Ever since the concept of one-euro Italian homes emerged a few years ago, there’s been a recognized pattern to these highly popular sell-offs of crumbling properties in charming but depopulated areas. Once a town announces it has some on offer — usually places hoping to revitalize their communities with new residents willing to spend money on preserving historic housing stock — there’s a brief frenzy as buyers swoop in to snap up a bargain.

Even though these typically vanish from the market just as quickly as they arrive, there are still dilapidated dwellings going for a song in parts of Sicily that few Italians have heard of. But you need to know where to search — and it can be like looking for a needle in a pagliaio. Luckily, two people are willing to do this for you: Antonino and Carmelo Cuschera.