A ‘too good to be true’ deal in the form of a house in rural Italy for the price of ONE Euro has made headlines. Millions all over the world were hooked on the notion of abandoning city life for a simpler life in a small town.
Dying communities getting an influx of new investments, old properties getting new revamp – it sounds good.
However, families of the original owners of some of the homes are starting to come forward to stake claim over the old structures. They claim they were unaware of the sales.
Among the disputing families is Josie Faccini from Canada. Her nonna, Consilia Scapillati migrated to Canada in the ’50s leaving behind a quaint little stone house in the town of Castropignano, Italy.
After reading about the plan to offload old housing stock, she began to reassert her claim to the home. She also complained that she was not notified of the sale.
The Law
Although infuriating, it is not uncommon for informal transfer of ownership in rural Italy. However, it is possible to stake a claim by bringing the deed.
The town has about 100 abandoned buildings but the mayor wishes to match interested parties with the right house.
He has reached out to both potential buyers and old owners to ensure supply & demand. If they do not reply within the stipulated time, then the properties will be seized and sold to others.
“Under Italian law, the owner or heir has the obligation to guarantee at any time the due maintenance of the asset in order to prevent any damage to third parties,” says Emiliano Russo, property lawyer and adjunct professor in real estate at Rome’s Luiss Business School. In case of risk damages, some might even get arrested.
There are other similar towns that have similar problems. Some finally remembered their ownership while some were happy with the transaction.
Antonietta Lipani, an Italian in Geneva said, “We were so happy to dispose of our aunt’s house we just gifted it right over to the town authorities.” She continued. “My dad inherited it but we never go, it’s been empty for years. What’s the point of keeping it?”
Despite the troubles, nearly all towns have successfully sold the one euro properties to new owners or descendants of emigrates. There are descendants also enquiring about moving back to their ancestral homes.
“This project has awakened second and third generations of migrants abroad, sparking renewed interest for our community. In the past, many families fled in search of a better future. Now, their sons and grandsons want to return to their native town to relive the rural vibe”, says Bivona Mayor Milko Cinà.