This French Town Is Selling Big Houses For Rs 100. But There’s A Catch

The small town of Ambert in France has introduced an innovative housing scheme aimed at attracting new residents and revitalizing the local community. The town is offering large, traditional French houses for just 100 rupees (approximately 1.20 euros), a symbolic price intended to make homeownership more accessible.

Key Features of the Scheme

• The program started in July 2025 to counter population decline and encourage young families and first-time buyers to settle in Ambert.
• The houses on sale are spacious and full of character, though many require repairs to meet modern living conditions.
• Only first-time home buyers are eligible, ensuring that the offer targets genuine new residents rather than investors or holiday home owners.
• Buyers must commit to living in and restoring the property, with local government support available for renovation advice and some financial incentives.

Conditions and Restrictions

1. Prospective buyers must not own any other property.
2. They must pledge to make Ambert their primary residence.
3. They should be prepared to invest time and resources into refurbishing their new homes.

The town’s mayor highlighted the goal of community growth and opportunity creation, stressing that the program is designed to attract residents who want to start a new life in Ambert.

Implications and Cautions

This plan has generated excitement across Europe and may serve as a creative model for other towns facing rural depopulation and high housing costs. However, experts caution potential buyers to consider the costs of renovation carefully and the lifestyle adjustments involved in moving to a small town before committing.

In summary, Ambert’s 100 rupees house scheme represents a bold social and economic experiment. If successful, it has the potential to inspire similar initiatives elsewhere, offering a unique opportunity for first-time buyers to access affordable housing.

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