Buying a rural home in Europe is becoming more popular every year. While prices in big cities continue to rise there are still thousands of rural homes available for a fraction of the cost. You can find stone cottages old farmhouses or even abandoned village homes with land for under €50000. Some are ready to live in others need work but all offer space peace and new possibilities.
If you are looking for more freedom and a different pace of life buying a rural property could be your next step. At AffordableBricks we help you understand what to look for and how to do it safely. Our guides are clear honest and focused on the reality of buying in unfamiliar places.
Who Can Buy Property in Rural Europe
Most European countries allow foreigners to buy homes including rural properties. If you are from the EU you can buy without special rules. If you are from the UK US or another non-EU country you can still buy in Spain Portugal or Italy but you may need a local tax number or permission to buy farmland.
In Spain a tax ID number called NIE is required before you sign any official documents. As in Italy you need a codice fiscale. In Portugal the process is simple but you still need a local bank account. These requirements are not difficult but they can slow you down if you are not prepared. That is why we always recommend speaking to a local legal expert before you travel or make an offer.
If you are buying land make sure you know the zoning rules. Not all land is legal to build or renovate on. In many areas the local town hall will need to give you permission to make changes.
You can find a full overview of buyer rights across Europe on Your Europe the official EU site.
How Rural Property Is Different From City Real Estate
Rural property is different in many ways. In cities the paperwork is usually complete and services like water electricity and sewage are already connected. On the countryside things can be less clear. It is common for homes to be missing documents or for parts of the property to be unregistered. That does not mean you should avoid them but you must do more checks.
Before you buy make sure the house is officially listed in the land registry. Also confirm who owns the land around it and whether others have rights to pass through it. Check for water and power connections. If there are none you need to plan for solar panels and water tanks. In many areas this is normal and even desirable but only if you are ready.
Where To Find Rural Homes For Sale
One of the best sites to find rural homes is Idealista which covers Spain Portugal and Italy. You can filter by price land size and condition. Another trusted site is Green-Acres which lists homes across most of Europe.
At AffordableBricks we are building our own selection of verified rural homes under €75000. These will include important notes such as property status nearby services and estimated renovation costs. We also publish guides for each region and connect you with local contacts when possible.
If you want a preview of what rural life looks like you can also find examples on YouTube. Many buyers now share their full renovation story from buying a cheap house to moving in.
How Much Does It All Cost
The price of the home is only one part of the full cost. You will also pay transfer tax notary fees and legal costs. This usually adds 6 to 12 percent depending on the country. If you need to renovate you can expect to spend €10000 to €50000 depending on the condition.
In Italy you can paint a small house for around €1500. Rewiring costs €20 to €50 per light point. A bathroom renovation may cost €4000 to €8000 and a new roof is often €150 to €200 per square meter. In Spain and Portugal prices are similar especially in rural areas where labor is more affordable.
Many buyers choose to do part of the work themselves. This saves money and helps you learn how your home works. Still it is important to budget more than expected especially for old homes that have been empty for years.
We are working on a renovation cost calculator which will soon be available on AffordableBricks to help you estimate your full budget.
Life in the Countryside
Living in a rural area brings many benefits. You can enjoy quiet mornings fresh air and beautiful views. You will have more land and more privacy. Your monthly bills can be lower and you may find it easier to live a simple lifestyle. Many rural homes also come with land for gardening or small animals.
But life outside the city is not always easy. You may need to drive longer for food shops or health care. You may also need to adapt to a slower rhythm and local customs. In some regions locals speak their own dialect or language. Integration is easier if you learn a few words and get involved in local events.
If you work online or are retired the countryside is often ideal. But it helps to visit in advance and spend time in the area before you commit.
Italy’s €1 Homes and Similar Offers
Some Italian towns offer homes for €1 but there are rules. You need to pay a deposit often around €3000. You must also renovate the house within a few years or you lose the deposit. These homes can be great if you already have a renovation budget and want to live in Italy long term.
The full cost of a €1 home is often closer to €30000 to €70000 when including all renovation and legal work. But for many buyers the experience is worth it. A few people even bought multiple homes and turned them into holiday rentals or small guesthouses.
You can learn more about €1 homes and check current towns at 1eurohouses.com.
Want To Know What Others Are Doing
Buying a rural property can feel overwhelming but you are not alone. Many people across Europe are making the same choice. They leave busy cities behind and start a slower life in the countryside. Some buy small farms. Others fix up ruins. Some just want a garden and peace.
Join the Conversation
Looking for advice or want to share your experience? Our community forum is the place to ask questions, learn from others, and connect with people across Europe who are also searching for affordable property. Whether it’s about financing, notaries, or renovation tips. You’re not alone. Your story might help someone else too!
