You’ve probably seen the headlines: “Buy a house in Italy for just 1 euro!” It sounds too good to be true—and in many ways, it is. While Italy’s €1 home schemes have captured the imagination of dreamers and investors worldwide, the reality behind these offers often includes hidden costs, remote locations, and hefty renovation commitments.
In contrast, Portugal doesn’t have a 1 euro home program, but what it does offer is a more transparent, accessible path to affordable property renovation, especially in charming rural regions like the Alentejo and Algarve.
At Immo Lusitania, we help you find these hidden gems—homes starting from €75,000–€150,000, often with stunning potential, strong infrastructure, and realistic timelines. Let’s break it down.
What Are 1 Euro Homes in Italy? 🇮🇹
1 euro home schemes in Italy were designed to breathe life into abandoned villages and depopulated towns. Local governments offer these properties at a symbolic price—but there’s more than meets the eye:
Pros:
- Ultra-low purchase price
- Historic charm and scenic settings
- Media buzz and tourist potential
Cons:
- Remote and isolated villages with little infrastructure
- Renovation costs from €50,000 to €150,000+
- Strict timelines and legal obligations
- Foreign buyers often need local legal help
⚠️ Pro Tip: Many buyers abandon their plans once they realize the red tape, bureaucratic process, and local limitations.
Portugal’s Quiet Alternative: Real Homes, Real Budgets 🇵🇹
Portugal doesn’t make flashy headlines with 1 euro deals—but what it does offer are realistic, habitable, and affordable homes across countryside towns with far more flexibility.
🏡 What you’ll find in Portugal:
- Small houses starting around €75k–€120k
- Structurally sound buildings needing cosmetic or mid-range renovations
- Strong infrastructure (roads, hospitals, internet)
- Communities actively welcoming new residents
💡 Insider Insight: We’ve helped clients buy and renovate charming 2-bedroom homes in the Alentejo for under €200,000 all-in—with full support and delivery in under 6 months.
Italy vs Portugal: A Side-by-Side Comparison 📊
| Feature | Italy 1 Euro Homes | Portugal Affordable Homes |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | €1 (symbolic) | €75,000+ (realistic) |
| Renovation Cost | €50,000–€150,000+ | €30,000–€80,000 (avg.) |
| Bureaucracy | High (permits, deadlines) | Low to moderate (we help) |
| Location Infrastructure | Often poor | Often strong, even rural |
| Community Integration | Mixed | Very welcoming |
| Legal/Process Support | Rare, must hire locally | Full support with Immo Lusitania |
| Time to Live In | 1–2 years (avg.) | 3–6 months (with renovation help) |
Where to Find These Affordable Opportunities in Portugal 🔍
Immo Lusitania specializes in the Alentejo and Algarve, where we have access to over 1,000 homes—including:
- Village houses with gardens under €100k
- Historic stone homes ready for stylish upgrades
- Off-market gems ideal for digital nomads, retirees, or rental investors
- Farmhouses, cottages, and old-school quintas with land
🧰 We also offer renovation services: vetted local builders, architects, and interior designers who know the terrain and the aesthetic.
📣 Don’t Get Stuck in a 1 Euro Fantasy—Buy Smart in Portugal
If you’ve been tempted by Italy’s €1 headlines, we get it. But if you want a realistic, supported, and sustainable path to owning your dream home in Europe, Portugal might be your smarter move.
👉 Contact Immo Lusitania to:
- Discover affordable listings not found online
- Explore our buy + renovate program in the Alentejo or Algarve
- Book a personal call with Ferdi to start your journey
📩 ferdi@immolusitania.ch (EN, PT, NL)
📩 nadia@immolusitania.ch (DE, Swiss DE)
📩 john@immolusitania.ch (FI, SV)
📞 Or contact Ferdi via WhatsApp or schedule via Calendly
🔗 Internal Links:
🔗 External Link:
- Learn more about Italy’s 1 Euro Home Scheme on Wikipedia
📱 Visiting Portugal to scout a renovation project? Stay connected with Airalo, our official partner for international eSIMs.
👉 Grab your Airalo eSIM here
Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes. Immo Lusitania is not affiliated with the Italian government’s 1 euro home schemes. Some links (e.g., Airalo) may be referral links that help support our platform.
