1 euro houses in Spain: can I buy one?

Looking for one-euro houses in Spain? These one-euro houses are the lure many town councils and municipalities are using to repopulate areas that have become almost deserted. In the last decade, provinces like Soria and Zamora have lost more than 10% of their population, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics.

And like this example, there are many more that represent rural Spain and have found in the one-euro house formula a way to attract people back to these areas.

But what requirements are needed to access these homes? What are the conditions? While the idea of ​​escaping to a rural setting and starting a new life may be appealing, it’s important to be well-informed about all the requirements and conditions before taking the plunge.

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The origin of the  1 euro house initiative

The idea of ​​selling houses for €1 originated in Italy, a Mediterranean country that, like Spain, suffers from the effects of rural depopulation. Various initiatives were undertaken for many years, but it wasn’t until 2018 that a change in messaging finally captured the public’s attention.

The reaction was immediate. The media spread the news throughout Europe, and social networks amplified the €1 houses. Applications came from as far away as Argentina, and the original project was replicated in other countries.

Who’s selling houses for one euro and why?

Local councils are the ones publishing most of these offers, as they own properties that have been abandoned or donated to the public coffers.

The main reason local councils join the initiative is to attract young people, since many young people move to the city for job opportunities or studies and don’t return. With an increasingly aging population, local councils want to repopulate and revitalize the local economy. Fortunately, many families are looking for a change of pace, and teleworking opens the door to the possibility of working remotely.

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Requirements to acquire one of the one-euro homes

Town councils receive thousands of applications, both national and international, so the selection process is rigorous. They are looking for people who are committed to staying, have ideas for improving the town, and will renovate the property they are given. Each case is different, but the most common requirements are:

• Commitment to the town: making the house your primary residence, expressing your intention to settle there long-term, and proposing ideas to improve the town are highly valued. Additionally, they may require a deposit, for example, €1,000 as a guarantee.
• Home renovation plan: the houses may be in disrepair, so some town councils require a comprehensive renovation plan as a condition for becoming a homeowner.
• Attraction effect: if your intention is to start a business or raise a family, your presence could attract other people looking for a change of pace. Therefore, they tend to choose those profiles they consider beneficial to the town’s activity: young couples, families with children, people with trades…

So, acquiring a house for one euro is not a decision to be taken lightly.

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Pros and Cons of Buying Properties for €1

Advantages of Buying Houses for One Euro

• In Spain, there are subsidies that facilitate a return to rural life, for example, aid for young people who want to renovate a house in a village with fewer than 5,000 inhabitants.
• In other cases, a property is given in exchange for working in the village or running a business. Repopulation initiatives are very diverse, and new technologies are amplifying the message—apps have emerged where job offers and information about villages are published.

Disadvantages of Buying a Home for One Euro

• Whether it’s a house in the historic center or a farmhouse far from the village, the condition of the property usually poses the biggest challenge. Renovating these homes often requires a large investment, as structural changes must be made—sometimes urgently.
• Bureaucratic procedures also complicate the process, as one must deal with the necessary permits. This is especially troublesome for foreigners, who often need a translator in addition to an advisor.