A house in Italy for one euro. Photo: Shutterstock Yes, it still exists, and even now. Even in the summer of 2026, there are towns in Italy that continue to offer homes for the symbolic price of just one euro, as part of initiatives designed to bring abandoned houses and beautiful historic centers back to life.
This is a program known in Italy as "Case a 1 euro," meaning houses for one euro. The idea is simple and appealing: local authorities offer abandoned properties for an almost completely symbolic price, and whoever buys them commits to renovating them and bringing them back to life.
The homes on offer are not usually ready to move into. Some have been empty for years, some require significant renovation and sometimes even structural rehabilitation. But for those who have always dreamed of a small house in Italy, that's exactly what makes the story interesting.
And the good news is that this dream has not disappeared. Even in 2026, the initiative is still alive in several regions of Italy, with active projects, new properties and readers' voices continuing to be heard.
In the town of Petrella Tifernina in the Molise region, a rural area in south-central Italy not far from the Adriatic coast, the program continues this summer. On July 20, 2026, the municipality published a new administrative decision within the framework of the "Petrella Tifernina - Case a 1 Euro" project, concerning property number 1 in the program. The official publication lasts until August 4, 2026.
The activity is also continuing in northern Italy. As part of a project by the Pasubio Piccole Dolomiti association of municipalities, 25 properties were offered this year in the towns of Posina, Recoaro Terme and Valli del Pasubio in the Veneto region. In May 2026, the list of winners for some of the houses was already published.
The initiative is also active in the town of Caltanissetta in Sicily. In June 2026, the municipality approached owners of abandoned properties and offered them to join the program, with the aim of restoring the historic center and bringing unused buildings back to life.
The town of Guardia Sanframondi in the Campania region is also continuing to promote the One Euro Houses program. The municipality cites among the project's goals restoring crumbling buildings, improving the historic center, and encouraging economic and tourist activity.
One euro is the symbolic purchase price. After that comes the really important stage: the renovation.
You need to consider the costs of professionals, planning, permits, taxes and other expenses involved in purchasing a property in Italy. Conditions also vary, and each authority sets its own timelines and renovation requirements.
Renovation requires investment, but those who see the potential can find a rare opportunity here. An old house in an Italian town can, after proper restoration, become a spectacular vacation home, a family home or a rental property, all with an initial purchase price that is almost symbolic. Sometimes the bulk of the money is invested in exactly the right place: in the house itself.
Even non-residents of Italy can, in many cases, purchase property in the country. EU citizens can purchase property in Italy without any special citizenship-related restrictions.
So if you have a European passport, you're probably a little luckier: in terms of the actual purchase, the path to fulfilling your dream of a small house in Italy may be simpler.
For citizens of non-EU countries, the purchaser's status and the countries' reciprocity conditions are examined as part of the transaction. This examination is usually carried out by the notary handling the purchase.
Purchasing a home in Italy does not, by itself, grant residency or the right to reside in the country permanently. Property ownership and residency status are separate.
So, if you've heard about the houses in the Euro before and thought the story was over, there's good news: as of August 2026, the programs are still active in several regions of Italy.
The house may cost one euro, and the renovation obviously requires an investment, but for those willing to enter the project with open eyes, check carefully, and plan properly, the dream of a small house in Italy can still become a reality.