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Village houses under €15k - are they just ruins or can you find a decent project?

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Mila_Styl
Joined:
26.08.2023
Posts: 1025
Topic Starter
19.01.2025 19:07
I've been browsing some real estate listings lately and keep seeing abandoned village houses in places like rural Italy and Spain listed for under 15,000 euros. Obviously, I know they aren't move-in ready, but I'm wondering if any of these are actually salvageable without spending a fortune on structural repairs. Has anyone here actually bought one of these ultra-cheap properties and turned it into a livable home or holiday spot? I'd love to hear about the hidden costs and bureaucratic nightmares involved before I get too carried away.
15 replies in this topic
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Hannah_B
Joined:
06.07.2023
Posts: 1229
08.04.2025 08:13
My uncle bought one in rural Spain for €10k back in 2018. Long story short, it's still not finished and he has spent over €60k on it already.
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IdkButIWrite
Joined:
22.08.2023
Posts: 87
30.04.2025 21:00
In reply to a previous post
Oof, €60k? That really puts things into perspective. Did he run into major structural issues?
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Alice_K
Joined:
17.11.2023
Posts: 124
16.05.2025 16:11
Most of them are complete ruins with no roof left, just four stone walls. If the roof is gone, the internal structure is usually totally compromised.
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Alice_K
Joined:
03.08.2024
Posts: 2255
27.05.2025 09:38
The price of the house is just the ticket to enter a very expensive lottery. The real killer is getting utilities hooked up if they aren't already connected.
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Alice_K
Joined:
03.09.2023
Posts: 705
03.06.2025 03:11
In reply to a previous post
I second what @user4 said about utilities. Bringing water and electricity to an abandoned house in the middle of nowhere can cost more than the property itself.
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Nico_N
Joined:
01.11.2024
Posts: 318
10.07.2025 17:33
Don't forget the paperwork! Italian bureaucracy is no joke. You'll need local architects, surveyors, and endless permits.
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KnowItAll
Joined:
30.07.2021
Posts: 2016
11.07.2025 02:39
Has anyone actually looked into those €1 schemes in Italy? I heard those come with even stricter renovation deadlines.
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uncle_joe
Joined:
01.11.2023
Posts: 99
21.07.2025 13:32
In reply to a previous post
Yes, the €1 houses usually require you to finish renovations within three years and put down a massive security deposit that you lose if you miss the deadline.
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Tony_M
Joined:
05.11.2023
Posts: 439
12.08.2025 14:43
If you are handy and can do 80% of the work yourself, it might be worth it. Otherwise, contractors will charge you double because of the remote location.
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Nadia_D
Joined:
16.03.2023
Posts: 726
29.09.2025 12:24
In reply to a previous post
Spot on. Finding reliable builders who are willing to drive out to a tiny mountain village is nearly impossible.
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Hub_K
Joined:
08.06.2021
Posts: 835
15.10.2025 18:49
Honestly, if you just want a holiday home, buy something slightly more expensive that just needs cosmetic updates. You'll save your sanity.
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Igor_Tech
Joined:
15.02.2022
Posts: 861
04.11.2025 22:49
In reply to a previous post
Listen to the OP, don't get carried away by the romantic Instagram videos. The reality is dusty, loud, and full of legal hurdles.
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Gosh_Bolo
Joined:
08.07.2021
Posts: 2302
21.12.2025 11:23
Are there any regions where this is actually easier? Like Portugal maybe?
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robert_d
Joined:
29.04.2024
Posts: 1031
14.01.2026 06:19
In reply to a previous post
Portugal has gone up a lot in price recently. Under €15k there will usually get you a crumbling shed with zero land.
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MrNobody
Joined:
28.02.2023
Posts: 1681
31.03.2026 13:50
In reply to a previous post
Thanks for all the reality checks everyone. I think I'll stick to renting for my holidays instead!

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