Buy a Sardinian Home for Less than a Latte

Okay, the catch is that she’s a major fixer-upper. 

The depopulated town of Ollolai, in Sardinia’s Barbagia region, is selling abandoned homes for €1 to combat impending ghost town status. Its no gimmick, but the purchase of a €1 house entails the commitment to refurbish the home within 3 years for an estimated cost of €20-30,000.

Courtesy Michele Columbu

We boast prehistoric origins. My crusade is to rescue our unique traditions from falling into oblivion. Pride in our past is our strength. We’ve always been tough people and won’t allow our town to die. We need to bring our grandmas’ homes back from the grave. – Efisio Arbau, mayor of Ollolai

Courtesy Sardegna Live/Roberto Tangianu

3 homes have already been sold and 100 more purchase requests have come in from all around the world.

We live nearby and frequently visited Ollolai. Then one day my wife saw the ad in the newspaper. It was an opportunity. This quiet town is frozen in time. It offers a peaceful, healthy life. Residents are so open and friendly they make you feel at home. They never allow me to pay for anything at the bar and constantly invite us over for lunch and dinner. – Vito Casula, a retired builder, and the first to snap up a two-story home for €1

More Properties to Tempt You

Courtesy Sardegna Live/Roberto Tangianu

Although its residents are dwindling, Ollolai’s traditions are not. Local shepards make premium, sheep cheese called Cash Fiore Sardo, for which the area is famous. Other local delicacies include su pistiddu- an autumnal cake with coffee and nuts, as well as porceddu- roasted baby piglet on a bonfire.

Courtesy Sardegna Live/Roberto Tangianu

Not at all a bad deal for a fresh start, for both homeowners and the town.

The fresh air, zero smog and great views have a healing power. My bones and back don’t hurt anymore. – Vito Casula

If you don’t end up moving to Sardinia, there’s plenty to do in London.