Buy a house for €1 in this idyllic Sicily town

If waking up to stunning views and sun-drenched terraces tickles your fancy, then here’s your chance to get on the property ladder for next to nothing

Perched on a rocky slope overlooking rural vistas of Sicily, San Piero Patti looks every bit the postcard of a picturesque Italian hill town. A short jaunt from the coast, it's located in the characterful province of Messina, famed for its history and traditions.

It might seem surprising then that properties in this area are being sold for less than the cost of an espresso.

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Why is San Piero Patti shrinking?

Home to just under 3,000 people, the town has seen its population dwindle for decades. An aging population, coupled with migration, has led the local council to launch an innovative venture to breathe new life into the town.

Empty houses will be sold for the pocket-sized price of €1 (90p) and will be available to both locals and house hunters from more distant shores.

The historic hill town of San Piero Patti is looking to attract a new generation of residents. Image: fiorana28 / Instagram

As part of the sale, buyers will have to oversee the renovation of the properties, many of which are dilapidated. Locally-sourced materials such as traditional stone, timber and terracotta roofing must be used, and the council says local artisans must be employed where possible.

The project, which was rejected earlier this year, was given the unanimous go-ahead by the town council this week. Their next step is to decide how many properties will be offered for sale. It’s predicted that the first homes will be on the market by early next year.

Italy's bargain €1 homes

A similar scheme was undertaken in the Sicilian town of Gangi in 2015. It had similarly seen its population decline and turned to selling vacant properties at bargain-basement prices to bring in new blood.

The town of Gangi has seen a significant population growth since its one euro home scheme.

“It all started with the example of Gangi, which has been a great success – a lot of their houses have been sold,” Salvatore Fiore, the mayor of San Piero Patti, told The Telegraph.

“We in the very early stages and I can’t yet say how many houses will be up for sale. But they will be available to anyone – foreign buyers will be welcome, absolutely.”

The population of San Piero Patti has fallen by 1,000 in two decades, but this is by no means an unfamiliar tale in southern Italy. A report released by the National Institute of Statistics in May 2018 predicted that in 2065, a mere 29% of Italy’s population would reside in the southern regions and major islands. It’s hoped that repopulation schemes like San Piero Patti's can help reverse this narrative.

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