This 'n That Thursdays: Buy A Home In Sambuca di Sicilia for About a Dollar

Have you ever dreamed of owning an Italian villa in the picturesque countryside?  Well, your dream may not be as inaccessible as it sounds, provided you can meet the terms of sale on some properties in Sambuca di Sicilia, Italy!  The population in this Italian village has been dwindling over the years, to the point that the local government is willing to sell potential buyers a home for one euro (just over a dollar) just to keep the town alive.

From The Irish Times

Not surprisingly, hover, there are certain conditions which must be met.  The two-story Moorish stone homes, which range in size from 430 to 1,610 square feet, are in dire need of renovation, so you must be willing to spend a minimum of about $17,100 to make your house livable again within three years after purchase.  A $5,700 deposit is also required, to be fully refunded when the renovations are complete, presumably to the satisfaction of the local government, which owns all of the houses.  Deals that seem too good to be true usually are, so I would make sure to get in writing exactly what these satisfactory renovations entail, and would also check in to any taxes, fees, penalties, etc., that may apply (for example, what happens if, for reasons beyond your control, the house renovations are not completed within the three-year limit?).  It would not be a waste of money to hire a lawyer to look into the details should you want to seriously consider this offer.

That said, if you are willing to take a gamble and have the time, money, and willingness to deal with a major building renovation, then this may just be the project for you!  Sambuca really does seem to be a lovely town, located on the island of Sicily and perched on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.  Just remember that such an undertaking will not be easy.  Remember the travails of Frances Mayes in Under the Tuscan Sun, but also remember that, for her, in the end the frustrations where worth suffering, and such may be the case for you as well!

Personally, I would live anywhere that donkeys are welcome!
(from CNN)