Over the past few years, numerous towns in Italy have resorted to selling homes for just over a dollar in a bid to revitalize their dwindling communities. Now, Cammarata Town has gone one step further — offering homes for Free.Desperate to save his hometown from depopulation, the mayor has spent the last three years convincing owners who’ve long abandoned their family homes to hand over the empty, crumbling buildings to newcomers for free.
According to Giambrone, there are roughly a dozen empty stone buildings available at present and “more to come shortly.”And with at least 100 other abandoned homes, all located in Cammarata’s most ancient part, with the potential for rescuing, Giambrone has high hopes for the scheme. Understandably, there are a few conditions to “free” homes.
Buyers must commit to renovating the property within three years of the purchase and pay a 5,000 euro deposit, which will be returned once the work is complete.While all potential buyers who meet the criteria will be considered, young couples with children will receive priority — couples who move there and go on to have a baby even receive a 1,000 euro bonus. New owners can transform the multi-story buildings into a private house, B&B, hotel, shops or even a restaurant.