An American woman has revealed how she purchased three homes in southern Italy for $1.60 each.
In 2019 and 2020, several villages in Italy started selling homes for as little as $1.60 and the Californian saw an offer she could not refuse, 7News reported.
The outlet reported that Daniels took the step many people around the world have contemplated but were too scared to give it a go.
"My husband saw an article online about the homes and shared it with me and by the end of the day I had booked my ticket, hotel, rental car and was ready to go on this new adventure," she told the outlet.
Daniels arrived in Mussomeli, a village in central Sicily, and purchased three homes claiming two of them would be for her children to use.
"You have to go in person, so you can go through a tour to see what is available (I was there in January 2019).
"However before I arrived I had done my personal research by looking at what was available by using Google Earth to look at the street.
"A lot of the property didn't have pictures, it was really the beginning of the 1 euro project in Mussomeli."
The business owner shared her story with her followers on social media with the hope of inspiring people to follow their dreams and take up a good opportunity.
"If you need help and guidance finding the perfect house for you Nathalie, Cinzia and Valarie will do their best to find the best fit for your family!" she wrote on Facebook. "
"I love my experience with them, highly recommended!!!!"
The Sicilian village she invested in is one of about 25 regions in the country that have launched a scheme offering up bargain houses to people.
The goal of many communities is to rebuild the villages in which the population may be ageing or decreasing because residents are moving away.
Daniels revealed that while the realtor and other fees added to the cost, she only paid around NZ$5000 upfront.
"Okay, the house is pretty much free (1 euro, of course, is symbolic) you will pay about 3500 euros in closing cost deed and the fee for the work of the realtors," she said.
She revealed she had to get to work pretty quickly after purchasing the homes as most towns give the new owners a time frame in which they must renovate the property or else they risk losing their deposits.
In total for all three, she is set to pay around NZ$100,000 in renovations, including the labour.
Daniels said she was able to get to work pre-COVID-19 and got a significant amount of the renovations completed before restrictions were put in place.
"I have started in one house. I have completed my new roof (looks beautiful) and my second and third floor is pretty close to being done!" she said.
"COVID-19 has really impacted my progress due to the flight restrictions," Daniels added.
Despite the pandemic hampering her renovation progress, Daniels had positive things to say about the village she had recently purchased the properties in.
"Mussomeli is a beautiful place, rich in history, the people are super kind and welcoming. It felt like home!" she said.
"The realtors were so welcoming and supportive, I was travelling alone and felt super safe and welcome, that was really my decision-making point.
"I always dream of retirement in Europe or having a vacation home and all of it came about from me making the trip to discover the 1 euro case."
The businesswoman said she had several tips for prospective buyers.
"Rule 1: Don't let yourself talk you out (of the decision)," she said.
"Rule 2: Reach out to people who can share their experience (I am taking a second group this first week of June). My friend and family members all bought something so we are creating our community!
"Mussomeli is really diverse - people from all over the world are investing there.
"Rule 3: Enjoy the process."
Daniels claimed she is not just turning the properties into places to live, she is also planning to give back to the community."
"One property, I am planning to open an art gallery," she told the outlet.
"In the second one, my son is planning to run a coffee shop for half of the year.
"My third will probably be where we stay when we are there.
"It's a great opportunity for very little investment.
"Also, I think it is important for people to be more mindful of the environment - it is more sustainable to fix what needs to be fixed than continuing [to] build things."
