Italy’s 1 Euro House Dream: The renovation reality | Foreign Correspondent

ABC News In-depth2 minutes read

Sicily's one euro house program aims to rejuvenate hilltop towns by selling abandoned houses at a low price, attracting international buyers and revitalizing communities. Foreigners are renovating these houses remotely, contributing to the social experiment's success and bringing new life to these towns.

Insights

  • The one euro house program in Sicily aims to combat population decline by offering abandoned houses for a nominal fee, with the requirement of renovating the property within three years or facing a penalty.
  • Foreign buyers participating in the program have revitalized towns like Muselli, fostering community projects and attracting professionals looking to be part of a vibrant and welcoming environment, showcasing the potential for cultural and economic rejuvenation through innovative social experiments.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • What is the one euro house program in Sicily?

    A social experiment selling abandoned houses for one euro.

  • Why are many old houses in Italy left abandoned?

    High taxes for owning multiple properties.

  • How has the one euro house program impacted Muselli?

    Revitalized the town with new community projects.

  • How are foreigners participating in the one euro house program?

    Renovating houses remotely with varying costs.

  • What attracted Christina and Stefan to stay in Sicily?

    Drawn by the town's people, food, city, views, and spirit.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Revitalizing Sicily's Hilltop Towns with One Euro Houses

  • Sicily, a Mediterranean island, is facing a population decline, with parts of the island desperate to attract people.
  • Sicily's iconic Hilltop towns are selling abandoned houses for just one euro as part of a social experiment to revitalize the towns.
  • The one euro house program requires renovating the house within three years, with a penalty of 5,000 euros if not completed.
  • Many old houses in Italy are left abandoned due to high taxes for owning multiple properties.
  • The one euro house program in Muselli has attracted over 300,000 inquiries from around the world, with 74,000 visitors from Australia.
  • The scheme paused during Covid-19 but has sold 400 houses so far, with plans to sell 100 more this year.
  • Foreigners who bought one euro houses are renovating them remotely, with costs varying from 10,000 to 200,000 euros depending on the house's size.
  • The one euro house program has revitalized Muselli, with new arrivals setting up community projects like a communal kitchen.
  • Another foreigner, Erica Moscatello, helped save the local hospital in Muselli by bringing in doctors from Argentina.
  • In neighboring towns like Camarata, young professionals are running the one euro house scheme to revive their town, attracting buyers who want to be part of the community.

26:25

"Bulgarian family finds community in Sicily"

  • Christina and Stefan, originally from Bulgaria and living in the UK, decided to stay in Sicily after a holiday with their children, drawn by the town's people, food, city, views, and overall spirit.
  • The family, including an 8-year-old son and 4-year-old daughter, found a sense of community in Sicily, making more friends in 2 months than in 7 years in the UK, enjoying the freedom for the kids to play outside whenever they want.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.