Dream homes usually come with hefty price tags. But what if we told you that over the years, plenty of incredible properties have been given away for next to nothing? From grand prize giveaways to rural residences listed for the price of your morning coffee, these picture-perfect pads were practically gifted to lucky homeowners. Click or scroll through and prepare to be amazed – and, well, just a little bit green with envy…
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Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA
Since 1997, American property network HGTV has been running their annual Dream Home Giveaway competition, giving people across the country the chance to win seriously amazing properties. In 2019, the television station gifted one lucky winner the largest prize in the contest’s history. The victor received a 2019 Honda Pilot Elite, $250,000 (£184k) in cash, and this custom-built waterfront home in Whitefish Lake, Montana, valued at over $2.3 million (£1.7m).
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Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA
From among a reported 135 million entrants, Beverly Fulkerson of Indiana was named the lucky new owner. Surrounded by towering trees and picturesque peaks renowned for their ski slopes, the majestic mountain retreat spans 3,650 square feet and offers unobstructed views across the area’s stunning landscape. The two-storey home boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of beautiful living spaces that celebrate the indoor-outdoor lifestyle.
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Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA
While the lounge features floor-to-ceiling glass doors that lead out to a shaded terrace, the kitchen comes with a wine refrigerator and top-of-the-line appliances. Outside, you’ll find a gorgeous dining area, several lounges, a grilling station, a cedar hot tub and a breakfast bar that’s connected to the kitchen. We reckon the only hardship for Beverly would’ve been deciding where to soak up the scenery…
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Waterfront retreat, Montana, USA
For the living spaces, interior design guru Brian Patrick Flynn took his inspiration from the home’s surroundings. Blending contemporary and rustic décor, every space is awash with colour. From the reclaimed timber ceiling of the dining room to the faux antler chandeliers that embellish numerous rooms, the property is simply stunning. The master suite comes equipped with a four-poster bed, a vaulted ceiling and a walk-in closet. There’s also a pet nook and a summer camp-style bunk room for guests.
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Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA
On top of giving away a dream home every year, HGTV also runs an annual Smart Home sweepstake. As well as being custom-built and utterly gorgeous, each smart home comes kitted out with the latest technology. In 2018, this dreamy property in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina, was up for grabs. A reported 95 million people entered the draw and Josephine Montgomery, whose home was destroyed by Hurricane Sandy in 2012, was declared the deserving winner.
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Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA
As well as winning all of the home’s fixtures and furnishings, Josephine also got her hands on $100,000 (£73k) in cash and a brand new Mercedes-Benz. The coastal-inspired home sits on the edge of the May River and offers a 2,850-square-foot interior that was curated by interior designer Tiffany Brooks, who was crowned the winner of HGTV’s Design Star in 2013. From accent walls to statement fabrics, the property is brimming with sumptuous colours, patterns and textures.
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Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA
The great room is one of the home’s most striking spaces and features modern nautical décor with a palette of taupe, terracotta and tan. Elsewhere, you’ll find three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a country-inspired kitchen, a dining room and a screened porch with a drinks station. As for gadgets, this pad is brimming with them. For one, the television in the lounge turns into a piece of art when not in use, and the garden is fitted out with technology that monitors the weather and automates watering.
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Custom-built smart home, South Carolina, USA
The whole house is protected by a smart security system, while the telephone line works even in the event of a power cut. Elsewhere, the bedrooms feature foot warmers and technology that adjusts the air pressure in the mattresses, plus there’s also a virtual reality room. Yet the main bathroom has the most incredible features: solar-powered skylights, a remote-controlled toilet, a shower screen that turns opaque at the touch of a button, and dual vanity mirrors that double up as TVs. How’s that for cool?
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Rural €1 homes, Italy
Have you ever dreamt about moving to a sleepy Italian town and spending your days people-watching while drinking espresso? Well, now could be your opportunity. Across Italy, there are hundreds of houses being given away for next to nothing. For just €1 ($1.21/£0.89), the average price of an Italian cannoli, you could bag yourself an idyllic Mediterranean retreat…
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Rural €1 homes, Italy
Back in February 2018, the mayor of Ollolai in Sardinia wanted to breathe new life into his community by selling off the town’s abandoned buildings for mere pennies. Now, authorities across the country are following suit. Each village and town offering €1 homes has suffered from substantial depopulation, as their young residents have relocated in search of better career opportunities. With mostly life-long elderly residents left, many Italian towns are facing an uncertain future.
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Rural €1 homes, Italy
There are plenty of purchase options to suit house-hunters. Those wanting a coastal lifestyle can opt for Cinquefrondi or Salemi, the latter of which can be found on the island of Sicily, while those looking for history and tranquility can choose to buy in Castropignano or Bisaccia, both situated in the heart of the country. Yet, as with all things that sound too good to be true, there’s a catch when it comes to getting your hands on a €1 home.
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Rural €1 homes, Italy
Most of the buildings have stood empty for many years, and local authorities haven’t had the necessary funds to maintain them, causing them to fall into despair. This means a substantial amount of time, effort and cash would be needed to bring them up to scratch. Some of the towns are also asking for renovation works to be carried out within a three-year period, while others will fine any homeowner that fails to deliver. If you’re still interested, you can search for your dream Italian home here.
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Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA
It seems the team at HGTV just can’t stop giving homes away – and they have our full support! Their annual giveaways now include the Urban Oasis competition. Though similar to the Dream Home and Smart Home sweepstakes, the Urban Oasis giveaway allows one lucky winner the opportunity to get their hands on a newly renovated home in an up-and-coming area. In 2018, the network chose to remodel a rundown, Dutch Colonial-style home in Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA
Overhauled by local builders The English Contractor, architectural firm Platte Architecture + Design and designer Brian Patrick Flynn, the home formed the main part of an enviable package worth over $750,000 (£550k). 65 million people entered the draw and Detroit resident Lois Anderson was named the winner. Described by the design team as “traditional with a twist”, the property spans 2,000 square feet and offers three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms.
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Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA
Playful and eye-catching, the house is a real celebration of colour. While the exterior boasts charcoal cladding and a bright red door, the interior is filled with punchy shades like teal and mustard. The open-plan, eat-in kitchen is one of the home’s most inspiring spaces. With gorgeous green cabinetry and stainless steel appliances, this modern industrial-style room makes the most of its compact footprint. Meanwhile, the master bedroom is equally as dreamy thanks to its vaulted ceiling and exposed beams.
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Dutch Colonial-style home, Ohio, USA
The property also features a stunning outdoor deck that’s perfect for cosy nights under the stars. Elsewhere, the yard is home to a detached garage that has been lovingly transformed into a beautiful garden room. Complete with air conditioning, the space would make a fantastic home office. “My sons were a little skeptical when I shared the good news with them, but they know I’m a big believer that the impossible can happen”, Anderson told HGTV after her win.
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£1 million house, Cheshire, UK
American for-profit fundraising company Omaze was founded by Ryan Cummins and Matt Pohlson – and their business model is remarkably simple. Omaze customers purchase raffle tickets to be in with the chance of winning everything from celebrity experiences to luxury holidays, supercars and even dream homes. 80% of the money raised goes to charity, while Omaze keeps the remaining 20%. So far, it’s generated more than $130 million (£96m) for worthy causes and has awarded countless winners.
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£1 million house, Cheshire, UK
As well as running in America, Omaze has now branched out to the UK and in November 2020, the company gave this dreamy home away to father-of-three Ian Garrick, who spent just $14 (£10) on charity raffle tickets. A very worthy winner, Ian lost his wife a few years prior, so the win gave him the fresh start he was craving. Located in Cheshire, UK, the million-pound house raffle raised $340,000 (£250k) for the Teenage Cancer Trust.
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£1 million house, Cheshire, UK
The contemporary 3,000-square-foot property offers three floors and no end of luxury décor. There are four bedrooms, four bathrooms, light-filled living areas and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Other standout features include the home’s master suite, with its vaulted ceiling and walk-in closet. Kitted out with a modern security system, floor-to-ceiling sliding doors and slate flagstone floors, the home is every bit as beautiful inside as it is from the outside.
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£1 million house, Cheshire, UK
There’s also a spacious back garden with a self-contained home office, as well as an outdoor hot tub – the perfect remote-working setup! Ian was the first ever UK winner of the Omaze Million Pound House Draw, but the company is currently running its second competition, which will see one lucky person win a luxury townhouse in London in support of the British Heart Foundation. With any luck, you could be the next winner…
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Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA
Located in the US coastal city of Portland, Maine, this modern retreat was the prize in HGTV’s 2020 Urban Oasis competition. The lucky winner, Arizona resident Fannie Allen, opted to take a $300,000 (£220k) cash prize instead of the house, despite the property prize package being valued at more than double that amount. Let’s take a look at what she missed out on…
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Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA
The contemporary cottage was designed by the architects at Briburn and constructed by Big County Built, while the interior design was carried out by Brian Patrick Flynn, who once again created a striking home that beautifully reflects its locality. With a colour palette inspired by the life vests that line the docks along the Atlantic Ocean, the 2,000-square-foot property offers nautical touches, chalky tones and rustic timber accents. We’re sure the Property Brothers would approve!
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Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA
The farmhouse-style kitchen is one of the home’s finest spaces and comes equipped with sage cabinets, wood-panelled walls and a rustic table with mismatched chairs. Sliding doors connect the kitchen with an outdoor lounge space, which has a firepit for romantic evenings under the stars.
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Contemporary cottage, Maine, USA
Open-plan and filled with natural light, the property is ideal for entertaining but also offers plenty of cosy areas for intimate family gatherings. The house offers three bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a dining nook, a living room, a laundry zone and a powder room. The main bathroom dazzles with retro-inspired flourishes, coastal hues and vintage light fixtures, while the walk-in shower and clawfoot tub add luxurious touches.
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Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA
We don’t know about you, but we’re slightly obsessed with HGTV’s 2015 Dream Home, which was gifted to Kathy O’Dell from Alabama. Kathy is said to have entered the yearly competition four times a day for almost two decades, ever since the competition first launched. Finally, her dedication paid off when the network crowned her the new owner of this Cape Cod-style home on Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts. Kathy eventually took the cash prize option instead, but we’d have been hard-pressed to give up this house…
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Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA
Inspired by the history of Martha’s Vineyard, the newly-built home respects the local vernacular and features a white clapboard façade with pretty green shutters. Valued at $2 million (£1.5m), the property sits just one mile from the beach and offers a 3,200-square-foot interior with dazzling cathedral ceilings, exposed vintage trusses and whitewashed shiplap walls, blurring the lines between traditional and modern.
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Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA
Custom-designed by architect Patrick Ahearn, the dwelling has three large bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as a double-height great room and a gourmet kitchen. Kitted out with swathes of windows, many of the rooms also boast elegant French doors that lead out to intimate garden patios.
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Cape Cod-style home, Massachusetts, USA
The stunning master bedroom is located in its own wing at one side of the house. It comes complete with a huge walk-in closet, a separate dressing room and two private courtyards. The stunning master bath features a sage colour palette, vintage-inspired light fixtures, his-and-hers sinks, a standalone tub, antique mirrors and a striking barrel ceiling.
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Stylish apartment, London, UK
Astonishingly, the average cost of a home in London is $898,000 (£660k), according to 2021 figures from property experts Zoopla. With such a steep asking price, it’s no wonder that many people struggle to get onto the property ladder. Enter Raffle House, who run property and lifestyle competitions to help give aspiring homeowners the leg-up they need, while raising much-needed funds for charity.
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Stylish apartment, London, UK
In 2020, 27-year-old Niomi Boontam spent $14 (£10) on raffle tickets in the hope of winning a newly renovated two-bedroom apartment in London’s Whitechapel neighbourhood. To her amazement, she was crowned the winner in August 2020. The chic space came fully furnished and was valued at $681,000 (£500k). Raffle House took care of everything, from the interior design to the legal fees, meaning Niomi could move in straight away and live completely mortgage-free.
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Stylish apartment, London, UK
The plush ground floor property offers an open-plan kitchen with a dining zone, a cosy lounge and a bathroom. Every space is bright and modern thanks to ample windows and a light palette of soft greys, whites and natural wood tones. Every room also offers natural timber floors, elegant furnishings and top-of-the-line appliances.
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Stylish apartment, London, UK
As well as the contemporary apartment, Niomi also won a brand new Land Rover Discovery Sport – not bad for $14 (£10)! The competition also raised $15,000 (£11k) for two homelessness charities, Housing for Women and Centrepoint.
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Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA
For many, 2020 will remain one of their most memorable years to date, but for one woman, the year proved remarkable for a much more positive reason. In early spring, Susan O’Gorman of Georgia, USA, was named the winner of HGTV’s Dream Home 2020 competition and a $2 million (£1.5m) prize package, which included a brand new Honda and $250,000 (£183k) in cash – oh, and this spectacular, fully furnished home on Hilton Head Island in South Carolina.
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Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA
Spanning 3,500 square feet, the property can be found in the private community of Windmill Harbour, just moments from the area’s renowned beaches, golf courses and wildlife reserves. The Southern-style estate was custom-built for the competition, with Court Atkins Group taking on design duties. Spacious, light-filled and ultra-contemporary, the property offers a streamlined nautical aesthetic, with ocean tones, tropical prints and plenty of natural wood.
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Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA
With three bedrooms and three bathrooms, the house isn’t short on space or wow-factor. Once again, the interior design was carried out by Brian Patrick Flynn, while all of the home’s furnishings and finishing touches were supplied by Wayfair. Spanning two floors, the new home oozes southern charm and features a double-height entrance foyer, a light-filled great room, a dining zone, a striking kitchen and plenty of entertaining spaces, both inside and out.
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Southern-style estate, South Carolina, USA
One of the bedrooms offers French doors, which lead out to a furnished terrace with views over the water. There’s plenty more going on outside, too. As well as a spacious lawn, there’s also a swimming pool and a furnished porch. O’Gorman was one of 144 million people to have entered the competition. She placed her new home on the market just three months after being named the winner. With plenty of resale value, the house reportedly sold in a mere 20 days for just shy of $1.6 million (£1.2m).
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Modern villa, Florida, USA
The latest US dream home giveaway by Omaze is this stunning contemporary villa in Lake Mary, on the outskirts of Orlando, Florida. Spanning 5,000 square feet, the mega-mansion was custom-built by Jorge Ulibarri and offers a resort-style garden and a seemingly endless interior. For as little as $10 (£7), you could get your hands on a house valued at $1 million (£700k). Atlanta-based Alexa H. was announced as the winner in March 2021, but opted for the $1 million (£700k) cash prize, meaning that the house is ready to go on the property market.
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Modern villa, Florida, USA
With six bedrooms, five bathrooms and plenty of living spaces for relaxing or entertaining, this mammoth pad is enough to make your head spin. Finished to the highest standard, the property benefits from walls of windows, marble flooring and luxurious furnishings – all of which come included. While the kitchen is equipped with custom stainless steel appliances and quartzite countertops, the adjoining lounge offers a 22-foot fireplace and a bespoke wine closet.
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Modern villa, Florida, USA
Akin to a luxurious hotel suite, the master bedroom is an oasis of tranquility. With stylish décor, enough space for a dance troop and its very own outdoor patio, this room is every bit as dreamy as you’d expect. The room’s private bathroom also comes kitted out with a double shower and a tub surrounded by Mexican river rocks. Elsewhere you’ll find a home cinema and a music room.
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Modern villa, Florida, USA
If all this wasn’t enough, the house also benefits from an incredible backyard that looks like it was plucked from a Caribbean resort. There’s a glistening swimming pool, a hot tub, a pergola with a rain curtain, an outdoor kitchen, a firepit, a solarium, and a living area for alfresco drinks – the ultimate setup for life in the Sunshine State. $500,000 (£355k) of the raffle money raised was donated to the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, making this competition a win-win for all.
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Victorian townhouse, London, UK
After giving away a two-bedroom flat in east London, UK, Raffle House came up with an even bigger prize for one lucky winner – the current home of the company’s co-founder, James Melville. This stunning townhouse, which is being raffled off from $2.70 (£2) – around the price of a take-out coffee – can be found in Denmark Hill, south London, in close proximity to the sought-after neighbourhood of Brixton.
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Victorian townhouse, London, UK
Looking to buy a larger property for his growing family, James decided that instead of selling his house on the open market, he would raffle it off. As well as ensuring it sells, James had another motive for off-loading his house in such a unique way: “It gives someone who couldn’t otherwise afford it a chance at owning it,” he told Metro in August 2020.
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Victorian townhouse, London, UK
As well as a spacious backyard – something that’s hard to come by in London – the home offers over 1,000 square feet of inside space. There’s a light-filled entrance hall, a welcoming lounge, a stylish kitchen and dining zone, two bedrooms and two bathrooms, each with floor-to-ceiling marble tiling.
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Victorian townhouse, London, UK
Valued at $1 million (£750k), the Victorian townhouse offers a striking interior with pastel walls, pops of colour, high ceilings and large bay windows that let in plenty of light. Although modern, the historic home also boasts plenty of well-maintained features, including original fireplaces, tilework and hardwood floors.
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Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA
In 2019, HGTV announced that this stunning brick home in Texas was up for grabs as part of their annual Smart Home competition. Inspired by traditional ranches, the contemporary home is not only stunning but tech-savvy too. Maureen Rustrian of New Jersey was drawn from the 97 million competition entries and crowned the winner of the prize package, which was valued at over $1.2 million (£880k). Located in the Dallas-Fort Worth suburb of Roanoke, this bespoke property is sure to blow you away.
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Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA
Spanning 3,400 square feet, the one-of-a-kind home was decorated by Tiffany Brooks. The living spaces feature a rich colour palette of dusky blues, vibrant yellows and muted purples. The house offers three bedrooms, three bathrooms and plenty of amazing smart home gadgets, including an at-home dry-cleaning unit, a golf simulator and a state-of-the-art storm shelter that offers protection in the event of a natural disaster.
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Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA
As well as app-controlled heating, speakers, blinds and lighting, the home is kitted out with other gadgets to enhance everyday living. The kitchen comes with a trash chute and a mixer lift, which raises appliances to countertop level, while the laundry room offers a pooch washing station and a hidden food bowl drawer, which can be tucked away when not in use. The ultimate pet-friendly pad, the smart home also comes with a robotic vacuum for Wi-Fi-enabled cleaning.
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Contemporary ranch, Texas, USA
The master bedroom boasts an integrated TV that blends into the wall, a concealment mirror that can hide valuables, and a smart mattress with pressure relief, temperature controls and a sleep tracker. Elsewhere, there’s a library and a games room, as well as a garden with an outdoor theatre and a Robomow robotic lawnmower that cuts the grass at the press of a button. Some people have all the luck!
