European Property Guide
From €1 houses to Golden Visa properties. Access EU residency, Schengen travel freedom, and a pathway to European citizenship through strategic property investment.
€1 - €500K+
Extreme variety
3-10%
Location dependent
From €250K
Greece minimum
Why Invest in Europe?
Europe offers unparalleled diversity: ultra-affordable renovation projects in rural Italy, strategic Golden Visa investments in Greece and Spain, and lifestyle properties across Portugal, France, and beyond. The key attraction is EU residency rights, Schengen travel freedom, and pathways to citizenship.
Key Advantages
- EU residency and Schengen travel freedom
- Pathway to citizenship (varies by country)
- Ultra-affordable €1 houses available
- Rich culture, history, and lifestyle
- Established legal frameworks
- High quality of life
Key Challenges
- High Golden Visa minimums (€250K-€500K)
- €1 houses require massive renovation budgets
- Language barriers
- Complex bureaucracy
- Changing Golden Visa programs
Golden Visa Programs
- Schengen travel freedom
- Family inclusion
- No minimum stay required
- Cannot work in Greece on this visa
- Schengen travel freedom
- Family inclusion
- Can work and study
- Minimal stay requirement
- Residential real estate excluded (2023 changes)
- Commercial property still eligible
- Fastest citizenship path (5 years)
- Property alone doesn't qualify
- €1 house programs available (separate)
The €1 House Phenomenon
Reality Check: €1 Houses
Yes, they're real! But there's a catch. These properties are offered by depopulated Italian villages desperate to revitalize. You'll pay €1 for the house, but you must commit to renovating it within 2-3 years (typically €20,000-€100,000+) and often post a refundable deposit (€2,000-€5,000). This is a lifestyle investment, not a financial one.
Towns: Mussomeli, Sambuca, Troina
Deposit: €3,000-€5,000
Renovation: €20,000-€50,000
Mediterranean climate, rich history, affordable living costs
Towns: Ollolai, Nulvi
Deposit: €2,000-€3,000
Renovation: €25,000-€60,000
Island paradise, stunning beaches, unique culture
Towns: Various mountain villages
Deposit: €2,000-€5,000
Renovation: €30,000-€80,000
Mountain living, ski resorts, close to Rome
Requirements & Conditions
What You Must Do:
- Complete renovation within 2-3 years
- Post refundable deposit (€2,000-€5,000)
- Submit renovation plan for approval
- Use local contractors (usually)
What You Get:
- Full freehold ownership
- Unique cultural experience
- EU residency rights (if you meet visa requirements separately)
- Potential Airbnb income
Other European Opportunities
Regions: Auvergne, Limousin, Burgundy
Affordable rural homes with land. Renovation often required. Quality of life, culture, and wine regions.
Regions: Istria, Dalmatian coast
Adriatic Sea access, growing tourism, EU member. Strong rental potential in tourist season.
Regions: Bansko (ski), Sunny Beach (coast)
Extremely affordable EU property. Ski resorts and Black Sea beaches. Low cost of living.
Note: Ireland does not offer a Golden Visa program
Property purchase alone doesn't grant residency. Consider other EU countries for visa pathways.