Italy’s famous one-euro home scheme to revitalize depopulated towns isn’t seeing uniform success. While some towns like Mussomeli and Zungoli found takers for their abandoned properties, Patrica, a medieval village south of Rome, struggles to sell despite its idyllic location.
The main obstacle? Unraveling the complexities of ownership. Many houses have been deserted for decades, and tracking down the rightful heirs, often scattered across continents, proves difficult. Even when some are found, disagreements between relatives or the exorbitant cost of renovation stall the process.
Mayor Lucio Fiordaliso acknowledges the initial attempt – mapping abandoned houses and contacting original owners – yielded only two successful sales. Unlike towns hit by natural disasters, Patrica lacks the legal authority to bypass owner consent.
A public call for participation attracted some initial interest, but many backed out due to complications arising from shared inheritance. Italian law mandates written consent from all heirs, and some properties are divided into unusable portions like balconies or bathrooms.
Tracing descendants, especially those who emigrated overseas, adds another layer of difficulty. Fiordaliso compares it to finding a needle in a haystack.
The condition of the houses themselves also deters potential buyers. Gianni Valleco, a local resident, offered his family’s abandoned property for one euro but discovered it was beyond repair. Roofs had caved in, leaving an open-air space more akin to a wasteland.
While some one-euro houses are in better shape and attracted foreign interest, Patrica ultimately had nothing to offer due to ownership hurdles.
Undeterred, Fiordaliso is exploring alternative strategies. The town recently funded the restoration of historical buildings, inspiring locals to renovate their own neglected homes. Tax breaks have also been introduced to incentivize businesses like B&Bs and artisan shops.
This approach seems to be working. New guesthouses and a restaurant have opened, and some American descendants of Patrica’s emigrants have shown interest in readily habitable properties. Realtor Ilario Grossi confirms the appeal of move-in ready homes compared to the extensive work required on the one-euro options.
Mayor Fiordaliso remains committed to finding solutions, even if it involves mediating family disputes. Patrica’s fight to revitalize itself highlights the challenges and potential rewards of such schemes.
