Ever dreamed of living in a picturesque, remote town far from the city’s hustle and bustle? Then this village located on the southern island of Sicily might just be the perfect place to turn that dream into a reality.
The town of Sambuca, Italy is currently selling homes for one euro, which is about $1.14. The hilltop town, which provides views of the Mediterranean you only see in postcards, currently has dozens of homes on the market for less than the cost of an espresso!
According to Giuseppe Cacioppo, the town’s deputy mayor and tourist councilor, they are practically giving away these houses to revive the town, after it’s population dropped when people moved to the urban areas. He guarantees that anyone who wants to purchase a home won’t have to pass through the eye of a needle in order to do so.
“As opposed to other towns that have merely done this for propaganda, this city hall owns all €1 houses on sale,” Cacioppo told CNN. “We’re not intermediaries who liaise between old and new owners. You want that house, you’ll get it no time.”
The houses are built in stone or red brick and span anywhere from 40 square meters to 150 square meters. However, there is a catch for those interested in buying one of these homes, and it involves shelling out a little more money.
Most of the houses are in poor condition, and owners must commit to renovating the property within 3 years for at least €15,000 or about $17,100. To buy the home, owners must also make a security deposit of €5,000 or about $5,700, which they will be able to refund once the home renovation is finished.
Most of the available homes are located in the “Saracen District”, a neighborhood rich with Arab Heritage. Narrow alleyways make up the streets and stone buildings with domed roofs are also abundant in the area.
“Sambuca is known as the City of Splendor,” Cacioppo says. “This fertile patch of land is dubbed the Earthly Paradise. We’re located inside a natural reserve, packed with history. Gorgeous beaches, woods, and mountains surround us. It’s silent and peaceful, an idyllic retreat for a detox stay.” With this, the mayor promises that anyone who buys a home from the village will be surely satisfied with their choice.
If you’re interested in buying one of these homes, you better act quick as the demand is very high. According to Cacioppo, some 10 houses have already been sold and foreigners are flocking the town, completely mesmerized by all its beauty.