Many people dream of owning a home, but soaring property prices and expensive mortgages often force them to abandon that goal.

However, an entire small village in Germany has been listed for €390,000 (£333,150), making it cheaper than the average apartment in London.

For only a fraction of the cost of a flat in the British capital, a buyer could acquire a 24,000-square-metre complex in Thuringia. The site contains 15 buildings.

The unusual property appeared on a German classifieds platform under the eye-catching description: “Buy an entire village — a property with development potential.”

What is included in the sale

The grounds feature 15 single-storey buildings, each measuring approximately 100 square metres. Their interiors have been completely stripped of equipment and partitions, leaving the future owner with extensive open spaces that can be adapted to different ideas.

There is also a central building that once housed a 300-square-metre canteen. The complex is already connected to electricity and water supplies.

“Even in its current condition, the complex feels like a small village. That is precisely what makes it so distinctive,” the listing says.

The site was reportedly in use between 1954 and 1990. It initially accommodated students completing vocational training at a nearby metalworking plant before later being converted into a recreation centre.

The property then remained vacant until 2000, when it began operating as a residential complex again. Its owner, Franz Eberich, said he believed this use was legally permitted.

There is an important complication

Potential buyers should nevertheless be aware of a significant issue. Under German planning law, the land is classified as Außenbereich, meaning it lies outside a developed settlement area.

As a result, the property is no longer covered by the principle that protects certain pre-existing uses. This rule can sometimes allow an existing building or activity to continue even when it no longer complies with current construction regulations.

In this case, that protection has expired. The complex therefore cannot legally return to residential use without a new building permit or another form of official approval.

Eberich explained that the owners had originally intended to carry out a major renovation and further develop the site. However, a renewed assessment of the planning situation revealed that earlier registrations had not altered the land’s legal classification.

“When we later wanted to begin a larger renovation and continue developing the property, the planning circumstances were reviewed again. We were informed that the registrations made at the time had not changed the land’s status and that the right to continue its former use had been lost because the complex had stood unused for too long,” the owner said.

Consequently, anyone wishing to use the site legally for housing would need to prepare a new development plan or secure another appropriate form of planning permission.

The village could become a wellness retreat

Despite the restrictions, the sellers argue that the layout of the former village provides “exceptional development opportunities.”

Suggested uses include a health and therapy village, a yoga and mindfulness centre, or a sauna and wellness complex.

“Several buildings could also serve as guesthouses and overnight accommodation, making it possible to host multi-day programmes, wellness courses or seminars,” the advertisement states.

The sellers describe the property as “extremely rare on the market” and hope to find a buyer capable of recognising the potential of this unusual site.

An entire Irish village was offered for much more

This is not the only complete village to have appeared on the property market in recent times.

Earlier this year, the privately owned village of Lyons in County Kildare, Ireland, was also listed for sale.

Its asking price was €20 million (£17.5 million).

The estate included charming cottages in excellent condition, providing a total of 47 bedrooms. Access to the grounds was available only through a gated private entrance.