Almost for nothing: 10 places where you can buy a house for 1 euro

It sounds amazing, but there are places in Europe (and not only) where you can buy real estate for almost a penny.

Sometimes the authorities of certain cities try to improve the welfare of their settlements by any means. One of the simplest and at the same time unusual is the sale of real estate for a symbolic price. But when buying, you must agree to the terms that the sellers offer.

(10 photos in total)

Rappottenstein (Austria)

In 2009, the authorities of the Austrian village of Rappottenstein, located near the Czech border, took an unusual step to increase the population: everyone was given the opportunity to purchase a land plot of 800 or 900 square meters for 1 euro.

However, the following conditions were in effect: married couples or singles who received land had to have at least one child within the next ten years, and within three years to build a house on the site. If these conditions are violated, the newly-minted landowners must pay a fine of 12 thousand euros.

Chan-du-Boule (France)

In the French town of Chan du Boulle in the department of Calvados, they offered to acquire a plot of land for the construction of a house for only 1 euro per sq. m (the size of the allocated allotments is about 1000 sq. m). The purpose of the campaign is precisely to increase the number of residents of this locality. As of 2010, there were fewer than 400 of them, and most of them are British.

However, the offer is valid only for buyers with "serious intentions" — those who decide to settle here permanently and will be able to invest in the construction of a house. The nationality and citizenship of the applicant do not matter, it is more important that there are children in the family.

Cobridge (England)

The authorities of the town of Cobridge in Staffordshire are trying to give a second life to abandoned houses and renovate the city. There are several dozen houses in the city at a price of 1 euro.

However, this symbolic price is considered an initial investment in a future house, since the property is sold subject to a further payment of 30 thousand pounds. This amount includes the repair or restoration of the house. Or confirmation is required that the new owner has savings to restore the house. The property cannot be sold for five years.

Liverpool (England)

Liverpool's Anfield district is considered decadent, although it is here that the eponymous home stadium of the legendary Liverpool football club is located. Houses here are already sold for a song, and according to a special offer from the municipality, a two-storey house will cost only 1 euro.

The purpose of such a program is to transform dilapidated housing into beautiful houses. Before the sale, the city authorities will perform all the most difficult work on the restoration of houses. However, you need to be a British citizen and live and work in Liverpool.

Carrega Ligure (Italy)

This commune in Italy is located in the Piedmont region, in the province of Alessandria. The houses for sale are located surrounded by five valleys, which have long been favored by monks. The authorities of Carrega Ligure launched this project to resist the emptying of the village, where only 98 people live in 13 districts — this is one of the least populated villages in Italy at an altitude of 950 meters above sea level. These places are famous for their excellent ecology.

The dwelling will need to be restored using only eco-friendly materials. Also, the new owners must preserve the authenticity of the appearance of the buildings so that the style of the house outwardly fully corresponds to the previous building.

Ganja, Sicily (Italy)

In this Italian village, you can get housing for a symbolic price. This is due to the fact that almost all residents are trying to move to big cities in search of work and opportunities. The commune authorities auctioned 20 houses for 1 euro to increase the population and breathe new life into Ganja.

But it should be borne in mind that the condition of the houses put up for sale is very deplorable and the property will have to be restored at its own expense. The purchase of any property in Sicily costs 6000 euros, and when buying a house in Ganja, the future owner undertakes to make repairs within five years.

Pitcairn Island (UK)

A tiny island in the Pacific Ocean (this is an overseas territory of Great Britain) wants to increase its population so much that it offers free land to those who would like to settle there. In 2015, homosexual marriages were even legalized here. The island's population has been declining from a peak of 200 people in the 1930s to today's figure of 56 residents.

A person who wants to settle on Pitcairn Island should be independent and possibly run his own business, since it is difficult to find a job there. Nevertheless, the government is ready to provide interested parties with free land for the construction of a house that needs to be built at their own expense. It is also necessary to prove your solvency by providing bank statements on the availability of at least 30 thousand New Zealand dollars. According to preliminary estimates, the construction and furnishing of a house of 160 squares costs about 150 thousand New Zealand dollars on the island. It is also worth considering that Pitcairn Island is one of the most inaccessible places in the world.

Roubaix (France)

In a small village on the border with Belgium, houses are sold at a symbolic price of 1 euro. The purpose of the program is to breathe new life into the district. That's just the building will be in a deplorable state. Reconstruction should be carried out at their own expense, and the house cannot be sold for five years.

West Coast of Hokkaido (Japan)

Everyone knows that Japan is overpopulated, but even here young people flock to megacities, leaving remote regions almost empty. On the west coast of Hokkaido, the authorities are forced to distribute plots of land for free. There is only one condition: you need to build your house in three years and officially settle in it.

Sardinia (Italy)

The authorities of the city of Ollolai and the commune of Nulvi offer to buy a house on the Italian island of Sardinia for just 1 euro. The only requirement for the buyer is a complete renovation of the building within a year after the conclusion of the transaction. And it will cost at least 20 thousand euros.