The concept of one-euro houses in Italy has been around for years and remains relevant, as various municipalities continue their programs to address the country's surplus of beautiful, historic properties that often fall into disrepair and abandonment. Many of these buildings typically require substantial investment for restoration, attracting buyers who share a passion for cultural preservation. These individuals are eager to honour the past while introducing new elements to Italy’s timeless landscapes. We would like to share several examples of 1-Euro Houses in Sicily that have been stylishly renovated while adhering to local historical requirements.
If you have the good fortune to work with a professional architecture studio like Didea, you can achieve a stunning renovation that turns a property into a true treasure. One such example is the transformation of an early 20th-century home in Sambuca, Sicily, completed by the Palermo-based architecture studio Didea. The structure, which was partially embedded within Sambuca's town walls, was essentially a ruin, featuring collapsed floors and rising damp issues. However, Didea recognised the potential within its framework and embarked on a complete reimagining of the property in collaboration with Airbnb. The studio's redesign of the home emphasises simplicity and precision, avoiding decorative excess. Modern, minimalist features contrast with original elements, such as vaulted ceilings and mosaic floors.
Warm, muted Mediterranean-style walls pair with bold colour blocks, creating a striking visual effect. A standout feature is the staircases made from perforated steel in bold red and green, complemented by translucent doors that enhance natural light and contribute to a soft, airy Mediterranean ambience. All aspects of the property, including furnishings, were custom-designed in what Didea calls an "architectural tailoring process," resulting in a cohesive, purposeful interior.
Another example of a successful renovation of a "ONE EURO" townhouse in Sambuca di Sicilia into a beautiful Renaissance holiday home valued at $250,000. In 2019, the council in Sambuca di Sicilia auctioned off 16 abandoned homes, and an American couple purchased one of these townhouses for just $10,500. They were given a three-year deadline to convert it into a liveable space. They invested $200,000 to transform the once “uninhabitable” three-story property, which included installing a new staircase, plumbing, and roof repairs. With the help of local architects and artisans, they completed the renovations within the three-year deadline. The renovated two-bedroom, 250-square-meter house retains its original wooden windows, majolica-tiled floors, and vaulted double-barrelled ceilings, while now featuring three bathrooms, a living room, an open-plan marble kitchen, and a roof terrace with mountain views.
The couple sourced everything from their kitchen cabinets to the marble floors from local businesses in their village to maximise economic impact. They stated, "For the $200,000 we spent, you couldn't find anything comparable. The views, tranquillity, amenities, and proximity to the sea are unmatched." They expressed their amazement at the quality of the food and wine in local restaurants, as well as the vibrant community spirit. Adding, “The village is beautiful, with stunning baroque architecture. It’s close to Palermo, just 20 minutes from the beach, and historic sites like the Valley of the Temples are only an hour away.” Their advice: "Be patient, take your time, and work with the locals.”
Another example is a Couple's 1 Euro House Renovation in Gangi, also in Sicily. They transformed an old house in Gangi, Sicily, into a winter retreat after purchasing it for just one euro. They were among the first in Sicily to take advantage of this opportunity. Years ago, we visited Gangi and fell in love with the village. It has worked out well.
The house, abandoned for years, had four levels, including a basement stable. They renovated nearly everything: the roof, systems, fixtures, floors, and finishes—retaining only the original volume of the structure. And converted the barn into a kitchen, focusing on using salvaged materials to preserve its historical character. And repurposed unusable dressed stone steps as windowsills and reused machined cement floors from two rooms. For wooden structures, they used local chestnut wood. They bought the house as a winter retreat. Their advice is also to hire local labour, and their home now serves as an inspiration for others in Gangi to embark on similar renovations.
Areas Offering 1-Euro Homes
· Modigliana, a town in Emilia-Romagna
· Casoli, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, and Pratola Peligna, Abruzzo
· Pietramelara, close to Pompeii in Campania
· Mussomeli, Calatafimi Segesta, Augusta, Sambuca, and Caltagirone, Sicily
· Borgomezzavalle and Albugnano, Piedmont
· Cantiano, Le Marche region (which is known for its beaches and truffles)
· Triora and Pignone, Liguria region
· Tarento, Puglia
· Romana and Nulvi, Sardinia
Several advisory organizations and resources can help individuals interested in Italy's one-euro house program. These include 1eurohouses.com, 1 Euro Houses, and Renovita. Additionally, online platforms like Facebook groups and resources like Italian Fix and My Italian Family can provide valuable information and support.
One warning, though, most of these homes are in historic city centres and have been abandoned for over a century, and therefore often require significant renovations. Buyers may spend up to €250,000 on repairs, which they may not recoup upon resale, as property values in these areas tend to be relatively low. However, with the US dollar stronger than the euro, there is still a great time to purchase and renovate properties.
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