The plan for 1‑krone houses in Jutland proposed by Copenhagen’s Employment and Integration Mayor (Beskæftigelses- og integrationsborgmester) Jens‑Kristian Lütken (V) has drawn sharp reactions from residents and local officials in western Denmark.
The idea—letting Copenhageners buy empty homes in provincial towns for 1 Danish krone (about €0.13)—aims to preserve small communities and strengthen ties between city and countryside. Critics warn it could instead create seasonal use and leave villages hollowed out. We already talked about it here.
Fear of empty streets and dictated prices
Municipal leaders in Jutland argue that a symbolic price risks undermining long‑term settlement. Some warn that if buyers are not required to live in the homes, properties could become occasional second homes, reducing year‑round population and services.
Others object to what they see as price‑setting from Copenhagen rather than locally designed housing policy. The debate highlights tensions over who should decide the future of struggling rural streets.
Voices from Hjøllund: “It’s not how things work out here”
In communities singled out as having many vacant and dilapidated houses, residents have criticised the plan as out of touch with local realities. People in Hjøllund note that infrastructure, jobs and services—not a token sale price—determine whether families settle. Online reactions also reflect concern that the scheme would shift ownership without solving depopulation.
What 1‑krone houses in Jutland would—and wouldn’t—change
A one‑krone deed could halt some demolitions and keep a handful of properties from falling into disrepair, especially where families want to retain childhood homes. But without clear criteria, oversight of maintenance, or incentives for permanent residence, the policy may bring little economic or social renewal. Towns seeking repopulation typically combine housing rules, local investment and services to attract full‑time residents.
Rural revitalisation needs more than symbolic prices
Denmark’s discussion over 1‑krone houses speaks to a wider Nordic and EU challenge: how to sustain villages facing ageing populations, out‑migration and empty housing stock. If the goal is lasting settlement, policy design will matter more than the headline price—linking any transfer to habitation, upkeep and local services.
The coming debate will test whether city–country connections can be strengthened without turning vulnerable streets into strings of dark windows.
