European village offers $1 homes to Americans who want to move after election

If any Americans want to leave their country after President-elect Donald Trump won the 2024 election, there’s a cheap option for a new home.

CNN reports Ollolai, Italy, has launched a website in hopes of attracting potential U.S. expats to move to the small village on the island of Sardinia. In fact, they’re offering dilapidated houses for as little as one euro, or just over $1.

“Are you worned (sic) out by global politics? Looking to embrace a more balanced lifestyle while securing new opportunities?” the website asks. “It’s time to start building your European escape in the stunning paradise of Sardinia.”

Ollolai also boasts “pristine nature, surrounded by incredible cuisine,” and “a new way of life,” while offering guided help with arranging viewings, finding contractors or navigating any bureaucratic issues.

According to USA Today, Ollolai is not on one of Sardinia’s famous beaches, but the village surrounded by forests has nearly 1,500 years of history and is known for its tradition of basket weaving, called S’Istrumpa. Some of the homes are made from local granite rocks and previously housed farmers and shepherds.

Ollolai Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN that he loves the United States and hopes to convince Americans frustrated with the election results to help revive their community. The village’s population has declined from 2,250 people to just half — 1,150 residents — over the past century.

Columbu says the village is offering three options: Free temporary homes for “digital nomads,” one-euro homes that will require renovations, and ready-to-move-in homes worth up to $105,000. Passports are not required, but Columbu said U.S. citizens will be favored over applicants from other countries.

“We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all,” he told the cable news network. “We can’t of course ban people from other countries to apply, but Americans will have a fast-track procedure. We are betting on them to help us revive the village, they are our winning card.”

Colombu said Tuesday the website has already received more than 38,000 requests for information on houses. According to CNN, the village’s town hall first started selling dilapidated homes for one euro in 2018, but still has about 100 unoccupied cheap homes available.

It’s unclear how many Americans would actually leave the U.S. as Trump returns to the White House, but The Hill reports Google data showed a 5,000% in search interest for “moving to Canada” and “immigrate to Canada” shortly after Vice President Kamala Harris lost the election. There were also spikes in search traffic for Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom.