British man buys dream home on Italian island for less than £19,000
Now that the clocks have sprung forward, and we’ve had our fill of Easter eggs, it feels like summer could be just around the corner.
But Jonathan Smith, a 39-year-old from Manchester, doesn’t have to wait for warmer weather.
In an ambitious project he’s called ‘Operation Sicily,’ the hospitality professional left the UK for his place in the sun.
Facing escalating living costs and concerns over rising crime domestically, Jonathan sought refuge in the Mediterranean, initially drawn toward rustic Greek properties.
However, his research suggested that Greek homes commonly cost around €325,000, well beyond his target budget of €50,000 (roughly £44,000).
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Expanding his search to other regions, including Portugal and Spain, he eventually settled on Sicily, attracted by its affordable property market and rich culinary heritage.
According to recent data from Investropa, despite a rise in Sicilian property prices since 2023, the island remains 30-40% more affordable than much of mainland Italy, making it an appealing destination for international buyers.
Jonathan previously explained to The Telegraph that he had heard of schemes selling houses for just €1 (88 pence) by some Sicilian towns in an effort to attract people and investment.
But he quickly realised these houses were gutted, falling down and crumbling, and not worth the huge renovation bills.
Instead, he bought a house in Mazara del Vallo, a town on Sicily’s west coast, noted for its vibrant centre and convenient proximity to Palermo and Trapani airports, enabling easy travel back to Manchester and his family.
Initially listed at €100,000 (£88,000), he managed to secure the derelict villa for only €21,500 (£19,000), well under his budget.
At the time of moving, he planned to spend an additional €50,000 on the renovation, meaning the house would eventually cost him €71,500 (£63,000) in total.
The property, located in a rural setting with a substantial 1,000-square-metre garden and near the sea, needs extensive refurbishment to meet Jonathan’s family needs.
The process is still ongoing, with Jonathan documenting his renovation journey on YouTube, attracting over 64,000 subscribers.
He’s currently uploaded 68 episodes of his Operation Sicily renovation series, and said: ‘This is the reality of resorting an abandoned property – steady progress, practical decisions, and building a home designed to last.’
Though he started with only basic DIY skills, Jonathan has embraced the challenge with online tutorials and determination.
The renovation process also emphasised the significance of community support, with local neighbours offering tools, labour, and encouragement, a testament to the strong social fabric of Sicily’s small farming towns.
He says his plan is to relocate to Sicily full-time, and is staying in Airbnbs while the work gets underway.
He highlights that while moving abroad carries risks, the regret of not pursuing one’s dreams can be a heavier burden.
He also told The Telegraph that the cost of living is half of what it is in the UK. His wife, who works as an accountant, plans to pick up remote work after the move.
Jonathan Smith’s story exemplifies a growing trend among British nationals who, motivated by economic and social pressures at home, seek affordable and culturally rich alternatives abroad.
Sicily’s combination of accessible property prices, supportive communities, and vibrant culture offers an attractive destination for those ready to embrace change.
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