The concept of alternative housing has captured the imagination of many seeking to escape conventional property markets. Whether driven by financial constraints, a desire for adventure, or environmental concerns, people worldwide are exploring unconventional living arrangements. Two particularly fascinating options have emerged in recent years: the Italian €1 property schemes and New Zealand’s flourishing houseboat communities. These distinct approaches to housing represent creative solutions to different challenges, from rural depopulation to urban housing shortages.
Italian 1 euro properties: a dream opportunity
The Italian €1 house initiative has garnered international attention since its inception in 2017. What began as a bold experiment to revitalise dying villages has transformed into a global phenomenon. According to Domus, a leading property information agency, these schemes now operate in more than 70 towns across Italy, from Sicily to Sardinia and throughout the mainland. The initiative represents one of the most innovative approaches to combating rural depopulation while preserving Italy’s architectural heritage.
The history and requirements behind these budget properties
The €1 house concept originated in Salemi, Sicily, in 2008 when Vittorio Sgarbi offered empty buildings for a symbolic fee to attract investment. However, the model gained significant momentum around 2017 when more towns began adopting similar schemes. The fundamental principle remains consistent: local authorities sell abandoned properties for a token price to new owners who commit to renovation within a specified timeframe. These programmes emerged as a response to severe demographic challenges. Since the late 20th century, young Italians have been leaving rural areas for education and employment opportunities in cities or abroad, continuing a pattern of migration that has historical precedents – between 1880 and 1924, over four million Italians migrated to the United States alone.
Prospective buyers must navigate specific requirements that vary by location. Most commonly, purchasers must submit renovation plans within a set period, typically ranging from one to three years, and complete the works within three to five years. Some municipalities, like Sedini in Sardinia, have implemented additional incentives, including tax breaks for both buyers and sellers under their ‘Sedini per la rinascita’ initiative. It’s worth noting that while properties are advertised for €1, many actually sell through auction processes that drive prices higher, though still remarkably affordable compared to standard property markets.
Renovation Challenges and Success Stories in Italian Villages
The path from purchasing a €1 property to creating a habitable home involves significant challenges. Most buildings require substantial renovation, with costs typically ranging from €20,000 to €50,000 depending on size, condition, and location. These properties have often stood empty for decades, suffering from structural issues, damaged roofs, and outdated or non-existent utilities. The renovation process frequently involves navigating Italy’s complex bureaucracy, including obtaining various permits and adhering to strict regulations, particularly for properties in historic districts.
Despite these challenges, success stories abound. Mussomeli in Sicily has sold more than 125 houses since launching its €1 campaign in 2017, bringing approximately €7 million to the local economy. In Montieri, Tuscany, which adopted the model in 2016 after losing 3,000 residents following the closure of its mines in the 1990s, about 70 houses have been sold, and 30 new businesses have opened. Individual success stories have further popularised the initiative, such as American Meredith Tabbone, whose renovation of a €1 home in Sambuca di Sicilia gained significant social media attention. The impact extends beyond property sales – these programmes have catalysed broader economic revitalisation in participating towns, attracting tourism and creating opportunities for local tradespeople and businesses.
New Zealand Houseboats: Life on the Water
While Italy looks to its historic buildings for housing solutions, New Zealand has embraced an entirely different approach with its growing houseboat communities. According to information shared by Domusagency in July 2025, floating homes represent an increasingly popular alternative housing option in a country known for its spectacular waterways and progressive attitudes toward unconventional living arrangements. These water dwellings range from traditional narrowboats to modern floating bungalows, offering residents direct connection with New Zealand’s natural environment.
Practical Aspects of Houseboat Living in New Zealand
Houseboat living in New Zealand presents distinct practical considerations compared to conventional housing. Costs vary significantly based on vessel type, size, and amenities, with options ranging from modest converted fishing boats to luxurious custom-built floating homes. Beyond the initial purchase, houseboat owners must consider mooring fees, maintenance requirements, and insurance costs. Many New Zealand marinas and harbours have established dedicated houseboat communities with facilities including electricity hookups, fresh water connections, and waste disposal services.
The legal framework governing houseboat residency in New Zealand has evolved to accommodate this housing alternative. Residents must navigate regulations regarding permanent moorings, navigation rights, and environmental compliance. The mobility aspect represents both an advantage and challenge – while houseboats offer the freedom to change location, secure permanent mooring rights in desirable areas can be difficult to obtain and potentially expensive. Despite these considerations, houseboat living continues to attract diverse residents, from young professionals seeking affordable housing alternatives to retirees downsizing from larger properties while maintaining independence and connection to nature.
Environmental Benefits and Community Culture of Water Dwellings
The environmental advantages of houseboat living align with New Zealand’s commitment to sustainability. These water dwellings typically have smaller footprints than conventional homes, consuming less energy and resources. Many houseboat owners implement renewable energy systems, including solar panels and wind turbines, further reducing environmental impact. Water conservation becomes second nature to houseboat residents, who develop acute awareness of their resource consumption. Additionally, living on water fosters direct connection with aquatic ecosystems, often inspiring residents to become advocates for water quality and marine conservation.
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of New Zealand’s houseboat communities is their distinctive culture. These floating neighbourhoods develop strong social bonds, with residents sharing knowledge, resources, and mutual support. Community events, from shared meals to maintenance workshops, strengthen these connections. The lifestyle attracts people seeking alternatives to conventional housing and social structures, creating diverse communities united by their choice of water-based living. For many residents, the decision to live on water represents more than a housing choice – it embodies a philosophical approach to life that values freedom, simplicity, and connection with nature above material accumulation and conventional status symbols.
