Rome, Mar 23 (V7N) – Dreaming of a hillside retreat in Italy, surrounded by vineyards and a mountain stream? This could be a reality, as the autonomous province of Trento in northern Italy is offering €100,000 to Italian residents and expatriates willing to renovate and live in abandoned houses in the region.

The initiative, reported by CNN on Friday (March 21), aims to revitalize depopulated areas by providing €80,000 for renovations and €20,000 for purchasing a property.

The Catch: A 10-Year Residency Commitment

While the offer is enticing, there are conditions:

  • The buyer must live in the house for at least 10 years.
  • If they leave before the period ends, they must pay rent for a specified time.
  • If they fail to meet these conditions, they must return the full grant amount.

The project includes 33 cities in Trento and is expected to receive final approval within a week.

Why is Italy Offering Money to Live There?

Many towns in Trento are facing severe population decline, leaving more abandoned homes than residents. The local government is taking action as:

  • Schools are shutting down due to fewer young families.
  • Basic services like shops, gas stations, and hospitals are disappearing.
  • The region is turning into a ghost town of elderly residents.

To prevent wealthy investors from buying entire villages, the government has set strict regulations on property purchases.

This initiative is part of Italy’s ongoing efforts to revive dying rural areas by attracting new residents and restoring historic homes. If approved, it could create new opportunities for those dreaming of an Italian countryside lifestyle.

END/RH/AJ