The mayor of a small town in Sardinia, Italy, offers houses to Americans for 1 euro

Quiet living

Sardinia, in Italy, is a quiet island with rural landscapes, nature, and a touch of class and elegance. Local officials in some towns are offering that paradise for just one Euro.

Photo: Live in Ollolai

Confirmed by the mayor

It may sound like a scam, but Francesco Columbu, mayor of the small town of Ollolai, promoted this opportunity, especially to American citizens.

Photo: Flickr - Michele Columbu

"There are houses for one euro"

The official confirmed that "there are houses for one euro for those who want to become residents" in statements to The Guardian. But how is this possible?

Photo: Flickr - François Renauld

Against depopulation

The mayor's goal is to alleviate the problem that many small European municipalities currently have: the depopulation and relocation of residents in large cities.

Photo: Pexels - Riciardus

Since 2018

However, the initiative is not new. Mr. Columbu launched it in 2018 when a handful of investors settled in Ollolai and took advantage of the incomparable offer.

Photo: Flickr - François Renauld

Houses need to be renovated

The houses the municipality has for one euro require major renovation, but the advantage of renovating is buyers can reshape properties to better match their needs.

Photo: Flickr - François Renauld

A tough project

However, renovating in a foreign country has its difficulties. An American homebuyer told CNBC that it can take many years and requires patience. It can also mean hitting a wall with local regulations.

There are also reformed ones

So, those who want a renovated home ready to move into can also find one at Ollolai, not for one euro but at affordable prices, the promotional website for this initiative confirmed.

Photo: Flickr - François Renauld

Departure for disenchanted citizens

The mayor placed such emphasis on American citizens because he expected many people to be disenchanted by the election result and to look for a way out of the country.

Photo: Flickr - Wolfang Koehler

First or second home

But the move does not need to be permanent. Many investors have bought their houses in Ollolai as vacation homes but have already helped renovate and revitalize the town.

Aging population

"We are a population of mostly elderly people in a town that is depopulating, and we need to invest in our future," Mr. Columbu told The Guardian. "We can't resolve the issue with these initiatives, but at least we are creating a bit of activity," he concluded.

Photo: Work From Ollolai