A WOMAN who bought three homes for just £2.60 in Italy has revealed new plans she has for the properties.
Rubia Daniels intends to retire in picturesque Mussomeli, Sicily, where her houses are – but has now revealed she plans to create two businesses in the buildings.
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The enthusiastic new home owner from California, who speaks Italian, first became aware of the 89p (€1) homes after reading an article about the small town online.
While she hadn’t intended to buy so many homes in 2019, she added: “It’s how the people make you feel that makes you say, ok, I’ll buy three.”
The properties are only a ten minute drive from one another.
She plans on turning one into a wellness centre.
The other will be an art gallery, and the third is reserved for her and her boyfriend to retire in after the massive £16,000 renovations.
She said: “You don’t even get a car for £16k in California, it’s a very small investment.
“We have one mostly completed already when we go, and hopefully the second will be done by October.
“I never felt overwhelmed or fearful about this project – it’s a big task but a great opportunity.”
Rubia plans to restore all three buildings to their former glory, and help restart the small town in which they lie.
She said: “It was a fantastic new concept for me.
“I work in the environmental industry and to use what we already have where properties have been abandoned – it’s a great opportunity.”
Several towns in Italy have made headlines in recent years for offering up the practically free houses to buyers.
The Sun previously reported that there are around 25 regions who have taken part in the scheme, each with a number of properties.
Many of the areas have a dwindling or aging population and hope to build the community again.
But while some do sell for 89p (€1), on average houses sell for around £4.4,000 (€5,000), although some are up to £17,000 (€20,000), according to Meredith Tabbone who bought one herself.
Not only that, but there are often fines for buyers who don’t complete their renovations in time.
Buyers are also often required to pay a £4.4,000 (€5,000) deposit, which they lose if they haven’t finished sprucing up their property within a set time.
Buyers are also advised to check on whether they are required to live in the property full time before buying, as some towns sell the houses on the condition of moving to the area, as well as working or starting a business there.
Dias claims that she ultimately “loves the architecture of the house and the history” of the old building, despite the pricey cost of the renovation.
Here is everything you need to know about buying and renovating an 89p (€1) house in Italy.
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