The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) was a government scheme that allowed homeowners to claim tax relief on repairs, renovations, or improvement works completed between 2013 and 2018. It was available to homeowners, landlords, and local authority tenants for work on homes or rental properties. The HRI online system allowed homeowners to claim the Home Renovation Incentive Tax Credit for repairs, renovations, and improvements.
The Home Upgrade Grant (HUG) and Local Authority Delivery scheme (LAD) are government schemes supporting energy efficiency upgrades of low-energy efficiency. Launched in 2013, the scheme provides tax relief for homeowners undertaking qualifying renovation projects. The Green Homes Grant voucher scheme provided grants to homeowners and landlords to make energy-efficient improvements to their homes with government funding.
The HRI scheme is closed, and 2018 was the last tax year eligible for relief. The HRI Tax Credit can be claimed for repairs, renovations, and improvements to homes or rental properties. The Warm Homes Scheme offers free energy upgrades for homeowners with a BER rating of B2 or above.
In Ireland, there are various home renovation grants available to help self-builders and home improvers with the financial aspects of building their dream. Homeowners can claim the tax credit for work carried out. The Home Renovation Incentive (HRI) supports Irish landlords when they make improvements to their rental properties by providing tax relief.
The scheme closed for applications on March 27, 2024, with applicants being informed of the outcome in May 2024. Grants for windows and doors in Ireland are also available.
📹 Renovating An Abandoned $1 Home In Liverpool, UK | Unlocked
Maxine Sharples bought a dilapidated 2-bedroom Victorian townhouse for $1 in Liverpool, UK in 2020. The home had been …
What is the 70,000 grant in Ireland?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant, funded by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, offers up to €50, 000 for renovating vacant properties and €70, 000 for derelict ones. The grant is more for off-shore island residents and includes an additional grant for expert conservation advice for refurbishing a vacant traditional farmhouse. To apply, applicants must contact their local authority.
What is the TV show where they remodel houses?
The television program Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is a reality show that follows the construction of a new home for a deserving family in need of a fresh start. The television program Home Edition chronicles the experiences of a family who confronts adversity and has their deteriorated residence entirely reconstructed while they are absent on a week-long vacation. The program has been lauded for its excellence and its capacity to enhance its quality with each successive iteration, as observed by its audience. The program serves as an exemplar of the transformative potential of a well-designed and well-executed home.
How much tax will I pay on $50,000 in Ireland?
An individual with an annual income of €50, 000 in Ireland will be subject to taxation amounting to approximately €11, 155, comprising income tax, PRSI, and USC. This indicates that the net remuneration will be approximately €38, 845 per annum, or €3, 237 per month. It should be noted, however, that these figures may vary depending on the specific circumstances of the individual in question, and that they may be eligible for tax reliefs that could result in an increase in their take-home pay.
How real are home renovation shows?
Reality shows often portray quick renovations as possible, but this is not always the case. Professional crews work tirelessly to complete these projects, often days or weeks. These shows overlook the critical steps involved in a real-world renovation, such as meeting with architects and contractors, selecting materials and finishes, and ensuring proper inspections, work schedules, and proper paint drying. Therefore, the actual renovation process requires careful planning and preparation.
How much does it cost to renovate a derelict house in Ireland?
Renovating a derelict house in Ireland can cost between €1, 500-€2, 500 per sqm, depending on the extent of structural and system repair needs. This can be a significant expense for those living in Ireland, but it is essential to break out of the budget. There are various types of home renovations, with surface-level renovations being the most affordable and typically costing up to €5000. These renovations don’t require structural changes and can include painting, installing new flooring, or updating the kitchen. Despite the high cost, the benefits of renovating a home in Ireland are undeniable, making it a worthwhile investment for those looking to update their home and reflect their personality.
How much can I earn before I pay 40% tax in Ireland?
The text provides an overview of tax rates, tax bands, and the standard rate cut-off point for single, single parent, married couple, and civil partners. It discusses tax credits, allowances, and tax calculations, as well as factors affecting the standard rate cut-off point. It also discusses tax credit certificates and exemptions from income tax. Almost all income is taxable, and there are tax reliefs available to reduce the amount of tax owed.
What grants are available for old houses in Ireland?
The Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant offers up to €50, 000 for renovating vacant properties and €70, 000 for derelict properties, inclusive of VAT costs. The grant amounts increased on 1 May 2023. Qualified applicants can apply for the grant, which covers various work types and covers vacant and derelict homes. Non-residential properties that were previously used for commercial or public use and now have the correct planning permission can also be eligible for the grant.
The grant covers renovations of vacant and derelict homes, as well as those that have not been used as residential properties before. The grant is subject to eligibility criteria and can be applied for if the application is unsuccessful.
Can I claim VAT back on a new kitchen?
The DIY Scheme allows for VAT reclaim on fitted kitchen furniture and flooring for new builds, with the exception of carpets and carpet tiles. Installation should be at zero VAT rate, as it’s a new build. If the scheme is for conversions, 5 VAT will be charged on installation, which can be reclaimed on the DIY application. For more information, see the guidance on VAT refunds for DIY housebuilders Claim form for conversions.
How do I know if Windows qualify for tax credit?
The credit for energy-efficient home improvements is limited to exterior doors, windows, and skylights that meet Energy Star requirements. The credit is also limited to $600 for insulation and air sealing materials or systems that meet International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) standards. Labor costs for installing building envelope components are not eligible for the credit. Home energy audits may qualify for a tax credit of up to $150. These items meet specific energy Star requirements and are subject to credit limits.
Can I claim tax back on windows?
The HRI tax credit is applicable to most common renovations, such as painting, decorating, extensions, new kitchens, landscaping, alarm installations, and windows and doors. The total value of the work must be greater than €4, 405 before VAT, with a maximum of €30, 000. The minimum spend of €4, 405 applies to all jobs on the property combined. The HRI tax credit is added to tax credits over two years, saving a significant amount in taxes. For example, if the minimum work is €4, 405 before tax, a tax credit of €595 can be claimed, or €4, 050 for a maximum of €30, 000.
What is the UK TV show about home renovation?
Grand Designs and Changing Rooms are two popular TV home improvement shows. Grand Designs, a cult design classic, aired from 1999 to present on Channel 4 and returned in 2021 on Channel 4. The show featured homeowners swapping houses and redecorating rooms with professional designers. The show featured unexpected transformations and personalities of interior designers, often involving horror or emotional breakdowns.
The original BBC One show was hosted by Carol Smillie, while the new edition features Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen. Both shows have gained popularity due to their unique blend of creativity and unexpected transformations.
📹 The Dark Truth of Why Italy Is Giving Away Free Houses
La Dolce Vita. Purchase shares in great art works from artists like Banksy, Andy Warhol and many more at: …
love this. glad to see the older areas getting renovated instead of knocked down in favor of shipping container “architecture” like in scandinavia. also loved her idea to flip the living space to upstairs and her bedrooms to down. not only excellent for natural light up, but if she’s there into her old age, she will appreciate it all the more. good job!!
Our first home in 1980 was in Rusholme, inner city Manchester, on a street just like this. We bought it with a council mortgage and received a housing improvement. You have taken me back to those days. Your first home is always special. I am delighted that you have done this and such a fantastic job. I would never buy a new property, the are so lacking in character.
If you ever decide to move from you beautiful hard worked home, consider this piece of advice: Don’t ever become an absentee landlord. Renters will never love your house as much as you do. Renting out your house may start out with warm & fuzzy renters, (This includes relatives) However from my experience, it doesn’t take very long before renter (tenant) problem blight sets in and that’s when your problems really begin. So do your research, find out what problems having tenants renting a beautiful home just like yours can bring into your life.
The scheme is a bit similar to what they do in Italy – the government want to see abandoned villages brought back to life and there are houses as low as €1, but you only can get it by showing financial stability and plans/commitment to renovate under strict rules and tight schedules. Pehaps to avoid these houses to only change ownership but still left in disrepair
Its a nice looking house now, however as a homeowner I would not want to invest all that money into my own property and live surrounded by boarded-up houses. And let me just say, not everyone will have a chance to buy a house for £1 from the government. Most people who live on living wages can’t afford the deposit and also go on holidays and have spare money so £60K to renovate 2-bed house looks very unrealistic for most people these days. Therefore I think this girl is very lucky that she got picked and her dad’s finances have been inherited by her.
Claim: $1 dollar house in Liverpool UK Bogus: cheapest property on record sold in Liverpool was 23, Sefton Road, Litherland, Liverpool, Merseyside L21 9HA, sold 08 Jul 1996 for £50 (not dollars)(data as provided via UK Gov Land Registry Service). All house sales in UK are recorded as public record by Land Registry Service. Sale prices are included in the details. While it is possible that the home-owner “bought” the house for £1, as yet, they don’t technically own it as the title deeds aren’t lodged with Land Registry. Many of these houses were tackled by people who had very few options available to them, and Liverpool City Council have been generally very unsupportive of the difficulties involved in their own scheme. At least 1 resident had been burgled at least once prior to occupancy because of administration difficulties defining the dates occupancy would be permitted. Due to this, the property was also uninsurable; with the residents having to foot the ever increasing bills
Why do people in the comments section have such a problem with her getting help from her friends? Particularly that they were mostly male! In life, successful people use the talents they have. In this case, she didn’t have the talents to do building work and would have messed it up if she’d tried to do it that way. What she had in spades, was charm, charisma, persuasion and an ability to get people to WANT to help her. So that’s what she used. Why is that a problem? Everyone got what they wanted out of the interaction. So what, if there was no money involved. When I can afford it, I much prefer to get a smile and a heartfelt thank you, than a handful of cash that means nothing to the giver. When I need to get paid, I just go and do that instead. But even I can see I do a better standard of work when I’m not getting paid. Work I want to do always turns out better than work I have to do. This lady worked her magic and got a better result than she could have got by either diy, or heavy financial investment.
Isn’t it so like the government to let homes sit and rot for 15 years, but only allow 12 months for renovation? The fact that it was sold for $1 though…instead of the government selling the properties off to corporate developers to make Millions…the intention was great, and I’m glad it seems to be working out for middle class, tax paying, first time homeowners. I wish this model would be put to work in the United States.
Sign me up I’m moving from US to UK since they are British I’m British descent they came from the Mayflower and my great-grandmother came there I’m about 1/4 British well maybe little more but whatever if the expenses are cheaper there oh yeah I’ll take my money in my savings and go there and if the taxes are reasonable
Very pretty place, the work done looks very nice, professional. You have a great work ethic, that’s the most important quality for success in anything. Do you plan to clear out your storage & make that a proper front room? The windows are beautiful. I didn’t see any bedroom, did I miss it? I have to say that bathroom would give me claustrophobia. Guess you don’t plan on children, with no bathtub, or is that too far down the road? Love to see the rest later if you do more to your home.
Can you imagine the cost of labor in the US. It would have exceeded over 100k easily. The government here is owned by the corporations who are buying all the available properties they can get their hands on. We already have an impossible rental rate compared to income. Almost impossible to become a first time homeowner. Good for her. She is charming and so is her home.
If she inherited a property how can she have met the requirement not to own a property. Why could the council not spend 60K on each unit and let them to people on the lists? They would make the money back in 12 years and have a neighborhood instead of vacant crime ridden dens costing far more to the taxpayer. I’m glad the homes made use of finally.
I knew that you can buy a €1 house in some villages in Italy but not that a similar scheme was available in the UK. Congratulations to Maxine for making a wonderful home out of this abandoned house especially considerering the amount of work she did herself. Also nice to see that a lot of the street has also been renovated. Being given only one year to complete all renovations seems pretty silly though, in Italy I understand that you have 1 year to submit your plans and then a further 3 years to complete them.
Well done, as an Expat, I get home sick. But last time I visited I stayed in Newcastle my friends were living in one of two properties occupied in the street. The rest had become derelict and vandalized. I love what you have done with the flip. The upstairs area is great for entertaining and like you said, your yoga room. Well done, Cheers.
I can’t believe the original deadline was only 1 year! Even given the extension because of the pandemic doesn’t seem long enough. I don’t know what it was like in the UK but renovation and building supply costs skyrocketed in Canada over the 2020-21 period and the lead time for materials was months and months longer. Projects that we’re supposed to take a couple months were taking over a year and costing thousands more. I’m glad they let her go over, she was obviously completing them in good faith but I cannot imagine the additional stress and financial toll that must have put on her. 2 years outside a pandemic with its extenuating circumstances would seem more realistic to me. Good for her, this is such a lovely home😊
I don’t quite agree with her architect design the landing and utility area is a little strange, ofcourse not taking away from what she has done,almost impossible task this seemed but really the layout was more better before, she does look like it has effected her mental health she is not making eye contact. I think the stars also aligned to make this happen with corona buying her time. good luck for future! very impressive job!! claps
Dion Dublin would get confused by this house. “The stairs go up to the….oh” 😂 On serious note we could simultaneously fix the housing crisis, move people out of irreparable housing and end homelessness if all these properties and mansions across the country were renovated and first given to those who desperately need a home the most.
I guess just proves that hardwork, dedication and persistence. It does pay off in the end. Hope she’s doing well. Also i love the program that actually pushes people to be responsible and take the plunge and prevents corporate goons from turning it to another apartment or another biz or something. This is a really good program and makes use of abandoned space, and promotes a community.
Definitely think they need to be a bit fairer on the terms, if you don’t manage it in 12 months you lose the house and everything you’ve paid for?? think it should be you can show substantial improvement in 12 months and it is completed in 36 or something. Life is not constant and things can change rapidly like 2020 showed. I understand why it is a term but its far to strict.
So the neighbourhood gets gentrified, rents are raised, lower income people are pushed out ……seen this happen in other places, how about fixing up the homes and renting them at affordable prices. I have seen docs where people have pay meters in their homes, which does not happen in Canada, there are more food banks then grocery stores in the UK, and families, elderly are choosing to heat or eat. And this website focuses on this lady who is rich. Right.
Living in your kitchen! I love it! We lived in the top half of a terrace house in Sydney, Australia. The bathroom had room for a bathtub only, there was a tiny kitchen, one bedroom, a loungeroom, and an enclosed verandah that had a scary slope on it! The toilet was outside, mum wouldn’t let me use the dodgy outside stairs in the rain, we had a potty. But mum was a great cook, so I loved every minute of it. Mum, stepfather, baby brother and I lived there for a year and a half. Then we moved into to a 2 bedroom upstairs unit with a real bathroom. And hot water in the kitchen!
A major factor is the fact that you basically can’t hire anyone in Italy. The insane regulations require a license for everything, even IT positions. Instead of pandering to older populations (for the votes, or cash, if they’re domestic or foreign, respectively) Italy should maybe, just maybe, give a tiny bit of a chance to the young. Demographic crisis is a consequence of not letting the young people to work or do business of any kind.
Here’s another issue: I was a young Italian who left Italy due to a lack of opportunity. After a successful number of years abroad I decided to return (missed my family, friends and Italian culture) but Italy doesn’t make it easy, either, for those wanting to make it back after spending time abroad. It’s just all a out quick fixes without thinking or planning with long term solutions in mind (like these free houses which are designed to create revenue for local politicians many of whom don’t give a damn about the average struggling Italian). I for one resent this free house giveaway exactly because I know the dark truth behind it all. Anyway, in the end I had no alternative other than to leave again. It’s a completely and utterly ridiculous situation.
This is spot on. As a Brit living here for over 20 years I continue to struggle to find decent employment. With my education and work experience I was always employed in the UK. If you buy a home or car then your bombarded with no end of taxes. Just try and sort out any form of documentation here and you will lose your mind. Quite honestly I would leave tomorrow but my other half is still attached to this place. History, culture, food etc. is all great, but without economic growth, investment and opportunities it is tough here.
Italy is not alone, Portugal, Greece, Spain and many other countries face gentrification. Italy is a beautiful country with a fantastic history, Italians are really nice people and food is great, but unfortunately the country is ruled by corrupt politicians and the Mafia. Bureaucracy is hell and cost of living is high. Italy is definitely a good country for tourists and for the wealthy, but not for entrepreneurs and the young who want to prosper.
As a property owner in Italy, I know firsthand what a ripoff some properties there can be! Best to buy something that is “habitable” without major renovations/fixes because the cost of doing them is ridiculously high! You need a permit for everything which is crazy expensive, a geometra or architect (good luck finding one who doesn’t require a 10.000euro “feasibility study” just for starters), and (some) contractors will take your money and run, knowing that outsiders really aren’t likely to sue. Italians themselves don’t pay a lot for properties, but boy, they know how to take advantage of foreigners!
I am Italian, and that is all true. But another factor is that culturally Italians like to live in cities, not villages or the countryside. So while house prices are very high in cities (for Italians, but even for foreigners they are not that cheap) in villages not that far away they can be 1/6 of the price. Such extreme differences do not exist in for example the UK (where houses in nice villages can be very pricey, as people prefer to live in the countryside).
Yup, you’ve got this just right, I left Italy in 1996 for the well known reason that at 23 you were already too old for job Announcements requiring: ‘max 22 anni, nella presenza, multilingue, laurea e esperienza’. 😮 All my Italian colleagues at work have experienced good professional growth in the U.K., something impossible in our country where nepotism and personal recommendations reign, giving opportunities to family and friends who might not always be the most qualified people for the job. Also, I remember being at Uni and studying economics, and by the end of the course I suddenly understood why the system would never work: because it’s literally designed to crush workers and students and suck all their earnings and time in endless bureaucracy and taxes on everything possible. I will always love and miss my country, but I can never return. Except for holidays. ❤
Just for your info: 0:04 Dolomites 0:06 Cinque Terre 0:15 Rome, Colosseum 0:21 Rome, Ponte S. Angelo, Vatican 0:25 Milan, Duomo 0:28 Alberobello 0:34 Firenze 0:54 somewhere in Tuscany 0:58 San Gimignano 1:13 Chianti 1:17 Amalfi 1:25 Palermo 1:35 somewhere Liguria (?) 1:41 ?? 1:55 Capo Miseno, monte di Procida 1:59 Cinque Terre 2:09 Val D’Orcia, Tuscany 2:19 San Gimignano, Tuscany 2:24 Bergamo 2:28 Bergamo 2:30 Milan 2:38 Milan, Galleria VIttorio Emanuele 3:33 Milan, Unicredit Tower and Vertical Forest 3:41 Rome, Colosseum 3:46 Rome, Vittoriano 3:53 Amalfi 3:58 Palermo Via Maqueda 4:07 Perugia 4:10 Portofino 4:24 Milano 4:32 Rome, Vittoriano 4:49 Vatican S. Peter 6:27 Verona 6:48 Ferrara 6:54 P.za dei Signori, Treviso 7:41 ?? 7:45-55 Venice 8:15 ?? 8:21 Cinque Terre, Vernazza 8:26 Cinque Terre 8:42 ?? 9:14 Cortona 9:22 Venice 9:28 Milan, Naviglio grande 9:36 Val D’Orcia, Tuscany 10:02 Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte, Firenze 10:09 Milan 10:20 Rome (Hints for unknown are welcome!)
My wife and I traveled to Italy for our 30th anniversary back in 2016 and was surprised how inexpensive it was then, even just 7 years ago. I was expecting similar costs that I’ve encountered in many trips to Germany, England, Spain, France and Sweden, but this was not the case. I was pleasantly surprised at how much further my money went for amazing food, nice hotels and other fun stuff we did while there. We are planning to go back in three more years for our 40th. We both really loved the Italian people and culture and especially the beautiful countryside villages. We never ran across any rude people like you can when visiting France for example (although mostly just in big cities). The food in Italy is amazing as well. They claim France has the best food, but I beg to differ. I’m sad for the young Italians, they were so friendly to us while there. We could stop any young person and ask for directions, etc. and they were so nice and friendly. I hope things can pick up for them.
I live in Italy and Canada. And I gotta say that sadly Canada has recently been collapsing really fast. Living in Canada is becoming practically unaffordable by most (younger) Canadians. No future. If this keeps going, I’d pick Italy over Canada in a heartbeat ! Also keep in mind that Italians are famous complainers by nature, even when they have it good.
Living with parents has been presented as a negative feature of the society, but with an ageing population, it’s nothing but a a great social assistance. Looking down upon close knit families living together is an American social disease. The problem is lack of opportunities for youngsters, and not their strong family culture.
“…some conditions…” truth is, you have to be very well off to do this – because of “some” conditions. Most of these properties are in near condenmed shape. Lots of them are abandoned because the previous owner could not afford to hire the skills to re-model – and – like in several other European countries, there are very strict laws regarding the manner and style required to do the remodel. Re-building a stone hut to the original appearance and design is a very narrow skill field. We aren’t talking about some small house built in 1975. More like 1775,. some even earlier. Many were last “remodeled” 100 years ago, and are worse than the original structure. No water, no heat, maybe a single electrical circuit, run bare, and a stone roof that leaks like a collander. Or, no roof at all, with the stone slab shingles long ago tkaen and used by another house two miles down the mountain. Like the Colisseum in Rome: only half of it is still there. The rest was salvaged and used by the various Renaissance merchant families to build their palaces. Not all of them are that bad, but shop carefully, and do your research. What seems like a dream can become a nightmare in Italy – not just because of the work, but how it gets done and who actually does it. You are strictly ilimited in what you can do as the owner. Even though you might have diligently researched the building, and fully intend to make it a Still Life Renaissance painting, Italy has unions and regulations that will shut you down if you take their jobs.
Italy has an insane economic system. It’s literally impossible to do something without a license. A license to be paid in advance. Everytime. Side hustle is quite impossible in Italy. You are strictly locked in a massive scheme where you remain what you are in this moment. Assuming you are employed in a company, if you want to start, or even try to start your hustle with a little e-commerce, or even an affiliate blog, you have to pay 12.000 euro JUST TO START, without even made a single sell. Italy is killing the soul of entrepreneurs, those who made Italy great once, and could help the country to rise again…
Out of all the various factors mentioned, I think that the scariest one is population collapse due to low birthrates. It’s scary for two reasons. Firstly, it takes a while for the effects to become obvious, but by the time they are, the trend is a couple of generations in and well-nigh irreversible. Secondly, it’s a problem across a large number of countries worldwide and soon there just isn’t going to be enough immigrants from other places to offset the effects of low birthrates. It won’t just be a collapse for Japan or Italy, it will be a collapse for pretty much all of the developed countries.
Unfortunately, this article confirms my findings. We moved to the region around Bergamo in September 2014, a fantastic region with mountains, lakes (Como, Iseo, Garda) and … a good flight connection with the rest of Europe. That was important to me because I run a consultancy company in Belgium. Because we did not want to run any risk with rogue construction contractors (which we have had to deal with in Belgium), we decided to buy a new house. However, years later it turned out that the papers were not in order at all, despite the intervention of a notary, and that we would never be able to sell our house in these circumstances. Apparently the construction company had ‘good ties’ with the notary as well as with the mayor of our municipality. You hear all that afterwards. Although we were not/are not planning to sell the house in the short term, we still wanted to put this in order. However, you cannot imagine what procedure we have to follow for this. After almost 5 years, things are still not in order… and that is largely because our lawyer apparently cannot be trusted either. Luckily I don’t have to work here. But every time I fly back after a 2 or 3 day stay in Belgium, I feel very privileged to be able to live in such a beautiful country.
The point is our country is hold hostage by the older generations. They control politics, labour, institutions… basically everything. Meanwhile most of people in their 20s and 30s struggle to find a work and a salary which could allow them to be indipendent. Our top 5% minds leave the county looking after higher salary and that has crushed our research and development sectors. Tourist are considered more important than our own students, so that’s the road most of (old) Italians have chosen… being a tourist country.
Italy is so beautiful, I’m sad to hear that so many people there are struggling. It’s weird how the grass is so much greener on the other side. When Americans visit Italy they fall in love with the place, all the history, food, architecture, beautiful scenery and laid back culture and wish they had this.
I’m glad you mentioned nepotism… If you’re related to the manager of a business in Italy, you could be a 26yo high-school dropout and still get the job ahead of the other applicant with the Masters degree and 15-years experience, all because the other guy isn’t either related to or sleeping with the hiring manager or owner.
The economy in Italy has been bad for years, I used to live there. Houses in Si Ily selling for $ 1.00 is more or less a bad idea to invest in. 1. Sicily is a seismic zone, you have Mt. Etna rattling around which is connected to Mt. Vesuvius, which rattles unrelentlessly, causing big time earthquakes. THEN, there’s that super volcano in the Bay of Naples, displacing entire populations. All of Italy is seismic. Italy is also one hell of a GORGEOUS country. My family is from Abbruzzo. The $1.00 homes take an enormous amount of money to fix and then they crack because of the seismic tremors.
As a casual visitor after more than 30 years absence l was shocked by the evident decline. It’s not just the issues mentioned here but the lack of dynamism and innovation. It sounds trivial but for a country renowned for design I did not buy any shoes. Years ago l used to buy at least two pairs. The best designs l saw were Clark’s. Italy seems to have stood still
As an Italian (not so young) who left Italy years ago, this analysis is rather accurate except it didn’t mention the main cause of economic decline. It’s true that economic stagnation started in the 90’s, but the real decline begun with the Euro financial fraud of 2002, when the buying power of Italians on a fixed wage, was basically cut in half overnight. Add a constantly more corrupt and inept political class, disastrous covid response and jumping on the NATO proxy war cutting cheap gas supplies from Russia, in the last 3 years and here you have this poisonous mix. Most Italians deserve this though, for our passivity and selfishness and incapacity of thinking as a nation and not as individuals in a rat race pushing the next man down in order to stay afloat.
I have a brilliant idea. Thee are thousands of young people who are digital nomads. Japan is also having a housing issue with abandoned crumbling properties. Someone needs to put together a timeshare like scheme to fix up these properties ans sell time/work share living spaces to a network of digital nomads to offer not only living spaces but also Eco and community service activities that offer energetic young people a chance at travel, work, and the opportunity to give back to the world at the same time. Or something like that.
Thank you for being upfront and honest about these dollar deal houses in Italy as an American, who has never traveled to Italy, but has been my life‘s dream to do so knowing the reality of what it really entails is very sobering for me and yet comforting that I am truly really not missing out on anything that spectacular. I had no idea that Italy was such an expensive place to live, I do not think you’re being negative pointing this out like the one comment. I think you are being very helpful to people in America that have this silly fantasy of this European life and then they get over there and buy these villas and château and it’s absolutely miserable for them. Thank you for exposing this. I think you did good work here, have a blessed day
Just got back from two weeks in Italy and was pleasantly surprised by how cheap the food and drinks were. My experience of traveling to Europe has shown that Italy is one of the cheapest countries to dine out. The number of tourists was overwhelming to me even in March, I couldn’t even imagine what it would be like during peak season. While I’m glad tourism keeps and helps Italy economically, I also noticed a lot of Italians just don’t appreciate tourists.
As a Japanese myself, everything explained in this article sounds familiar except high unemployment rate. Economy growth and average income have been stagnated since early 90s in Japan. There are so many vacant homes in rural areas due to low birth rate and declining population. Nobody wants such home even it’s free cos home owners have to keep paying property tax though house itself has no value. Local governments refuse donations of such homes because property tax is important source of their income. It’s sad to see abandoned homes everywhere in countryside.
I was in ROme Italy at new years eve. Most shops were closed the whole day already. Some were open. Not much economical activity. At 5 o clock in the afternoon I wanted to enter a shop to buy a bottle of wine, just to found out I couldn’t get in because there was a government employee checking if the stores all did actually close at 5, the time set by the government. This is Italy in a nutshell.
19 million abandoned properties here in America. Abandoned cities islands towns star cities star forts skyscrapers castles mansions amusement parks ski resorts hotels motels apartments malls hospitals asylums houses up the wahzoo here in America. Why aren’t there any abandoned homeless shelters or tent cities?
I don’t think they want people who don’t understand any of this. They want people that will ultimately stay and correct the problem. My wife and I are Americans who bought a home in Italy in 2022. We both work online and that’s why these deals made perfect sense for us. We did not get a 1 Euro home however, but decided to spend a little money on a much nicer home in the country. We lose literally no standard of living from America – in fact it actually improves because the cost of living is way lower. I believe with the change in mindset from Covid, people are deciding what really matters to them, and I believe this will have a positive effect on Italy’s population crisis, that so many other countries also share.
Most of the €1 houses are in rural areas, I can guarantee you there are none on the Amalfi coast. As to other empty houses most are because people inherit them and just hold onto them, others are held because of internal family disputes. Others are donated to the church who then just hold them. A massive problem is corruption, especially in local councils where if your face doesn’t fit you will never get planning, which you need just to change a window. They also love paperwork, the more the merrier. As to building works, it functions in different ways. Very like America where people stick to one trade and one trade only. If I can give you one piece of advice, offer coffee at every opportunity.
Hate to break the news to you, but the us and canada are starting to see similar issues. The youth cannot find careers even with 4 year degrees. Here in the us we have properties in alot of towns that are bought by chinese and large corporations and used for rentals. There are similar programs for corporations where they can buy large quantities of homes, sometimes a dollar each. They are making prices skyrocket and taking home ownership away from future generations
Una fatsa — Una ratsa …. the same exact thing has been happening in #Greece for the last 2 decades. People here NEVER move out of their parents homes, and if they do, it is only for a very short time, and once they get married, they move back in w/ their parents, because they cannot afford to live on their own especially IF they decide to have children.
The problem with buying the house for $1 is they have so many rules about restoration of the property to the actual history of the house and you spend a fortune anda lifetime doing that because you also have to hire Italians to do the work an they only work when they want. Takes years. Not worth it. Also the children all leave for better opportunities that don’t envolve so much work like maintaining Vinyards and the olive grooves. They move to the big cities.
Yes you are correct. Here in Ireland I had an occasion to speak to a young man from Hungary who was working at a menial job in a tire replacement garage and whe I enquired why he had left a country with such good historical infrastructure and insentifying foreigners to buy homes there, his answer was they have no time for their own youth who get no help whatsoever. 😢
My father, his brother and my Grandmother came over here to the USA (another child was born to my Grand Parents here in the USA in 1944, he is still alive) just after Italy invaded Ethiopia. My Grandfather had been in the USA for a number of years traveling all round the USA. He brought them over and they settled in Washington D.C.. My Dad learned his trade as a Mason working for one of his realitives on the construction of the Pentagon. He, my Dad, ended up becoming a sucessful Builder/Developer in the DMV area. But he got caught up in the Savings and Loan crash in the 1980s and nearly lost everything. He never really recovered financially. He died a couple of years ago at the age of 95 a sad man. There is a lot more I can say/tell but I do not want to for a myrid of reasons. just saying
Thank you for creating and sharing this article. I had my suspicions regarding the one euro house scheme and you confirmed it but with more context and information. It’s infinitely sad that Italy has allowed itself to tumble and fall economically. You accurately pointed out the de facto reasons such as rampant nepotism, corruption and bureaucracy. As an Italian-Canadian with family living in Italy, it pains me to know of their struggles to eke out a living. 🇮🇹🇨🇦
Thank you for the article. I’m Hungarian citizen I live in Canada the last 23 years . I was like it here but things are changed the bad way . I want to move back to Europe. I love Italy I was in Sardinia for 9 month long time ago .I loved it ! Can you explain to me how I can start a process to get an 1 Euro house?
Yeah situation is bad in some places, but make Italy sound like a hellhole which ot isn’t. Also Italy is big and not every area has the same problems. I actually live here and it’s not that bad as u make it sound. Also draining from small villages is a worldwide problem not just Italy(i come from a village of 2000 people btw).
Around the world younger people are not getting into farming or trades that would support a population and help to maintain buildings and infrastructure. The tech sector continues to grow and make decisions that are detrimental to humanity. When nobody is left to feed or build, and technology cannot fix those problems, I see the quick downfall of the human species. When land is used for server farms to hold trivial data like memes, likes and comments, we will leave behind relics of how angry, greedy and confused we were and how we couldn’t manage to prioritize real life over the facade of life online.
They should work out something to attract western retirees who are willing to live in the countryside and rural areas. Just to make it a minimum permanent income like they do in Costa Rica and Portugal. That way you get a bunch of chill immigrants who spend money in Italy without taking jobs from Italian citizens.