Italy’s bold initiative to offer houses for just one euro is gaining international attention as a unique strategy to breathe new life into its shrinking rural towns. However, this isn’t just a straightforward real estate sale. Prospective buyers must commit to mandatory renovations within a specific timeframe, ensuring these properties don’t fall into neglect once again. This campaign targets areas hit hard by decades of demographic decline, aiming not only to repopulate but to stimulate local economies, preserve cultural heritage, and foster sustainable community growth.

The program requires buyers to provide financial guarantees and submit detailed restoration plans. Some towns…