The Truth Behind Italy’s 1 Euro Houses | Everything You Need to Know 

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I wish we had the 1€ houses concept in Austria. There are thousands of abandoned historic and beautiful buildings everywhere, yet no one cares about them. Or even thinks of putting them on the market. They slowly decay and it's very sad to see. If I could get one of them for one €, even if I had to place this 5000€ deposit with the city government and had to renovate within a certain time, I would totally do it.

I have purchased 9000m2 land in Sicily. And want to start a place where people can camp, off grid showers and toilets. Big outdoor kitchen with a big pergola. And going to build 2 small houses of 45 m2 each. I cant wait to go there during the summer to start building all of this. Love Italy such a warm beautiful country. ❤

Back in 96-98 and again in 03-04 i was stationed in Italy. More specifically Sardinia and Naples. I loved Sardinia and wished I had the money to travel back. Also I have family in Sicily. My heart belongs in Italy, to the point I want to retire there. My biggest hangup is money for flights between the States and Italy and our 6 year old being in school (and her name is Siena ❤). I have hope some day we can make this dream happen.

My guess the 1€ houses come with very particular conditions….

When I researched the one euro houses, it became obvious that ownership does not transfer in its entirety at time of purchase. What seems to take place is more like a lease purchase where plenty of covenants have to be met in time and manner before the title fully transfer. In some cases at the end of the lease provision is that the renovated house reverts entirely to the seller or has to be closed on based on its renovated value. No thank you.....

Thank you for the very sensible advice and your insights into purchasing a one euro house in Italy. I imagine it would be all too easy to get carried away on a wave of enthusiasm, without comprehending the complexities of purchase and the costs of refurbishment. Having watched several of your videos on refurbishing your house and buying furnishings at local second hand markets. I think anyone considering undertaking the purchase of a house would benefit by watching them too. Your style and imagination have created a very comfortable and cosy home.

Julie dear, can you advise, what property taxes and any other type of taxes costs are, approximately? Thank you, your Sycamore, Illinois friend 💕🙏🙏

Also in France are lots of low priced houses to renovate. Even Chateau's under a million Euro😅

Thank you so much for explaining this to us. I knew the 1 Euro houses were not so simple and cheap like they make it sound. Great hints and tips.

My daughter-in-law bought a $1 block of land in outback Queensland. She had to put a house on it and live there for two years before she could sell it.

I wish all of these very old homes could be renovated! However, at this time I’m not in the financial position to afford the extensive and expensive repairs. I wouldn’t want to live in Sicily or in the southern part of Italy 🇮🇹. I prefer Tuscany just like you, Julie @AmericanViscountess

I watch LEAW LEAVE EVERYTHING AND WANDER on RU-vid and they have just bought a 1euro house in Sicily, they have travelled the world in their camper van but now have a daughter, Sara, Luca and baby Luce they are wonderful people, fascinating

I can't imagine buying a place that is literally falling down, full of mold and mildew and needs hundreds of thousands to make it livable. Especially when there's no yard.

Please be aware that not every nationality can purchase in Italy. I'm Australian and had a hairy experience where we were at the notary office to make our purchase official, he turned around and informed me that Australians were not allowed to buy. This later turned out not to be the case but if your country does not have reciprocal purchasing rights, for example New Zealand, then you will not be able to purchase

Great !! I have wondered about this 1€ fairytale, we are three friends who would like to share time and renovation costs between us 🙂

Since my 💖 is in Roma, there's no 1 Euro houses for me.

Thank you for this. This was super informative!

Renovation will cost 5-600 Euros per square meter. Double that for extensive renovations. These costs assume that there aren't major undetected problems and that you'll find a competent and honest contractor (which in some areas is next to impossible).

Buying a 1 Euro house in Southern Italy is absolutely not advisable. Having lived in Sicily as a young adult, I learned about the bureaucracy and corruption that and make owning anything extremely difficult and costly. Also, depending on the town or village where you purchase that home, all of the trades people may have already moved to a bigger cities for work and are unavailable to make the renovations and restorations. Not to mention the language issues, as the further you move away from Palermo or other major metropolitan areas (by Sicily's standards), people speak in dialect and do not understand or speak basic Italian). Even the most well connected Sicilians have had trouble restoring those homes and have completely given up, which is why they are now extending the offer to all in sundry all around the world. Alas, because Sicily is an extraordinarily beautiful and historical island; and is a wonderful place to live.

follow Leave Everything and Wander for their 1 Euro house... LeAw

Do people really think that Italy sells new perfect houses for 1 euro? Of course no, you must renovate them in order to live there. But Just think that so many old houses are for sale at higher prices. So if you can have It for 1 euro Is Better than 10.000 ! Then you have to know how to do It... But, are there people that Will not check all the information before to do that? An house Is not a pair of shoes.

Luca, Sara and their baby just got a 1dollar casa.. Leave everything behind..husband is an architect..did ALOT of work himself with a whole crew masonry etc....in SICILY... JULIE, CHECK THEM OUT..NICE COUPLE FROM ITALY... LOVE LITTLE CASA OF YOURS❤

Great job. If you purchase a 1 euro house, does Italy offer a visa to be able to stay there? How does that work? Thank you again!

but they require.... about 200k or more....us dollars to get them livable

There is NO SUCH THING AS 1€ houses . You can get them BELOW 100k€ .

The old adage of : if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Italy is not the only country to have a growing list of ghost towns ... Japan does too. They are giving these houses away because no one wants to buy the home or live in those communities because of many things, but it seems that lack of employment opportunities seems to be a big factor. So, you buy one of these houses for a Euro or 100 yen ... it's not over, you will pay taxes and fees up front. In both Italy and Japan, you will have restrictions on what you can do with "your" property. Doesn't sound good enough to me.

This was very helpful actually. Thank you. I was looking at them but was a little overwhelmed what I was reading especially about the ID number. I didn’t know how to get one and what it was for! Also I thought the houses were only in Sicily so it’s good to know it’s in other parts. Are there any of countries that offer this that your aware of?

Great informative video, thank you.

Love your clip, very informative. Inspired to buy a place there. Like the idea live there for a few days every few months. Any advice. Thx, Sam from Washington DC

You need to tie you hands and arms down. You look like you are trying to fly.

That was so informative. Thank you!

IT has water resource problem, not much raining, drought, underground water pollution, illegal toxic dump sites hidden in the farmlands all over the south.

They have also 1 pound house in some parts of Liverpool too. I'm looking forward to buying in Lunigiana, because is close to my beloved 5 Terre and not expensive, or Umbria, there is no 1 euro home there🤣. Neither stunning Taormina nor Cefalù has 1 euro home.😉oh what a shame.

Most helpful, thanks, Julie. Straight and to the point. 🤗🙏

Great information- I was curious about those houses too. 😊❤the beaver mug

Great Video...thank you for the disclosure as it is really tempting...I just came back from my 1st trip and was really blown away by the beauty of Italy!

It’s a beautiful dream but I would never get involved in such demanding work not knowing the language or the laws. I worry about earthquakes and driving on those tiny winding roads. I’ll live vicariously through others

What happens for you after January 1st, 2024 and the new Schengen rules???

In terms of seaside and beaches Sicily is a couple of notches above anything else really.

Even it cost 500000 euros still cheaper than Sydney😂 i am happy to pay €100000

Is a €2 twice as good as a €1 house? Heh! Which visa allows a non-EU person to stay in Italy?

Isn't it simpler to buy a 25k EUR cheap flat in Spain?

Tuscany is not part of that program 1 Euro homes or for the 7% tax. So no need to watch the video to know that.

how could non eu residets buy this houses? i mean what type of visa should they obtain?

What a pain in the butt. I’d rather buy a home already renovated.

Like everyone else beating around the bush no real info here just hearsay

You move your hands almost as much as a true Italian 😂

Plenty have made beautiful homes in Italy.

Love your style choices! Looking amazing! Watching from NEW Zealand

The 1 euro homes must be just about falling down; or in villages with few people!

I've considered the 1 Euro house, but I have read that they are primarily houses that need a TON of renovation in order to be livable, and I'm not interested in doing that at this point in my life.

int'resting!

If it's too good to be true, it probably is.

Can i buy a house and become a citizens

Slowest video in the world

Thank you for this info!

Great tips and information 😍😘

So - I live in Germany, travel a lot to Italy, and I speak fluent Italian. I have (and still do, sometimes) look for one Euro houses. - they are located almost only in the extreme south - they are located in towns in the middle of nowhere, sometimes tough to even get to (quickly) - You have to basically rebuild them. I mean this quite literally. You will be rebuilding walls, the roof, everything. You'll basically be building the house again, but you'll have to clean up first. - many of them were built, or changed at some point, without proper permits. You're going to need a lawyer to sort this out. Just because the local govt is selling it DOES NOT MEAN that the house is actually allowed to be rebuilt, or be at all similar to the building that you saw. (I've had this happen 3 times!) Mostly - its a waste of time....IMO.

I really enjoy your channel 👍🇮🇹 Jeff from iloveitalian

Having spent a lot of time everywhere in Italy I'd say the 1 Euro houses are not worth it, for reasons not mentioned in this video. If Italians leave their village it happens for a reason. Lack of jobs, harsh climate, earthquakes, floods, lack of healthcare, lack of shops etc. etc. Before investing even 1 Euro I highly suggest you search for your favourite location first, then rent for 1 year. If after 1 year you are still convinced it's the right place for you, you're probably so familiar with the region that you can find a much better deal than a 1 Euro house in the middle of nowhere, in a Sicilian desert.

If I could get them really for 1e and rules I need to renovate it it's fine. But usually it comes 1e + 5k paper work + 5k deposit what you get back only after renovation is done. It worth it. I'm builder myself and from Europe. For 5k I can do so much work done for house. It's dragging back all progress. Much better just buy one of 5k properties without any tights and do your work peacefully

If you use a VPN they FOR SURE have your information internally 😂

Hi. I would like to suggest an assignment for you. I know you are busy. I would love to see Europe and mostly the UK purchase up all abandoned houses and estates and lands. Then build different kinds of cottages on them to sell or "let". The inheritance taxes are WAY TOO HIGH and this could be a way to help. First of all these places may be abandoned as the family cannot afford the inheritance taxes so they leave them to rot. So sad. If the government would buy these up, the items inside could be cleaned up and sold for extra profit. I suggest a windmill and solar panels for help with energy for the cortege houses and help farmers realize plants that can be grown to burn in fireplaces and stoves in kitchens. These crops are grown every year and do not deplete the environment. Plus good insulation and good insulated windows. Their water pump with fresh water and the brown water filtered and made fresh again. Plant fibers can also be used for filtering and can be replaced easily as farmers would grow crops with high fiber for filters. They would help with smoke stacks to filter pollution as well. Lovely cottages is my suggestion as we all would love a cottage however I do realize the younger ones would like more modern facilities. Those could be carefully planned to build the environment carefully for people from other countries to move in and visit regularly. So much could be done by a government to help funds and their people. Your assignment is to get this HUGE project moving and oversee its completion and ongoing process. Jobs would be created and money would come in so the inheritance taxes could go down and families would go back to handing their places down within the family or to loved ones and friends. That is my HUGE IDEA. We need to do this in the USA and I have already told my local Senator and Representative my ideas. I don't put too much hope in my government as it is today. It needs some good overhauling to better serve the people and remember that they work for the people, not the other way around. These things do not need to be left to the rich and super-rich. Let's get all social economic people involved and participating. What a great idea. And remember wildlife, plant life, farmers, and good plants and animals to eat and raise. I suggest going back to small farms all over the country as this helps keep the animals and plants grown more healthy and it is kinder to the animals than huge facilities that crowd animals into them for raising for foods. Then if a germ comes along, large amounts of animals are affected. Small farmers are the answer to a better economy and country.

My sister has just bought a house requiring reasonable restoration in Tuscany at auction from the municipality in Torna. 362,000€. Three 1€ houses she looked at would have cost after restoration 100,000€ to 200,000€ all expenses included for a much inferior property.

That is my daydream i am undecided between Tulum Mexico or urban life in a place like montepulciano or Livorno. I Love Tuscany in general perhaps a place near from Florence

Thank you Julie! You always have wonderful information and always willing to share what you’ve learned. Much appreciated!

How is financing handled? Are you financing with United States lender or Italian lender?

If you don’t complete the project in the 3 years, what happens?

Hi. Can you direct me to a complete list of available homes? Thank you!

Discussed w my wife…I’ll retire a lieutenant colonel, rather than promote one more time, trading time for more money. Want to live in northern Italy so I can swim each morning like I did when I vacationed in the riviera ponente, a kilometer out to buoy, and back, then sip coffee, pick olives, peppers make salad out of my own backyard, see the Monaco grandprix or the ski jumping and giant slalom competitions in the alps…basically quality of life while still young

I'm guessing Julie was a cheerleader and probably an Aries. She has so much energy!

Hi, I just retired and have been looking for a place in Italy to buy I am in good shape run 5miles a day and lift weights so I still work but do what I want to do but here in the U.S. where i live the winters are a bit much for me now that I'm older plus from what I have found the quality of food is better in Italy too. I would want a place to live at least4-6 months out of the year and maybe full time ten years down the road planning on a trip there mid summer to take a look at some places that interest me,

😎Why did I (AV Patreon) not receive a link to this on my email page ?? I just happened onto it on YouTybe ?? Anyway, super informative. I went down the Second Home 🏡🏘route (in New Mexico) but in the end went back to the alternative charms of local hosteleries (obligation, hassle free). Buying and massively renovating a tumble-down house and dealing with governments and possibly local undeworld in a foreign country where most Americans don't speak the language is something that few could successfullly manage !!

the truth is, all rich middle classes moving there i hope they got same claus like germany must keep it 10 years before selling it

Informative, thank you.

"codice fiscale" shown version on this video is the old type card and might be misleading. Today Id card and "codice fiscale" are all in one with specific readable microchips and data like name, adress etc. must be both in English and Italian. The sanitary card also has the "codice fiscale".

Thank you so much! Can you possibly share the contact of the agency that helped you with the purchase and paperwork?

I would like to purchase a 1€ in Sicily near Palermo . What is the closest town along the coastline near Palermo offering 1€ houses ?

Thank you. How much did you pay for your house in Tuscany? I doubt that there is anything affordable in Naples?

I have question, can anyone but property in the UK , if one is not a living there, my husband said you have to be a resident of UK.

Yes I’ve considered a 1 euro house except I want to live as close as possible to Naples! ❤

I cannot thank you enough for this video. It has been the most helpful accumulation of information on Euro houses I have come across thus far answering the myriad of questions I had, as well as giving me better direction and resources.

Also, one needs to keep in mind should you choose a place in a more isolated area, are their professionals that you can hire in the area, many trades people are hard to get, hence research is required for this as well.

I don't want to live in Italy but if I did I'd love the idea of doing up a derelict cottage and making it just how I'd like it. But as I don't have the physical strength now,or the funds either it's just as well I don't want to. There are always conditions of some sort with those sort of deals so I guess you'd have to see if you could comply without ruining your own plans.

I am very interested on buying one. But I need to know the catch because it feel the condition can be the problem

If you have the money and skills you can get a 1 euro house. There are videos of people who have done this and the huge repairs they are doing.

Prego 🤗

tnx for detailed pit falls, your hand signs helped my hard a hearing! lol

This is my goal for the next year or 2. Thanks for the information.

Great sun in Italy. Not as good as Greece but really nice.

It is very appealing. But they tend to be in small or isolated towns where they're trying to get people to move back, and I would want to live somewhere more lively. The paperwork also sounds a bit stressful. Other than that I suppose it's just as much renovation as any run down property. It could be a really fun project!

I’ve watched a gazillion RU-vid videos on the topic of 1 euro houses. Ultimately, I doubt I would venture there. Not being a hand-man-type woman (I have trouble hanging pictures), and not speaking the language are the main considerations. Most of these homes are, sadly, in need of gutting. But the 1st reason is that the towns where these are available seem depressed and almost abandoned. Being a single woman, that’s a no-go. Maybe if I had a spouse I loved spending all my time with, I’d reconsider. But as it is, I think it would be a lonely voyage.

Love your videos. Where did you get your mug?

Started looking into this pre-cough-cough. Obstacles: 1. visa/residency. 2. Closing costs + deposits to govt + renovation costs. No longer able to do much of anything toward renovations, decoration, or even interior painting, so have to hire people for everything! I'd love to live in Italy - or practically anywhere in Europe as I lived in Asia for a long-long time & have seen next to nothing of Europe. But just not in any condition to manage all this, even with a very-very-very short walk to market, etc. Cannot manage stairs or hills, either! Very sad for me, but just not feasible despite my yearnings.

Not an easy road, face tells it already at get go

Thank you for the information and very valuable

is still italy selling 1 euro house?

Where there actual owner of house go?

fantastic to reap the benefits of your research. thank u