In the past few years, news about owning houses in Italy for a symbolic €1 price tag has stormed headlines, capturing the imagination of many. The idea of buying a home in picturesque Italian villages for just one euro sounds too good to be true. While this is not a hoax, the reality is more complex. There are strict requirements for eligibility, and the availability of these properties is so limited that by the time news breaks, the few houses available are already sold. This article will guide you through all the details, shedding light on how the project works, the necessary requirements, and the hidden costs behind the dream of owning a house in Italy for €1.
How Does It Work?
Yes, it is indeed possible to buy a house for just €1. This initiative was created by the Municipality of Mussomeli in Sicily, aimed at revitalizing the town and attracting new residents. However, there are clear stipulations to ensure that the homes are renovated and used. When purchasing one of these homes, the buyer must commit to renovating it within three years of purchase.
Mussomeli, located in the heart of Sicily, offers a unique experience of living in one of Italy’s most peaceful and traditional towns. A few kilometers away, you’ll find beautiful beaches and historical temples, making Mussomeli a charming destination for those looking for a more relaxed lifestyle.
How Do You Buy One of These Houses?
The first step in purchasing a house for €1 is choosing a property on the Mussomeli website. Once you’ve selected your desired house, you will need to contact the Municipality of Mussomeli (via the provided contact form) to check availability. You will then be required to visit Mussomeli for an inspection to evaluate the condition of the house and the renovation costs. After the inspection, you can proceed by filling out the official purchase request form.
Is This Too Good to Be True?
No, the Case1euro.it project is not a joke. It is a fully legitimate program managed by the Municipality of Mussomeli. The city council, following a proposal by city councilor Toti Nigrelli, passed the “Regulation for the Facilitated Assignment of Properties.” This regulation, introduced in 2009, made it possible to sell abandoned properties for just €1 as part of a broader effort to rejuvenate the town. The program has since gained international attention, attracting buyers from all over the world.
Why Are the Houses Sold for Just €1?
There are several reasons why owners choose to sell their homes for €1:
- Tax Burdens: In Italy, the property tax on the first home is waived for Italian citizens. However, owners with multiple properties face high taxes, which makes selling the house for €1 a preferable option.
- Depopulation: Many of the homes were built during the housing boom of the 1970s, but owners have since moved to larger cities or passed away, leaving these properties vacant.
- Desire to Sell: Many residents of Mussomeli have relocated for work, and these houses, which were once family homes, are now up for sale to avoid continued tax obligations.
What Are the Buyer’s Obligations?
When buying a house under this program, buyers are required to:
- Sign a public deed of purchase within two months of approval.
- Bear all the costs for the drafting of the deed (notary, registration, transfer, etc.).
- Prepare a renovation project for the property within one year of purchase, and obtain the necessary approvals.
- Begin renovation work within two months of obtaining a building permit.
- Provide a €5,000 surety to the Municipality of Mussomeli to guarantee the completion of the renovations. If the buyer fails to complete the work within three years, the municipality has the right to forfeit the surety or take possession of the property.
How Long Do You Have to Renovate the House?
According to the Municipal Regulations, all homes purchased under this scheme must be renovated within three years of signing the deed of purchase. This deadline is strict, and any failure to complete the renovations could result in the loss of the property.
For more information on the full regulations, visit the official Municipal Regulations.
About Mussomeli
- Location: Mussomeli is a quaint town in central Sicily, with a population of about 11,000. Located in the heart of Sicily, Mussomeli offers scenic views from its hills and is surrounded by the beauty of the Platani River and nearby historical sites.
- Weather: The climate is continental, with cold winters and hot, dry summers. Winter temperatures range from 7-11°C, while summer temperatures can reach up to 35°C. The area is known for its strong winds and mild snowfalls during winter.
- Proximity: Mussomeli is 53 km from Agrigento, 58 km from Caltanissetta, and is about 172 km from Catania Airport and 96 km from Palermo Airport.
- Safety: Mussomeli is one of the safest cities in Italy, with a robust surveillance system and active police forces ensuring the town remains secure.
Are There Any Additional Costs?
While the houses are priced at €1, there are several additional costs to consider, including:
- Notary Fees: These are mandatory and vary depending on the complexity of the purchase. Generally, the minimum cost for notary services is around €900 and can go up to €1,400.
- Secretarial Fees: There is a €400 fee for processing the €1 house purchase, and €500 for properties valued above €1.
- Insurance: A €5,000 surety insurance policy typically costs between €100 and €200.
- Cadastral Plans and A.P.E.: For properties without recent energy certificates or cadastral maps, you may need to pay €200 for the energy performance certificate (A.P.E.) and between €500 to €700 for the cadastral plans.
- Annual Taxes: These include property tax (IMU) and waste tax (TARI), which are relatively low, typically around €300 per year for a 100 sqm property.
- Renovation Costs: While the renovation costs can vary depending on the condition of the property, expect to pay around €100 per square meter for exterior renovations, with full renovations starting at €700 per square meter.
Can You Renovate the Property Yourself?
Yes, buyers are allowed to renovate the house on their own or hire a contractor of their choice. Mussomeli does not mandate using specific construction companies, giving buyers the freedom to choose how to manage the renovation.
Summary
The €1 house project in Mussomeli offers an incredible opportunity for those willing to invest time, effort, and money into renovating a historic property in Sicily. While the price of the house itself may be just €1, the process requires a commitment to fulfilling all renovation obligations within three years. Buyers must consider additional costs such as notary fees, insurance, and renovation expenses before embarking on this journey.
For a list of currently available properties in Mussomeli, visit the official Mussomeli €1 Houses Page.
Useful Links
- Contact Mussomeli Municipality
- Purchase Request Form
- Municipal Regulation
- Available Properties in Mussomeli
- Promotional Video for €1 Houses in Mussomeli
