Italy’s one-euro-home sales have attracted interest over the years, but Patrica, a remote medieval village south of Rome, has struggled to offload its abandoned properties. Life in the village was challenging, prompting many to leave in search of better opportunities, leaving behind deserted homes. The mayor, Lucio Fiordaliso, attempted to sell abandoned properties for one euro, but faced challenges due to ownership issues. Owners, or their heirs, need to agree to sell the properties, making the process complex. Family disputes, lack of contact between relatives, and difficulty in tracking down descendants who moved overseas hindered the sale of the homes.
In some cases, abandoned homes were split between multiple heirs, complicating the sale process. Issues such as inheritance disputes, lack of consent from all heirs, and potential back taxes deterred owners from selling their share. Family feuds and legal concerns also contributed to the failure of the one-euro scheme in Patrica. The condition of the forsaken homes further hindered the sale, as some properties were beyond repair. Despite challenges, a few potential buyers showed interest, including foreigners from the US and Europe. Initiatives to revamp the town’s appeal, such as renovating ancient palazzos and offering tax benefits to those starting commercial activities, aim to rejuvenate the local economy.
Efforts to boost Patrica’s appeal included renovating ancient buildings and offering tax breaks to those starting businesses. Alessandra Pagliarosi transformed her husband’s inherited mansion into a B&B, benefitting from the town hall’s tax incentives. Residents launching commercial activities in the ancient district are exempt from waste disposal taxes and receive tax credits for renovation costs. Foreigners looking to relocate and start businesses in Patrica are also eligible for tax benefits. While interest from potential buyers, including American descendants of emigrant families, exists, turn-key properties are more appealing due to the extensive renovations required for abandoned homes.
Local realtor Ilario Grossi noted interest from foreign buyers, but the appeal of ready-to-occupy homes outweighed the challenges of renovating abandoned properties. Turn-key apartments, starting at 20,000 euros, proved more popular due to the lower renovation costs compared to decrepit homes. Despite the obstacles, Fiordaliso remains determined to sell the village’s neglected properties, even if it means navigating between conflicting relatives. The town’s efforts to attract newcomers through tax incentives and revitalization initiatives aim to breathe new life into Patrica. By continuing to promote the town’s charm and potential, Patrica hopes to overcome the challenges of selling its abandoned homes and revitalizing its community.
