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18th January 2019
08:01pm GMT
A stunning countryside town in Italy is trying to encourage more people to move there by putting homes on the market from as little as €1.
The hilltop town of Sambuca, also known as ‘the city of splendour’, on the island of Sicily, has gorgeous views out over the Sicilian countryside and most homes feature palm gardens, courtyards and arcaded entrances.
If this deal sounds a little too good to be true, that’s because it kind of is – the offer of a €1 property does come with a few strings attached.
Buyers have to commit to refurbishing their properties within three years which is expected to cost around €15,000, and they must also provide a €5,000 security deposit that will be returned after the renovations are completed.
Still, that works out a hell of a lot cheaper than any home you’re likely to find anywhere in Ireland.
Sambuca’s deputy mayor and tourist councillor Giuseppe Cacioppo told CNN, “As opposed to other towns that have merely done this for propaganda, this city hall owns all €1 houses on sale.
“We’re not intermediaries who liaise between old and new owners. You want that house, you’ll get it [in] no time.”
He added, "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."
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