Switzerland does not offer a 1-franc house offer
In 2019, the village of Gambarogno in Ticino offered abandoned houses, so-called rustici, for 1 franc who were willing to renovate them. The program ended last week with no one taking up the offer.
The program was inspired by similar programs in Italy. However, the Swiss offer encountered challenges. Some were practical and others administrative.
Some rustici are supplied with water, but there is no electricity or gas and they are far from roads and public transport. It takes 45 minutes on foot to get there.
The last nail in the coffin was a recent decision by the Federal Office for Spatial Development (ARE) not to allow the houses to be rebuilt. Thomas Kappeler, head of ARE, told the Blick newspaper that the poor condition of the buildings had been seen on the satellite images and that the plan had been decided against. The project was blocked for spatial planning reasons instead of refusing planning permission.
Plans to rebuild the village have existed since the 1970s, but no money was ever found to fund the work.
The possibility of contesting the ARE decision with the Federal Supreme Court remains. But the paperwork and costs are likely to increase significantly before they can even be put back on the market for 1 franc.
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