Now and again, an opportunity comes around that seems too good to be true—like these dirt cheap real estate deals that could be yours for next to nothing. But read the fine print very carefully because they all come with a catch. This striking mid-century home in Illinois might be the ultimate freebie, however, there's more to this property sale than initially meets the eye. Click or scroll on to discover why...

If you live anywhere near Kane County, Illinois, then you might be able to get your hands on this gorgeous mid-century bungalow for free. The historic home, designed by architect John Schmidtke and built back in 1967, can be found in Dundee Township. It's an architectural gem both inside and out—but, of course, things aren't as simple as they seem. 

So, what's the downside? Well, the person that's lucky enough to get their hands on the mid-century modern home will need to carefully take it to pieces and move it somewhere new. What's more, they only have until 1 April 2022 to make it happen, which really isn't very much time at all. However, we're sure the job would be well worth the logistical headache. 

Encompassing just under 2,300 square feet, there's plenty of space on offer for a buyer to put their own stamp on. The interior boasts everything from walnut doors and cherry cabinets, to exposed brick walls, tiled floors, structural columns, fireplaces and bespoke built-in cabinetry. 

The generous floor plan offers numerous living rooms, a large kitchen and space for two bedrooms. Plus, every room comes kitted out with stunning period fixtures worth saving and restoring, like this stand-out brick feature wall, complete with a floating fireplace. 

These incredible built-in units in one of the reception rooms are another original feature that could be preserved. So what's the hurry in relocating the home? Well, up until recently, the property was a protected local landmark, but the local city council reportedly voted to remove its status to make way for a $30 million (£23m) industrial development. If the house isn't moved before the deadline, it's likely to be razed. 

However, the home will be a challenge to move, since it sits on concrete blocks and features an underground basement. In fact, according to preservation planner Julia Thavong, who spoke to Fox 32, the cost to relocate the property could be around $500,000 (£383k).  Anyone interested must present a viable moving plan, so get your thinking cap on if you fancy bagging yourself a time-capsule home for free. 

You may already know that towns and villages across Italy have been selling off their abandoned buildings for a mere €1—which is less than the average cup of coffee. From the picturesque village of Sambuca, Sicily, to the hilltop town of Castropignano in the heart of the country's mainland, there are endless spots you could bag yourself a bargain house. But, as the old adage goes, if something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Some towns are even paying people to move there. But there are a few downsides. Firstly, each of the homes is dilapidated and prospective buyers need to commit to restoring the properties. For example, in Sambuca in Sicily, a town that was previously part of the €1 scheme, there's now a collection of vacant homes up for grabs for double the price—that's right, all of €2. New owners will need to put down a €5,000 (£4.2k/$5.5k) deposit, which will be returned to them when the work is complete, and the renovations must be carried out within three years.

Elsewhere in Sicily in the city of Mussomeli, there are still plenty of houses for sale for €1. Stepping inside one of the homes that's currently up for grabs, it's clear that some work would be needed to bring it up to scratch. This particular property has a rustic stone exterior, six bedrooms, two bathrooms, large living spaces and scenic views all the way to the coast, thanks to its elevated position.

The local governments of these Italian villages and towns are hoping that by selling off their vacant properties for a nominal fee, they will be able to revive their dwindling communities, which have suffered from depopulation over recent decades. As the young have upped sticks for better job prospects, they've left aging populations and empty homes in their wake. If you're up to the challenge of taking on one of these characterful European homes, then you can browse the properties on offer here.

Got a spare $3,750 (£2.8k)? Then this huge brick quadruplex in Detroit, Michigan, could soon be yours. However, with such a small price tag comes plenty of hard work—this definitely isn't a fixer-upper project for the faint-hearted. Let's take a closer look...

The sprawling house was constructed in 1919, but over the years it was converted into a four-unit apartment building. The new owner can decide whether to keep the current setup or convert the property back into a single-family home. Either way, much work will be needed to make it habitable. 

From crumbling walls to giant holes in the ceilings, the dilapidated home has certainly seen better days. Another slightly sticky point is the fact that the property is being offered up by Detroit Land Bank Authority (DLBA), who are entitled to a tax capture for the five tax years following the sale of the building. According to the listing, DLBA will review requests to waive its tax capture rights and may require a payment in lieu of taxes to approve such requests.

On the plus side, the property features 3,226 square feet of inside space, so there's plenty of scope to create a large family home if you don't mind putting the work in. Can you look past the smashed windows, peeling paintwork and major structural issues? If so, then what are you waiting for? Real Estate One has all the information you need.

If that Detroit home doesn't work for you, then how about this one? Amazingly, this listing isn't for one property, but three—and you'll only need $5,000 (£3.8k) in the bank to buy all of them. But, of course, things aren't quite as easy as that. Let's take a closer look...

The three homes can be found next door to one another in the Wildemere Park neighbourhood of the city. Buyers should note that the homes won’t be sold separately, so if you’re interested you have to take on the responsibility of developing all three buildings, which will be no easy task. 

The new owner will be given three separate deeds and they must provide proof of funds, showing that they can afford to buy the buildings and cover the construction costs. The sale is open to homeowners, investors and developers, so you could renovate the structures before selling them on for a profit, or lease them out to tenants for a healthy stream of income. 

Sadly, we can't step inside the properties, but it's clear from the outside that they're all in need of major works. Each provides around 2,500 square feet of space, plus historic architecture that could be rescued and restored. If you're keen to take on this ultimate fixer-upper scheme, be prepared to put in time, elbow grease and a whole heap of extra cash.

Despite its clear and small stature, this static home is a highly affordable fixer-upper. Listed with BHHS Fox & Roach-Haddonfield for just $16,000 (£12.2k), it's well within reach for many and only requires cosmetic works to bring it up to scratch, including a new kitchen and a lick of paint throughout. So, why is it so cheap?

Well, there are several catches. Firstly, the occupant will need to pay a hefty rent, which amounts to $750 (£570) a month and includes taxes, sewer and water use and trash collection. Additionally, whoever buys the home must live in it. The building can’t be rented out or used as an investment property, nor can it be fixed up and flipped, limiting the options for the new owner.

However, if you're in the market for a home of your own that you could take your time renovating, then this listing could well be for you. You'll find the home in a private park-like community in the township of Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Inside, it offers just 684 square feet of space, which encompasses a lounge, kitchen, two bedrooms and a single bathroom. Clearly, it could use some modernising, but for the most part, the tiny home is move-in ready. 

One of the bedrooms features a woodland wall mural, while outside there’s a 30-foot-long deck and a small backyard with a shed and lawn. Prospective buyers will need to complete an application form, which must be approved by the park management before any purchase can be made. Additionally, you’ll need to prove your income and you won’t be allowed to keep a pet.

A four-bedroom house for AU$15,000 (£12.6k/$16.4k) on Gumtree? Impossible! But not so with this next property up for grabs in the suburbs of Melbourne. In a great state of repair, the property just needs the right buyer to snap it up—quite literally, because the sale only includes the structure, not the land the home is built on. 

If you're house-hunting in Warren County, North Carolina, and have a small budget to work with, then Thomas Reynolds House might be an ideal opportunity. Available through Preservation North Carolina for just $16,500 (£12.5k), the property has a long and rich history, as well as plenty of character. However, anyone keen to buy the house should know the full extent of the work that's required...

The main catch of this abandoned American home is its poor structural integrity. In fact, it needs to be completely restored, including structural and foundation work, internal carpentry and all new systems—that means electrical works, plumbing and heating. The house lies in Warrenton's historic district and was once home to the prominent cabinet-maker, Thomas Reynolds. It was built around 1800 and its age really shows inside.

The 1,290-square-foot property comes equipped with three bedrooms, one bathroom, a living room, dining space and room for a kitchen. There's also a front porch and a spacious attic, which could be turned into a dreamy master suite. The house retains much of its early character and you'll find examples of its 19th-century features both inside and out.

These include its stone foundations, roof dormers, winder staircase, sash windows, door and window surrounds, flush gable ends and large stuccoed centre chimney. Upstairs, you'll also find original fireplaces and wide plank wood floors. Despite the colossal job that's ahead of the new owner, there is a perk to buying such an extreme fixer-upper. The buyer will be eligible for tax credits and the town of Warrenton also offers development incentives, including loans and grants.

On the market with Entwistle Green for offers over £22,000 ($29k), this three-bedroom apartment can be found inside an attractive five-storey building, close to the seafront of coastal town Morecambe in England. Situated on a quiet residential street close to the town centre and the beach, the property is spacious, convenient and highly affordable. 

Head inside and you'll find an array of light-filled living spaces that offer plenty of potential. There's an entrance hall, living room, large kitchen, dining room, family bathroom, three bedrooms and two balconies. An easy fixer-upper project, the home is clearly in need of modernising, but the bones are solid and no obvious structural work is needed. With a lick of paint and some new furnishings, you could have yourself a rather appealing home. So, what's the issue?

Well, the roomy property is actually being sold under 25% shared ownership, which means that whoever buys it will only technically own a quarter of the home. While this might sound like a fantastic way to get your foot on the property ladder, the shared ownership scheme does have its downsides. The new owner will have to pay rent on the remaining share of the house, as well as a monthly service charge and any necessary contributions to building maintenance works.

However, if you're struggling to buy 100% of a home, then the shared ownership route will allow you to gradually buy more and more of the property until you own it all, or the majority share. Once you own more than 80% of the property though, you'll be eligible to pay additional taxes including stamp duty, which is another consideration to bear in mind. 

If you're eyeing up an escape to the country, this picturesque house in the west of France might pique your interest. Located in the quaint village of Tournon-Saint-Pierre, it's every bit the charming rural bolthole, from the stonework to the shuttered windows. On the market for €39,900 (£33.5k/$43.7k) with Leggett, it seems like a deal that's too good to be true.

From exposed beams to original fireplaces, there are plenty of surviving period details that could be incorporated into a sensitive renovation. One of our favourite features is this beautiful staircase with its carved wooden balustrades. With any hope, it can be rescued and revived for future generations to admire. 

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