Italian Town Offers Homes for One Euro to Address Population Decline

Civita, a town in southern Italy, has begun selling homes for one euro each in an effort to increase its resident population. The program targets buyers willing to restore the properties and live in the town for a set period. Local authorities stated that the measure aims to reverse long-term population decline.

Italy has recorded low birth rates and net population loss in many rural areas for more than a decade. Government statistics show the national population fell by roughly 200,000 people in the most recent year reported. Civita's approach follows similar one-euro home sales conducted by other Italian municipalities facing comparable demographic pressures.

The town requires participants to complete renovations within a specified timeframe and to maintain primary residence in the purchased property. Officials said the conditions are intended to ensure that new owners contribute to the local community rather than treat the homes as investments.