Buying Your Dream Italian Home for 1 Euro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Two picturesque Italian towns, Zungoli and Mussomeli, are making headlines with their innovative “1 Euro House” scheme, designed to combat population decline and breathe new life into their historic communities. These municipalities have streamlined the process, even offering online resources to make owning a piece of Italy more accessible than ever.

Zungoli townscape with traditional houses and winding streets

Nestled near Naples, Zungoli, recognized as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages in 2015, is a charming town of approximately 1,000 residents in the Apennine Mountains. Mayor Paolo Caruso emphasizes the town’s commitment to transparency and support for new homeowners. “We’ve established a dedicated team to assist buyers, connecting them with renovation companies to restore these homes,” he explains. “While the €1 price tag grabs attention, we invite people to experience the true beauty of Zungoli, savor our culinary delights, and breathe in the fresh, healthy air.”

For those dreaming of owning a property in Zungoli, the process is clearly outlined:

1. Explore the official Zungoli website: Navigate to www.comunezungoli.it. For English speakers, translation tools can aid in navigating the Italian site.
2. Discover available €1 homes: Locate the “Case in vendita a €1” section on the left-hand menu. This section showcases a variety of properties, typically ranging from 50 to 100 square meters, many requiring significant renovation work.
3. Submit your application: Download the application form for your chosen property. Be prepared to commit to renovating the house within one to three years and specify your intended use for the property, whether it be a private residence, guesthouse, or boutique.
4. Document submission: Send copies of your identification and other required documents to the Zungoli Municipality via mail or email.
5. Contract and Italian adventure: Upon approval of your application, the municipality will send you a contract. A trip to Italy is then necessary to finalize the purchase by signing the contract in person.

Prospective buyers should be aware of a €2,000 deposit required, alongside the renovation commitment. This deposit is returned upon completion of the property transfer after renovation.

Mussomeli, a Sicilian town famed for its impressive 14th and 15th-century castle, offers a similar opportunity through its dedicated website: www.case1euro.it. This English-language site provides detailed information about available properties, viewable on an interactive map.

While online browsing is encouraged, purchasing a home in Mussomeli requires an in-person visit. The website allows for downloading necessary forms, and a local real estate office is available to assist with the notary process. Mussomeli’s scheme involves a €5,000 deposit and a €400 fee payable after the sale. Properties here are generally considered to be in better condition compared to those in Zungoli.

Both Zungoli and Mussomeli present a unique chance to own a home in Italy for a symbolic price, offering a pathway to immerse oneself in Italian culture and contribute to the revitalization of these charming towns. The “1 Euro House” initiative is more than just a property deal; it’s an invitation to become part of Italy’s rich tapestry.