Sicilian homes available for just a euro

News on Italy

Homes in Salemi, a small town in western Sicily, are being offered for sale for just €1 (81p), in a radical attempt to boost its property fortune.

An earthquake damaged most of the villas in the town 40 years ago and since then, much of the local population has moved out. But local mayor, Vittorio Sgarbi, believes the scheme will help revitalise the town.

"There are 3,700 houses owned by the council, almost all in the old town, that are in danger of falling down - of crumbling and dying," Sgarbi said.

However, there is a catch. Anyone who purchases a property will be required to sympathetically renovate the old home, without altering its style, within just a couple of years, which will prove costly.

"We're thinking of people who have the sensibility and economic resources to embark on this adventure," Sgarbi added. "In exchange for a token payment of one euro we will offer them one of these houses and ask that they undertake to restore them within two years while respecting their original characteristics."

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