Imagine waking up to fresh mountain air, breathtaking views, and peaceful surroundings.
Many dream of living near ski resorts, vineyards, or natural hot springs. In northern Italy, this dream could become a reality.
The Autonomous Province of Trento, also known as Trentino, is offering financial incentives for people to move there and restore abandoned homes.
The local government will provide up to €100,000 in grants. This includes €80,000 for renovations and €20,000 toward purchasing a property, reports Ziare.
However, there is a catch. Anyone who accepts the offer must commit to living in the home or renting it out long-term for at least 10 years. If they fail to meet this requirement, they may have to return the money.
Trentino has identified 33 towns for this initiative, all struggling with depopulation. Many of these places have more empty houses than occupied ones.
The program is part of Italy's broader effort to revive small towns and villages. In 2024, the country set aside €30 million to support communities with fewer than 5,000 residents that are facing economic and social decline.
Unlike southern Italian regions that sell homes for as little as one euro, Trentino is investing in both home purchases and renovations.
The province has dedicated €10 million over the next two years to this effort. Officials also hope the program will boost the local construction sector.
Maurizio Fugatti, president of the province, explained that the goal is to strengthen communities and keep the region's villages alive.
To ensure funds are used effectively, the government has set a renovation cost limit of €200,000. This means homeowners must invest at least €120,000 of their own money.
The rule helps prevent people from building luxury homes that don't match the traditional village style.
There are no limits on purchase prices, but the €20,000 grant is designed to cover around 35-40% of the total cost.
To prevent short-term rentals, which are common in ski and spa areas, owners must either live in the homes or rent them to a single tenant on a long-term basis.
Additionally, no one can buy more than three properties to avoid investors taking over entire villages.
The program is only for abandoned houses, some of which are in poor condition or unsafe for neighbors.
Local residents under 45 are not eligible, as the initiative is aimed at attracting newcomers rather than helping existing homeowners renovate.
A final list of the 33 participating towns is expected in April. Areas like Val di Non, where the population has dropped by over 11%, are likely to be included.
Villages in Val di Sole, such as Rabbi and Vermiglio, are also strong candidates.
Nicola Teofilo, a journalist specializing in real estate, noted that these towns have deep cultural and scenic value but have suffered population loss in recent years.
Many are in remote mountainous or valley regions where daily life can be more challenging due to the distance from essential services.
If too few people apply or there aren’t enough houses available, the list of eligible communities could change.
However, for those looking for a fresh start in a stunning location, this initiative offers a rare opportunity.
