Ever fancied taking on the title of mayor? If so, you won't find a better opportunity than these incredible towns for sale. From a ghost town and former mine in Texas, to an abandoned Swiss hamlet, these unique settlements around the world are the ultimate real estate investments.

Click or scroll on to discover the best communities on the market right now...

Those seeking a fixer-upper as well as an amazing amount of space will love this listing. Priced at a mere €75,000, or £64,120 ($86.1k), with ThinkSpain, these abandoned fincas lie in Lugo, Spain, and are bursting with character and potential.

The properties are part of Coeses, a parish made up of small villages scattered among forests, paths, streams and farmlands.

The country homes sit on almost an acre (0.4ha) of land, but are tightly packed together like a mini hamlet, with a road cutting through them. The homes on the land include a traditional two-storey house that requires a full renovation.

It’s a blank canvas and was designed in traditional Galician style. Next to the house, across the courtyard, stands a large two-storey barn in excellent condition. 

The imposing building has stone walls and original wooden beams, so could easily be transformed into an amazing residence.

Its two open-plan floors mean the buyer could be flexible with the interior layout, while also retaining its charming character.

The property also includes the remains of two sheds, of which only parts of the walls remain, and two wells that supply the hamlet with water. There's even a traditional stone wall with chantos, a typical element of rural Galicia.

Part farm and part abandoned village, this rustic estate lies on the cusp of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park in Andalucia, Spain. 

With 3.5 acres (1.4ha) of land, the rural retreat offers a unique opportunity for those seeking a refuge in nature, with good access via a dirt road.

The property comes with an abandoned farmhouse that needs a total restoration. The main house spans 1,097 square feet (102sqm) and is divided into two floors.

There’s also a 1,194-square-foot (111sqm) secondary building that could be transformed according to your needs.

The vacant village has electricity and well water, which guarantees comfort and self-sufficiency all year round.

Plus, the property is home to a considerable number of olive trees, while the rest of the land is farmable, providing multiple possibilities for agricultural projects.

What's more, the property provides stunning panoramic views across one of Spain's most picturesque regions.

Listed for sale via Inmobiliaria Grazalema for a mere €290,000, which equates to around £248,100 ($334k), it's also an absolute steal.

In some parts of the world, you can't get a whole lot of real estate for £640,210 ($861k), but in Romania, you can buy an entire village. 

Listed with Romania Sotheby's International Realty for a mere €750,000, this adorable miniature settlement lies in Maramures County and covers less than an acre (0.4ha) of land, but it packs a punch when it comes to quaintness.

Known as Ferești, the village was built in 2014 to keep important and slowly dwindling Romanian traditions alive. Let's find out more...

In this part of the country, locals wear striking Maramures costumes and take part in unique annual traditions. For example, during the Easter period, boys will go to girls' homes and sprinkle them with water.

For your money, you could bag the entire village, which is made up of five carefully restored traditional homes, a stocked pond, a stone storeroom and a timber pavilion, making it the perfect option for anyone looking to create an off-grid compound.

Each of the adorable tiny homes is bursting with character. Some have curvaceous roofs, front porches and window boxes overflowing with flowers, while others feature grass roofs or façades akin to hobbit homes.

Cute stone pathways connect the buildings. Amazingly, the five houses provide just 7,534 square feet (700sqm) of inside space, highlighting just how petite they really are.

Stepping inside one of the residences, you'll be greeted by gorgeous period beams, imposing fireplaces, brick accents, rustic furnishings and plenty of traditional décor. 

In total, the village features six full bathrooms and 14 bedrooms, with 22 beds. So there's more than enough room for you and your entire entourage. The village also boasts a sauna, a hot tub and a barbeque zone, as well as a zip line and a treehouse.

Providing plenty of bang for your buck, this remarkable commune is ready for a brand-new mayor – could that be you?

When you think about real estate in California, you might picture the sprawling mega-mansions of Los Angeles, or the mid-century modern pads of Palm Springs, but if you fancy a slice of the good life, you could consider an altogether different type of property.

Offering far more than just a single-family residence, the town of Bridgeville in Humboldt County is currently up for grabs for £892,095 ($1.2m) via Madrone Realty.

This small, tight-knit community was founded in the late 19th century and was originally known as Robinsons Crossing. The scenic Van Duzen River runs through the town – when a bridge was added in 1875, the settlement was renamed Bridgeville.

Featuring quaint streets lined with white-picket fences and shiplap-clad homes, the historic outpost is encircled by the rural scenery of Northern California.

The 83-acre (33.6ha) community made headlines as the first town to be listed on eBay when it landed on the online buying site in 2002. After the initial sale fell through, real estate developer Bruce Krall (pictured) snapped up Bridgeville, selling it once more via eBay in 2006. But months later, following the sudden passing of the settlement's new owner, it was placed back on the market.

In the years that followed, Bridgeville has been listed and unlisted numerous times, but it's now back on the market and in search of a new owner to help write the next chapter of its story.

The community underwent renovations to its buildings in the early 2000s, however, there's still plenty of work needed to breathe new life into this timeworn town.

Nevertheless, there's no shortage of potential here: as well as the substantial acreage on offer, the sale price includes several homes and cabins, a 150-year-old post office, a vacant café and a cemetery. Are you up for the challenge?

Dating back to 1920, Villa De La Mina is located close to Terlingua, in Brewster County, Texas, and is bursting with history and potential.

Known as “The Forgotten Ghost Town and Lost Mine of Lajitas", the abandoned mining town sprawls 62 acres (25.1ha) and comes with plenty of surprises.

For sale with The Real Estate Ranch for £1.3 million ($1.8m), the amazing town is made up for 20 stone buildings and retaining walls, so the lucky new owner has endless options when it comes to renovating and converting.

They could create a unique boutique hotel, a cool family compound or the ultimate corporate retreat.

The ghost town even comes with its own historic jail, complete with the original cell.

Thanks to windows, any unfortunate prisoners would have been able to take in amazing views of the Chisos Mountains and Big Bend National Park, so a stint here wouldn't have been too bad. And this isn't the only surprise, either... 

Of course, the compound feature an old subterranean mine shaft and cavern, with numerous hidden entrances located inside rocks across the property. Step inside and you'll find yourself in a long, dark tunnel that leads to the historic mine.

In 2023, the ghost town was listed for £1.4 million ($1.95m). Before that, it was priced at £1.3 million ($1.8m) in 2018. All this place needs is a buyer with the right budget and imagination!

Perched on a mountainside overlooking the glittering blue-green water of the Verzasca river in southern Switzerland, this extraordinary village benefits from spectacular views across the valley. 

On the market via Swiss real estate marketplace Homegate, the remarkable community is listed for sale for just under CHF4 million, which equates to around £3.6 million ($4.8m).

The traditional Swiss village was fully restored in 2014 and includes more than 13 acres (5.3ha) of land and seven beautifully renovated stone houses.

Marketed as a safe haven for budding survivalists, the community runs entirely off the grid. There's a vineyard, orchard and agricultural land for growing produce, as well as a swimming pool that supports efficient water management.

The village's seven homes offer a total of 12 bedrooms. The historic structures have been sensitively restored to combine modern amenities and appliances with period architectural features, including open hearths and timber ceilings that showcase rustic, exposed beams. 

Preserving their traditional layouts, bedrooms are located upstairs in the vaulted, timber-lined eaves. Many include balconies that look out across the spectacular natural vistas of the Verzasca Valley.

Alongside the accommodation, there's a consecrated chapel flanked by Grecian-style columns and adorned with breathtaking murals and religious iconography. Elsewhere, there's a vast stone cellar that's ideal for storing supplies. 

Further down the mountainside is a private parking area large enough to fit up to five cars. Access to the main village site is provided from here via a motorised funicular – a type of cable railway – so there's no need for arduous trips up and down the slope.

Previously listed for sale in 2019, the rural hamlet of Campo in San Diego County, California is now back on the market with realtors Top Gun CRE for £4.9 million ($6.6m).

Located one hour east of San Diego, the town comes with 28 buildings and according to the listing agents, the potential for high cash flow in the hands of a business-savvy buyer. 

A quiet 16-acre (6.5ha) setting, Campo is currently home to around 100 people and comes with a range of commercial and public buildings including a post office, metalworks, lumber yard and church.

However, the current residents are looking for a new owner to expand and nurture the town, investing in recreational and cultural facilities and optimising the economic opportunities available to its population.

Primed for revitalisation, there are numerous homes included in the sale too, many of which have already undergone renovation work.

“The diverse portfolio includes a range of residential units, many of which have been recently updated with essential modern amenities such as new roofing and vinyl plank flooring, ensuring attractiveness and comfort for residents,” the listing says.

Pictured here is what looks to be a woodworking shop, showcasing the town's craftsmanship and offering a possible new direction for the community as a creative hub.

Campo is also just a mile away from the US-Mexico border, with many of its residents employed by US Customs and Border Protection. Within an hour's drive of the Pacific Ocean, too, this well-located town has the potential to be a thriving hotspot.

Known as The Ranch at Fisher Creek, this remarkable and remote estate is set in the foothills of Canada’s Rocky Mountains.

The gates to the 480-acre (194ha) compound are an easy one-hour drive from the city of Calgary and its International Airport, but this property was almost definitely built for someone looking to create their own private paradise.

The estate can be accessed via a road or by flying in since it comes with its very own helipad. There are various homes and buildings across the property, too, including a sprawling main residence, endless guest lodges and luxurious equestrian facilities.

There are plenty of outbuildings and annexes that are waiting to be put to use and house all of your friends and family.

At the moment, there are five bedrooms and 10 bathrooms in total, as well as ample land for creating more accommodation or other essentials, like a chapel or village store.

Built for hosting and recreation, the ranch exudes a genuine sense of fun, offering unique opportunities to indulge in rugged frontier adventures and wilderness pursuits, while ending your days in refined luxury.

If you've fallen in love, then this rural private wonderland is for sale via Engel & Völkers Calgary for £8.1 million ($10.9m), or CAD $14.9 million.

If you'd rather own your own private island, complete with everything any other village comes with, then how about this remarkable listing?

Santa Maria Island lies between Trapani and Marsala off Sicily, Italy, and really is the ultimate private playground for someone with the right budget.

Available through Vladi Private Islands for £14.5 million ($19.6m), or €17 million in the local currency, the island spans 28.4 acres (11.5ha) and from Birgi in Marsala, can be accessed via a small motorboat in under 20 minutes. You could also fly in via seaplane.

The island boasts a Belle Époque mansion of 4,951 square feet (460sqm), as well as a 16th-century chapel.

The private isle also provides a keeper's lodge and a shelter for animals. Plus, Santa Maria Island is home to palm trees, maritime pines, various plants and flowers, as well as an olive grove.

In fact, in 2016, 1,500 litres (396 gal) of olive oil were produced here, so the buyer will have the opportunity to generate an income.

Described as being pollution-free, everything grown on the island is 100% organic. The listing also states that is "protected from any nuisance" since it benefits from an archaeological zone.

What’s more, the new owner can produce their own electricity and collect and reuse rainwater, making this island both self-sufficient and eco-friendly.

Mellonsfolly Ranch lies in the Manawatū-Whanganui region of New Zealand, amidst 25 acres (9.9ha) of unspoiled native bush. As well as being situated in one of the world's most spectacular landscapes, the unusual Wild West town also has a fascinating origin story.

It was built in 2006 at a cost of around £4.5 million ($6m) by cowboy-obsessed businessman, John Bedogni.

It was Bedogni's dream to create a replica of an 1860s Wyoming frontier settlement and once it was finished, he used the ranch as a whimsical private retreat for family and friends. However, when he fell on hard times in 2012, his friend, car parts tycoon Rob Bartley, bought the ranch from him, for an undisclosed sum.

Bartley turned the property into a boutique hotel. It served as a wedding and events venue too and the mogul also rented it out in its entirety for around £3,938 ($5.3k) a night.

Today, the amazing faux town boasts 10 themed buildings, including a licensed saloon, a courthouse that doubles as a movie theatre, a sheriff's office, a general store, a hotel and a billiard's hall.

It's clear that each building was lovingly crafted and has been meticulously maintained. They feature plenty of authentic décor and trinkets from the era, too, such as chuck wagons, cannons, clay bird shooting machines and teepees that further enhance the Western experience.

There's also accommodation for up to 27 guests, a commercial kitchen and a laundry facility, so the ranch could easily be utilised as a themed hotel. Plus, it comes with a separate three-bedroom home that is ideal as a main residence for the owner, or even overflow accommodation.

The town is currently for sale with Bayleys Realty Group. What's even better is the price is up for negotiation!

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