Buyer due diligence
€1 House Buyer Checklist
What to verify before applying for a €1 house in Italy or Europe.
Before you apply
- Identify the municipality running the program.
- Confirm the application window is open.
- Check whether the property can be inspected before commitment.
Municipality verification
- Use official town-hall or public authority sources.
- Confirm the contact email, phone number, and application forms.
- Avoid private-only listings that cannot point to a municipal source.
Buyer eligibility
- Check nationality, reciprocity, residency, age, and intended-use rules.
- Confirm whether individuals, couples, or companies may apply.
- Ask whether remote application or power of attorney is accepted.
Deposit and guarantee checks
- Confirm the amount, payment recipient, refund rules, and deadlines.
- Ask what happens if renovation is delayed by permits.
- Never send money without legal paperwork and verified recipient details.
Renovation obligations
- Confirm plan submission deadlines.
- Confirm completion deadlines and minimum works.
- Ask whether roof, facade, utilities, or habitability works are mandatory.
Legal and notary checks
- Hire an independent notary or lawyer where appropriate.
- Check title, liens, cadastral records, boundaries, and unpaid taxes.
- Confirm translation needs before signing.
Taxes and ownership costs
- Estimate transfer taxes, registration, notary, local taxes, insurance, and utilities.
- Ask whether tax incentives apply to your buyer status.
- Budget annual holding costs even before renovation is complete.
Contractor and renovation planning
- Get local quotes before assuming a project is affordable.
- Check contractor availability and permit timelines.
- Add contingency for structural surprises.
Red flags and scam prevention
- Pressure to wire money quickly.
- No official municipal record.
- Promises that residency or profits are guaranteed.
- No access to property documents before payment.
Final decision checklist
- You understand the rules.
- You can fund renovation and delays.
- You have official contacts and independent advice.
- You are comfortable walking away if verification fails.