Taranto in Puglia has launched a one-euro-a-house regeneration scheme for its historic centre, similar to others that have brought an influx of foreign buyers into towns and villages across the Italian south. Taranto council says it has already been inundated by offers from countries including the USA and Brazil.

The council said "we are aiming to set up a residential and touristic network via the sale of property at the symbolic price of one euro to all those willing to take part in the overall restoration project". People, including VIPs, have been snapping up the one-euro properties across the Mezzogiorno and doing them up to regenerate town and village centres.