Italian village offers $1 homes to Americans looking to relocate after Trump win

Ollolai, a small, picturesque village in Italy is making headlines with an unusual pitch to Americans seeking an escape after Donald Trump's re-election: homes for as little as one euro ($1.06).

In Short

• Ollolai aims to revitalise its economy with homebuyers from US
• Mayor of village pitches fast-track process for Americans
• 38,000 inquiries received about homes, mostly from the US

An Italian village is offering a unique proposition to Americans disillusioned with the recent election results: affordable homes and a peaceful escape.

Ollolai, a picturesque town in central Sardinia, has long been struggling with depopulation. To revitalise its economy, the town has been selling dilapidated houses for as little as one euro ($1.06). Now, in the wake of Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election, the town is actively courting American buyers.

"Are you worn out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?" the town's website pitches. "It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia."

Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that the website was specifically designed to attract Americans seeking refuge from the political climate in the United States.

"We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all," Columbu said. "We can’t, of course, ban people from other countries from applying, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village—they are our winning card."

Without explicitly naming Trump, Columbu added, "Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country."

This comes alongside similar offers like Florida-based cruise company Villa Vie Residences’ ‘Tour La Vie’ programme, which offers four-year cruises visiting over 140 countries as an escape from Trump’s second term. Prices start at $40,000 per year.

A HOUSE FOR EVERY NEED

Ollolai has introduced a range of housing options, from free temporary homes for digital nomads, one-euro properties requiring renovation, to move-in-ready houses for up to 100,000 euros. The village is known for its abundant water features, stunning landscapes, delicious local cuisine, and rich cultural heritage.

The town hall’s website has reportedly been inundated with 38,000 inquiries about its homes, with the majority coming from the United States, Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN. To assist newcomers, local residents offer help with tasks such as property viewings and contractor arrangements, he said.

This is not the first time Ollolai has made such offers. In 2018, it began selling empty homes for one euro and later introduced initiatives for digital nomads, even covering costs like utilities and taxes.

For those seeking a fresh start and a slower pace of life, Ollolai’s doors—and its one-euro homes—are wide open.