The real Italy is closer than you think—lucidity is key, not enchantment. As featured today by BBC World News.
By Sabrina Franco – Italian Real Estate Agent, expert in the Calabria–Lucania–Puglia area
There’s something irresistible about the idea of buying a house in Italy for just one euro. The mind conjures images of a village perched on a hilltop, the scent of fresh bread, the bell tolling in the piazza. It’s a dream that’s gone global, repeated by media outlets on every continent, fueled by headlines like: “Buy a home in Italy for the price of a coffee.”
Yet, while Italy is a land of enchanting illusions, it is also a country of structural complexity, often invisible to distant eyes. And now, years after the first “€1 home” experiments, it’s time for a more sober, informed assessment.
📻 BBC: “Draconian conditions deter many would-be buyers”
The BBC Global News podcast (9 July 2025) recently returned to the topic. Journalist Lauren Markham, after directly investigating the initiative, described the experience of many foreign buyers:
“When a small Italian town announces €1 homes, it receives hundreds or thousands of inquiries. But once people discover all the constraints, many back out. Each municipality has its own rules, often very strict. Some require residency, others demand renovation within 12 months. The conditions are… draconian.”
Her words ring true for those familiar with the field. The obstacles aren’t just economic—they’re legal, bureaucratic, urbanistic, and deeply logistical.
🛑 The other side of the dream
- Slow, unpredictable bureaucracy
Many small Italian towns lack full-time municipal technicians. Surveyors and architects often work part-time across several municipalities, making approvals painfully slow—sometimes taking up to a year. - Strict building regulations
Many properties are protected by heritage authorities. This means you can’t change the layout or use modern materials. A wooden roof must be rebuilt in wood. A balcony added in the 1970s? It may need to be removed. - The real cost: far beyond one euro
Between down payments, notary fees, technical plans, bonds, and obligatory renovations, €30,000 is often the minimum—for properties in places that may lack even basic groceries or healthcare. - Isolated contexts, hard to revitalize
Many towns selected for €1 programs are remote and poorly connected, still not ready to rise again despite the sincere efforts of local authorities.
✅ The real alternative: livable Italy, vibrant and ready
There is another Italy—less romanticized but far more real. In areas just 25 km from beautiful beaches, reachable by train, bus, or highway, you can buy a structurally sound home between €7,000 and €30,000, ready to use or requiring light work, in thriving, welcoming communities.
🎥 See a real example:
A well-positioned home, priced at €7,000, featured here:
This is not fantasy. This is a conscious, practical choice.
🎯 Why the right guidance matters
In this landscape, insider knowledge is critical. With over 20 years of experience, we offer:
- Full legal and technical advisory;
- Mediation with owners and local authorities;
- Introductions to reliable artisans, engineers, and neighbors;
- Expert support in price negotiation and real value analysis.
Our fee—transparent and substantial—is an investment in security, not an extra cost. It shields you from mistakes and opens the door to a real, sustainable Italian experience.
🧭 Conclusion: Italy is not a postcard. It’s a real country.
Italy is not Disneyland. It is a layered, rich, complex country where every home has a story—but also a cadastral record, taxes, neighbors, and rules. It can offer wonder—or frustration—depending on how you approach it.
If you chase only the dream, you stop at the euro.
If you want to truly live Italy, start with a real project, a real consultant, and a place that welcomes you.
📞 +39 0981 913849 🇮🇹
📧 info@obiettivocasaroseto.com
🌐 www.obiettivocasaroseto.com
