A House for a Dollar: Abandoned Houses Given for Free in Spain

In the past, authorities in Spain given away abandoned houses to prevent the extinction of villages. Recently, it happened again in the town of Bivona, Sicily. Homes are sold for one dollar there. There is a condition, however – the new owners must completely renovate the house at their own expense in four years, writes “Agro-Center” with a reference to CNN.

To get a house, one must pay a $2,750 deposit. The government promises additional privileges for those who decide to move in and renovate a house. Among the houses for sale in Bivon, there are those in a very poor state, basically, just empty stone walls. There are also those that require minimal renovations.

Local authorities plan to put up for sale other half-ruined, abandoned homes if none of the current residents object.

Houses for a dollar are also sold in Mussomeli and Cammarata. To get a house there, one has to pay a $5500 deposit and renovate the house in three years.