How to Apply for a €1 House in Italy

There is no central national registry for €1 house programs. Each municipality (comune) publishes its own call for applications (bando). You need to monitor individual town websites, expat forums, and aggregator sites.

• Check our active programs table for currently open municipalities
• Search official town websites for "case a 1 euro" or "bando alienazione immobili"
• Join Facebook groups and expat forums to get first-hand reports on newly opened programs
• Shortlist 2–3 towns — having backup options matters as programs fill quickly

The bando (official municipal notice) is the legally binding document that sets all the rules: deposit amount, renovation timeline, required documents, and penalty clauses. Rules vary significantly between towns.

• Download the bando PDF from the official municipal website
• Note the application deadline — most have hard cutoffs
• Record the exact deposit amount (cauzione) required
• Check the renovation deadline (usually 24–48 months from deed signing)
• Identify whether foreign buyers are eligible (most towns allow it, but verify)

The Codice Fiscale (CF) is Italy's tax identification number. It is mandatory for every legal transaction in Italy — you cannot sign a property deed, open a bank account, or hire contractors without one.

• Apply at your nearest Italian Consulate (free of charge)
• Alternatively, apply at any Agenzia delle Entrate office when you're in Italy (€20 fee)
• Bring your passport and a completed application form (Modello AA4/8)
• The CF is usually issued the same day at the consulate

You will need an Italian bank account (or SEPA-compatible European account) to pay the deposit, purchase taxes, notary fees, and contractor invoices. Most Italian municipalities require payments via wire transfer to an Italian account.

• Online banks like Revolut (with IBAN) or N26 are accepted by most municipalities
• Traditional Italian banks (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit) require in-person visits
• Bring your Codice Fiscale and passport when opening any Italian account

The application package typically includes your motivation letter, renovation project proposal, financial documentation, and identity documents. Some towns use an online portal; others require physical delivery.

• Write a motivation letter (lettera motivazionale) explaining your renovation plans and why you chose the town
• Prepare a preliminary renovation concept (even a rough plan with timeline)
• Include proof of financial capability (bank statements showing you can fund the renovation)
• Submit all documents before the deadline — late applications are not accepted

If your application is accepted, the municipality will notify you and arrange a property viewing. Never commit to buying a property you have not physically inspected. After viewing, you sign the deed (rogito) with an Italian notary.

• Book a flight and accommodation — you must attend the deed signing in person
• Hire a geometra (chartered surveyor) to inspect the property before signing
• Check for building violations (abusi edilizi) — these become your liability upon purchase
• The notary will read the full deed aloud in Italian — bring a certified interpreter if needed
• Pay the symbolic €1, transfer taxes, and guarantee deposit at signing

Most municipalities require a formal renovation plan within a few months of purchasing. This plan must be submitted by a licensed Italian professional (geometra or architect) and approved by the local building authority.

• Hire a local geometra or architect — they know the local building codes
• The renovation plan must comply with Italian building regulations (Testo Unico Edilizia)
• Apply for the relevant permit: CILA for minor works, SCIA for structural changes
• Some towns require the plan within 90 days of purchase — confirm the timeline in your bando

Once all required works are completed, you request a municipal inspection. If the works meet the agreed standard, your guarantee deposit is refunded in full.

• Complete all structural works by the deadline specified in your bando
• Request an official inspection (collaudo) from the municipality
• Ensure the geometra provides a completion certificate (certificato di fine lavori)
• Your deposit will be refunded once the municipality confirms compliance