An individual who purchased a rundown property in Italy for just 85p has been forced to sell the house due to difficulties in finding workers to renovate it within a strict timeline.
Danny McCubbin, aged 58, acquired the property in Mussomeli, Sicily, under the ‘Case 1 Euro’ initiative aimed at attracting foreign buyers to the area. Originally from Australia and residing in the UK for 17 years, he saw the opportunity to own an overseas property at a highly discounted rate as too good to pass up, encouraging others to consider similar investments.
However, the condition of the program required buyers to complete renovations within three years of purchase to gain full ownership. Facing a shortage of construction workers in Italy, particularly in the building sector, McCubbin struggled to find help in refurbishing the house within the stipulated timeframe. As a result, despite his background as a chef working with Jamie Oliver’s Fifteen Foundation, he had to resell the property to an estate agency shortly after acquiring it, receiving a refund due to the challenges of hiring builders.
In an interview with iNews, McCubbin expressed the difficulties he encountered in securing a builder, leading to the deterioration of the property over time. The escalating renovation costs, double the initial estimate when he finally found a construction company, led him to the decision to divest the property.
Although disappointed by the outcome after enjoying the tranquility of life in Mussomeli, McCubbin remained undeterred, promptly acquiring another property at a higher price but requiring less renovation. By hiring two construction workers for a week of minor repairs at a manageable cost, he was able to move into the new property and initiate a community kitchen to provide free meals to vulnerable families.
Reflecting on his relocation in December 2020, motivated by the Brexit transition, McCubbin shared his long-standing desire to live in Sicily, inspired by his parents’ fondness for the countryside. His new project, The Good Kitchen, aims to address a perceived need in Mussomeli for communal dining spaces.
The scarcity of builders in Mussomeli has prompted local officials, including deputy mayor Toti Nigrelli, to address the issue by seeking to alleviate the burden on property owners seeking renovation assistance. Nigrelli assured that efforts are underway to mitigate the labor shortage and accommodate individuals seeking affordable property options in the region, with plans to welcome foreign builders in the near future.
