They Bought a €1 House, But the Real Expenses Came Later
The 1 euro homes in Italy, a topic of discussion for years, are once again drawing attention. At first glance, it seems like you can practically get a house for free. However, the real cost in these projects doesn't lie in the sale price, but starts afterwards. Most buyers find themselves having to renovate the house in a short period of time. Consequently, these 1 euro homes can actually turn into a renovation project that requires a serious budget.
The aim of selling houses for one euro is to breathe new life into abandoned towns.
The 1 euro home program in Italy was initiated primarily to rejuvenate small towns experiencing a decline in population. The majority of these old houses are privately owned. The owners, burdened by the taxes and maintenance costs of these neglected properties, can transfer their homes to the municipalities at a nominal price. This not only saves the houses from complete demolition but also aims to attract new residents to these towns.
However, these homes are typically not ready to move into. Most of them have been vacant for years, requiring serious repair work in fundamental areas such as the roof, plumbing, electricity, flooring, and walls.
According to Idealista's 2026 guide, it's not enough for buyers to merely purchase the house; most municipalities require the submission of a renovation project within a certain timeframe and the completion of the refurbishment. In other words, a house bought for 1 euro actually comes with a commitment to renovate, given to the municipality.
The real cost emerges in renovations and official procedures.
The most striking aspect of these one-euro homes is that the real investment begins after the purchase price. According to Impatria's 2026 guide, renovating a small house can cost between 20,000 and 30,000 euros. For larger, damaged, or complex properties, this cost can escalate to between 50,000 and 100,000 euros. Additional expenses such as notary fees, registration taxes, architect, surveyor, and lawyer costs can add another 5,000 to 10,000 euros to the total budget.
In some municipalities, buyers may also be required to pay a security deposit. According to the 2026 buyer's guide from Holiday Home Scout, this deposit typically varies between 3,000 and 10,000 euros and can be refunded if the renovation is completed within the stipulated period. However, if the buyer fails to fulfill their obligations, the deposit can be forfeited, and the municipality may even reclaim the property. Therefore, buying a one-euro home is more of a planned, budgeted, and patience-demanding restoration process than a cheap holiday home opportunity.
Some buyers splashed out hundreds of thousands of euros.
The experiences of foreign buyers interested in such projects demonstrate that the final cost of a 1 euro house can vary significantly from person to person. As reported by The Times, some American buyers have spent anywhere from $23,500 to over $500,000 to renovate their 1 euro homes in Italy. While some have simply made a small house livable, others have combined multiple buildings to create a luxurious living space.
However, many buyers are not solely motivated by the financial aspect of this investment. For some, the opportunity to return to their roots in Italy, live in a small town, or save a historic house holds more value.
Yet, from an outsider's perspective, the promise of a '1 euro house' masks a lengthy renovation process, official permits, professional services, and unexpected expenses. Consequently, experts advise those interested in these houses to focus not just on the initial cost of the house, but on the total expenses involved.
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