Penne sells €1 houses to boost population

An Italian town is selling houses for just €1. Penne, located in the Abruzzo region, is offering these homes to attract new residents. This move aims to address the decline in the town’s population. Penne started its €1 home scheme in 2022. Since then, six houses have been sold, mostly to locals. Buyers can acquire these homes without needing a large deposit. However, they must renovate the property within three years. The mayor, Gilberto Petrucci, noted that many buildings are empty, and the town risks becoming a "ghost town." Currently, Penne has about 1,200 residents, with only 1,000 living in the historic district. The homes for sale include medieval structures, some of which are three stories tall. The next batch of houses will be available soon, according to the mayor. In addition to homes, the town of Siculiana in Sicily is offering a weekend getaway for two for only €1. This package includes accommodation, meals, and guided tours. The promotion aims to boost tourism and support local businesses.