Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Maenza In Italy Is Selling $1 Homes Right Now & How Quickly Can You Pack Your Bags?

It's located just 1.5 hours from ROME! 😍

Managing Editor, Canada

Grab your passport and pack your bags! Maenza in Italy is selling $1 homes right now and all you've got to do is renovate them!

The medieval village of Maenza, located just 1.5 hours from Rome, is overflowing with history and even has its very own castle. Like some other Italian towns over the past couple of years, this spot is offering mega cheap homes to encourage people to move to the area and restore some of its oldest properties.

The town's mayor, Claudio Sperduti, told CNN that the scheme is part of a "pact for the rebirth" for the town.

He hopes the rock-bottom prices will encourage ambitious buyers to transform the area's disused and crumbling buildings into lifelong homes.

"We're taking it one step at a time. As original families get in touch and hand over to us their old houses, we place these on the market through specific public notices on our website to make it all very transparent," he explained.

What's the catch?

The only catch for buyers is that they must commit to renovating the properties, some of which are apparently in pretty bad shape.

A deposit of €5,000 (approximately $7,450) must also be handed over, although it will be returned when renovation works are completed.

There's also a matchmaking service on offer. Local officials say they will do their best to match prospective movers with their perfect properties, wherever possible.

According to CNN, restorations should be relatively cheap as many of the old buildings are small. There are also tax deductions available, including for environmentally friendly restyles and earthquake-proofing updates.

When can I move in?

While the first few applications closed earlier this month, Sperduti says there are many properties ready to go on the market for potential buyers.

The town's website will continue to be kept up to date with any homes that come up for sale.

Explore this list   👀

    • Managing Editor

      Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

    This small town in Canada is selling residential lots for just $10 to get you to move there

    Your dream home could be closer (and cheaper) than you think! 🏠

    This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

    Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

    This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

    It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.

    New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

    Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁