Experienced obstacles in realizing dream of purchasing €1 Italian house
In the sun-drenched hills of Mussomeli, Sicily, Rubia Daniels, a 52-year-old Brazilian expat living in California, has transformed five dilapidated houses into her Italian dream homes.
Rubia's journey began in 2019 when she purchased five €1 houses, a symbolic price that hid the substantial renovation costs ahead. Each property required approximately €50,000 in renovations, a figure that proved to be a major sticking point for many would-be buyers.
However, for Rubia, the challenge was worth it. She plans to retire in Italy and live in one of the houses, while using the other two for building a wellness center and art gallery. Three of the houses were for Rubia, one was for her aunt, and another was for her adopted daughter.
The €1 house scheme in Mussomeli, like many similar initiatives in rural towns across Italy, is designed to rejuvenate these areas and encourage investment. Yet, the process is not without its challenges. Dodgy builders are an issue in Italy, with some being unqualified, unreliable, and overcharging. Securing a good builder is vital, but can be challenging for non-locals.
Rubia managed to navigate these hurdles by enlisting the help of her brother-in-law to manage the renovation projects and hiring a Sicilian contractor for ongoing assistance. She found the process of buying the €1 houses easy and clean with no hidden costs.
Not everyone shares Rubia's enthusiasm. Barbara Maekrl, an administrator from Germany, decided against buying a €1 house in Italy due to extensive renovation needs. However, she purchased a €13,000 house in Mussomeli instead, believing her renovation costs will be manageable. Barbara encourages more women over 40 to take the plunge and change their lives by buying a property in Italy.
For those considering the €1 house opportunity, it's essential to understand the obligations and costs involved. Buyers usually must pay a refundable deposit of €3,000 to €5,000 upfront, submit a renovation plan shortly after purchase, and begin work within 1 to 3 years. Completion deadlines typically range around 3 years. Failure to complete on time results in losing the deposit.
Renovation expenses are significant and often run tens or hundreds of thousands of euros. These houses usually require extensive structural work, including plumbing, electrical, roof, and wall stabilization. Costs can range roughly from €750 to €1,500 per square meter, depending on the condition and quality of finishes.
Buyers also cover all additional costs, including notary fees, taxes, and lawyer fees, which can amount to several thousand euros. There can be bureaucratic hurdles and local restrictions affecting permit approvals and renovation schedules, which may delay or complicate the process.
In conclusion, purchasing a €1 house in Italy typically involves paying a small symbolic price plus a refundable deposit, committing to a strict renovation deadline (usually three years), and covering extensive renovation and legal costs that can be very substantial. Prospective buyers should thoroughly research these obligations, budget realistically for renovations, and prepare for bureaucratic challenges.
[1] "Buying a €1 house in Italy: How to navigate the process." The Telegraph. 2021. [2] "€1 Houses in Italy: The Truth Behind the Headlines." Italy Magazine. 2020. [3] "The Reality of Buying a €1 House in Italy." The Local. 2021. [4] "Renovating a €1 House in Italy: Costs, Challenges, and Advice." House in Italy. 2020.
- Rubia Daniels, despite the substantial renovation costs, took advantage of the €1 houses scheme in Mussomeli, Italy, and transformed five dilapidated properties into her Italian dream homes, with each requiring an approximate €50,000 in renovations.
- For some, like Barbara Maekrl from Germany, the extensive renovation needs of the €1 houses deter them, but she still decided to invest, purchasing a €13,000 house instead, believing her renovation costs will be manageable.
- Securing a good builder is crucial when dealing with the renovation costs and challenges that come with properties from schemes like the €1 houses in Mussomeli, and it can be challenging for non-locals like Rubia, who managed to do so by enlisting her brother-in-law and hiring a Sicilian contractor.
- Those considering the €1 house opportunity must be aware that while the initial price may be symbolic, the obligations and costs involved can be significant, including renovation expenses that can range from €750 to €1,500 per square meter, as well as taxes, legal fees, and bureaucratic hurdles associated with real-estate investments in Italy, which may impact their lifestyle and home-and-garden plans.
