ITALY - Roll up for a bargain home

Expect Italy to continue promoting its government-backed discount schemes, aimed at tempting foreign buyers to its sleepy inland villages by practically gifting them unloved properties or cash. A typical example sees selected homes offered for just €1, on condition the new owner spends money renovating the property and keeps the property for their own use. An uptick in interest in this type of scheme wouldn't be surprising in 2023, following the launch of a TV series about celebs Amanda Holden and comedian Alan Carr taking on one such project. Amanda and Alan's Italian Job kicks off on Friday 6th January (BBC One) and follows their progress buying and renovating a 'one-euro home' in Sicily. Read about someone who has already done it here: The man who said arrivederci to Jamie Oliver and ciao to a one-euro home in Italy – Italy Property Guides

Other recent schemes introduced last year – and continuing into 2023 – in towns in Puglia and Sardinia offer grants of €30,000 and €15,000 respectively to people who buy a property to reside in permanently.