Salemi is a town in the south west of Sicily, the island that lies at the ‘toe’ of Italy’s boot.

Houses needing refurbishment and restoration will be sold on an auction basis with reserve prices starting at just €1! Although Salemi is a relatively late entrant to the “Casa €1” scheme with announcements only made in late October 2020, apparently there are some 30 or so dilapidated properties looking for new owners.

Judging by the success of the “Case €1” schemes elsewhere in Sicily and Italy, there will be no shortage of eager wanna-be property owners. The town’s mayor Domenico Venuti has stated that all properties to be offered as part of the scheme are in fact owned by the city council so transfer of ownership should be a smooth, seamless experience.

Potential owners of these properties must undertake to renovate and also make a deposit payment of €3,000.00 In order to participate in the auction a detailed plan must be submitted regarding how the property will be renovated. As well as a single family dwelling, applications can be made to operate a business from the premises, for example a bed and breakfast, a restaurant or even an art gallery.