Imagine this: after placing a winning online casino, daring bid, you’re sipping a fragrant espresso in a cozy Italian café, enjoying views of old cobblestone streets and rolling hills. Now imagine that for the same price — just one euro — you could become the owner of a real Italian home. Sounds like a fairy tale? In fact, it’s real. And more and more Italian towns are ready to offer you exactly that.
A fresh example is Penne, a charming little town in the Abruzzo region. It recently joined the growing list of Italian towns selling old houses for a symbolic price. What’s the catch, you ask? Well, there really isn’t one — not in the usual sense. These towns all share a common problem: people are leaving, houses are sitting empty, and the streets grow quieter with each passing year.
In Penne, there are currently more than 40 vacant buildings — all located in the heart of the town’s historic center. These homes once belonged to local farmers and artisans. But over time, families moved away — some to Rome, others abroad — in search of better jobs and new opportunities. The houses remained. First empty. Then abandoned.
To stop this sad decline, Penne’s authorities decided to take action. Inspired by the success of other towns that launched similar programs, they are now inviting new owners — perhaps even you — to give these homes a second life.
But why just one euro? It’s simple: it’s a symbol. A price as an invitation. Of course, there are conditions behind that coin — most often, the buyer must commit to renovating the home within a set period of time. Sometimes a deposit is also required (which is later returned), to ensure the sale doesn’t remain just a paper transaction.
And you know what? People are responding. Not only from Italy. New homeowners are arriving from all over the world: the U.S., France, Canada, Germany, even Australia. Some are looking for a holiday home, others want a remote work base, and some simply dream of starting fresh in a beautiful place.
Why not? Small Italian towns offer more than just scenic views and delicious food (though those are huge perks, of course). They also offer peace, calm, and a slower pace of life where real human connection still matters. Here, neighbors still greet each other, the local baker knows your name, and you can buy fresh produce right at the farmers’ market, just steps from your home.
Penne isn’t the only town to take this step. Similar programs have already been launched in Sicily, Calabria, Liguria, Sardinia, and other regions. For example, the town of Sambuca became a media sensation after major global outlets reported on its one-euro homes. Applications poured in from all over the world. Some homes were even auctioned online.
Now it’s Penne’s turn. This town boasts not only historic architecture but also stunning views of hills and mountains — and it’s just half an hour’s drive from the Adriatic Sea. The Abruzzo region is also home to many national parks and nature reserves — a paradise for nature lovers.
Local authorities hope that this renewed interest will attract not just buyers, but also breathe new life into the local economy. After all, new residents mean new needs: shops, cafés, artisan workshops. That means new jobs and a chance for young people to stay in their hometown instead of leaving in search of a better life.
By the way, Penne’s officials promise full support for new homeowners: consultations on renovations, help with paperwork, even advice on adapting to a new environment. So if you’ve been dreaming of a home in Italy — this might be your chance.
Of course, it’s important to stay realistic: old houses require time, effort, and investment. But in return, you don’t just get a piece of real estate — you get a chance to start a new chapter of life. In a country that values beauty, tradition, the joy of living, and the ability to find happiness in the little things.
So maybe it’s time to brew that cup of espresso… and think: why not move to Penne?