In the charming, yet somewhat overlooked, French town of Saint-Amand-Montrond, nestled just a short journey away from Bourges in the heart of France, a unique opportunity has emerged to lure in those dreaming of rural European living. Imagine acquiring a picturesque, albeit modest, abode in this tranquil setting for a mere €1—an offer that's as tantalizing as it is financially accessible.

Indeed, the price tag of just one euro (roughly 85p) might seem like a fairy tale, considering the house comes complete with a living room, kitchen, toilet on the first floor, and two bedrooms, a bathroom, a quaint courtyard, and a garage on the upper floor. However, prospective homeowners should brace themselves for a reality check. This house, untouched for over a decade, requires considerable renovation, with the local government estimating the costs to hover around €127,800 (£109,000).

The allure of such a deal extends beyond the rock-bottom purchase price. Much like previous similar initiatives in regions like Sicily or the small town of Sant’Elia a Pianisi, the local authorities are not leaving the new owners to fend for themselves. François Blondieau, the deputy in charge of urban planning, shared with Ouest France that substantial subsidies would be offered to aid in the restoration of this gem.

Interested parties have a defined window to act. The application period kicked off on April 1 and will conclude on June 15, with opportunities to visit the property scheduled from May 15 until the closing date. The lucky new owner will be expected to sign the deed come January 2025, with a deadline to complete all renovations by July 2028.

Yet, there's a deliberate catch in this enticing offer: the house is not just a bargain but a bid to enrich the community with more permanent residents. Therefore, a committee will strictly evaluate applications to ensure that the new homeowner is not merely seeking a secondary, occasional retreat but will commit to residing there continuously for at least a decade.

Despite its modest size, boasting a population slightly north of 9,000, Saint-Amand-Montrond offers more than just affordable real estate. It hosts an eleventh-century church and the avant-garde Cité de l’Or - Pyramide des Métiers d’Art, a venue that looks like something out of a sci-fi novel. Thus, if the prospect of embedding yourself in this idyllic French locale for the foreseeable future appeals to you, consider throwing your hat into the ring and becoming a part of this small town's next chapter.

Read More: http://www.ville-saint-amand-montrond.fr/