The beautiful village in Italy offering houses for less than £1

A gorgeous Italian idyll is offering a life-changing chance to snap up a property for under £1. The village in Sardinia, Italy, called Ollolai, is offering homes for just £0.80 as part of a broader effort to revive its declining population.

This offer is part of a larger trend across Italy, where other regions like Tuscany have also been encouraging people to move by offering financial incentives. The goal is to combat depopulation, as studies show that some towns are at risk of disappearing due to ageing populations and youth migration.

The village website reads: "Nestled in pristine nature, surrounded by incredible cuisine, and immersed in a community with ancient traditions, in the rare Earth's Blue Zone, Ollolai is the perfect destination to reconnect, recharge, and embrace a new way of life. Discover an array of properties from the originators of the €1 House global phenomenon.

"Whether you’re searching for a €1 house to renovate or a move-in-ready home, we’ll guide you through every step of your journey, from arranging viewings to finding contractors and navigating the necessary bureacracy.

"Ollolai, the birthplace of the global €1 House phenomenon featured on CNN and other major media outlets, has already welcomed many buyers who have transformed these unique homes. While several €1 houses have been sold and renovated, we still offer a selection of €1 properties as well as others that require minimal renovation, all at affordable prices. Soon, we’ll showcase these properties on this new website—stay tuned!"

Buyers, however, must commit to renovating the properties, with renovation costs ranging that could reach tens of thousands of pounds

This initiative is also aimed at attracting those looking to escape political tension in the US and start a new life in Italy. The mayor of Ollolai, Francesco Columbu, has specifically targeted Americans, seeing them as key to rejuvenating the town.

Mayor Francesco Columbu told CNN: "We just really want, and will focus on, Americans above all.

"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."

He added: "Of course, we can’t specifically mention the name of one US president who just got elected, but we all know that he’s the one from whom many Americans want to get away from now and leave the country.

"We have specifically created this website now to meet US post-elections relocation needs. The first edition of our digital nomad scheme which launched last year was already solely for Americans."