The mayor of a medieval Italian town, inspired by the success of the one-euro home initiative in places like Mussomeli, attempted to replicate the program in Patrica, a town of about 3,000 people in central Italy. However, homeowners in Patrica have been reluctant to sell their abandoned properties, hindering the town's transformation.
Despite efforts by the mayor to revitalize the town by offering abandoned homes for one euro, only two properties have been sold. The main challenge faced by the town is obtaining consent from the original owners, as Italian law requires the agreement of all heirs for the sale of a property. Ownership conflicts among relatives who hold shares in the same property have led to difficulties in selling the homes.
Many properties in Patrica are divided among multiple inheritors, with each owning distinct sections of the property. Family feuds and disagreements over selling the properties have created a deadlock, making the process nearly impossible. Some heirs live in distant cities or abroad, complicating the search for consent.
In addition to ownership issues, some properties are in poor condition, deterring potential buyers. One local resident shared that his parents' abandoned home had deteriorated to the point of being unsellable, despite being listed for one euro.
International interest in Patrica's one-euro home initiative has been noted, but the lack of available inventory has been a significant obstacle. To address the challenges, the mayor is exploring alternative ways to revitalize the town. Tax exemptions are now being offered to individuals starting businesses in the historic district, leading to the establishment of new bed-and-breakfast hotels and a restaurant.
