Why aren't we all buying a home in Italy?

Published on 2 March 2024 at 16:35

Cheap Homes in Italy?

Forget about the phrase, "I don't know who needs to hear this!"  How about, "Everyone needs to hear this?!" -- There are cheap homes in Italy!

There's no shortage of art, culture, delicious food and adventure in Italy. La Bella Italia is plentiful with natural beauty. Whether you appreciate the sea, mountains or both. Dazzling romantic cities, iconic ruins and historical sites lure the curious, while mesmerizing seascapes, jaw-dropping mountain ranges and turquoise-blue lakes call out to the nature lover and outdoor enthusiast. In addition to these well-known national treasures and hugely popular cities --- that come with housing sticker shock--- are hundreds of small and charming towns and hillside villages with dwindling populations and plentiful homes for sale, at alarmingly affordable prices.

Why are so many homes available in Italian small towns? 

Better jobs and the possibility of a more prosperous life has been luring young Italians away to urban areas both within italy and abroad for years. It has left many towns with diminishing populations and vacant homes. In addition, low birth rates, and some unfavorable tax burdens on non-primary dwellings contribute to the trend of selling family homes no longer in use. Italy has created various programs and schemes designed to help breathe life back into its decreasing small towns. Just Google, "One Euro Homes Italy" and you will have reading material for days. Spoiler alert - These homes will cost you more than one Euro!

Since we spent/spend a lot of time in Italy, we've been able to visit hundreds of small villages and dozens of homes for sale. We have a set of criteria for our ideal location and budget and I know there is a little slice of Italy out there for every budget and goal.  Italy offers so much to see and enjoy - and not just in Tuscany!  I would say, just be open minded and willing to embrace the charms of small town or rural living. Look for potential, not perfection and enjoy the process of looking, traveling and dreaming. The goal of owning a little piece of Italy is out there in the universe for me, and now you! Happy hunting.

 

According to Forbes, "Italy’s small towns and villages have been hemorrhaging residents for decades as dire job opportunities have pushed inhabitants to move to cities or even abroad." 

February Home Highlight 

Published on 26 February 2024 at 14:54

Allerona, Umbria Italy

2 Bed, 1 Bath - Approx 1050 Sq. Ft - $24,000 +-

Here is a listing for a home in Allerona, Umbria --  right in the center of Italy between Rome and Florence. I like the location as a home base for seeing all of Italy. Services such as grocery, pharmacy, banks, hospitals and transportation are nearby and it's very close to the larger, more famous city of Orvieto, where we lived for a bit. It's listed as one of Italy's  "Borghi più bella" or "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" with strong historical and artistic interests. We visited Allerona on a few occasions and have it on our list. It's a peaceful little town with stunning views of the rolling hills and valleys  below.  This home is listed for €22,000 (Euro) which currently is under $24K USD at the time of this post! Cheaper than a new mid-range car, tiny home or a RV in the states. No, it's not perfect, but certainly with some elbow grease and imagination, this could be a wonderful vacation spot or home base from which to travel Europe. I'm not a real estate agent or claim to know all of the laws, but  the listing agent found is Case di Famiglia at https://www.casedifamiglia.com/allerona/9    I've included a few of its photos here but click on their links if you want to see more. The remaining  photos I took while visiting Allerona. As you can see, it's pretty special!

The real estate firm also appears to have a video walk through! https://www.casedifamiglia.com/allerona/9

 

**TIP** - We found it very helpful to listen to Audible to learn some basics of Italian. I personally liked Paul Noble. It's a simple and no frills strategy for beginners. I like the fact that he breaks the lessons down into bite-sized pieces and the phrases are actually applicable to real life. I was able to practice while cleaning the house, walking the dogs and gardening! 

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As an Amazon Associate I may earn from qualifying purchases at no cost to you.


Photos from listing agent https://www.casedifamiglia.com/allerona/9  

Note: I am not a real estate agent, nor do not sell property in Italy or receive sales commissions from this listing. I have not verified that this information is still current, but have obtained it through searching for cheap homes in areas where we would consider purchasing. This home listing is not a recommendation but an example of homes and prices in the general area. You are advised to do a thorough investigation before completing a purchase by contacting an agent or the owner as well as conducting your own due diligence with the proper authorities involved with real estate prior to completing a purchase. Property photo credits go to the agent (s) or listing publishing entity.

Pictures we took while visiting Allerona below 


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