Overview

• George Laing purchased his first derelict home in Mussomeli, Italy, for €1 in December 2022, with total costs, including fees, amounting to €5,000 (£4,300).
• He completed the renovation of the three-storey property for under £10,000 by performing most of the work himself, despite challenges such as a leaking roof and lack of utilities.
• Laing's social media documentation of the project has drawn significant interest, with over 500 people signing up to rent the property via his website.
• Encouraged by the success of his first project, Laing acquired a second €1 home in April 2025, which he plans to renovate and integrate into a growing community of restored properties.
• Looking ahead, Laing aims to develop multiple homes into a revitalized community in Mussomeli and open an antiques store to support local economic growth.