for people who will become part of the community. If you have the time, the budget, and the patience for a multi-year renovation project, the payoff isn’t just a house — it’s a life in a place that most people only get to visit. For a closer look at how Italy’s smaller communities are adapting to modern travel and living, this piece on Italy’s travel growth offers useful context on the broader trends shaping these villages.
Sources and further reading
Italian Villages Offering 1 Euro Homes in 2026. European Real Estate, 2026.
Penne, Italy’s one-euro home program. CNBC, 2025.
€1 Houses In Italy: An Explainer On How Americans Can Buy One In 2026. Forbes, 2026.