The stunning region of Trentino in northern Italy is offering a tempting €100,000 (£83,565) to individuals willing to relocate there – but there’s a catch. The enticing offer comes with the condition that newcomers must renovate abandoned houses in the area. Currently, deserted properties outnumber occupied ones in the 33 towns earmarked for the project.
Participants will receive €20,000 (£16,720) towards buying an empty property and a grant of €80,000 (£66,879) for its renovation. However, another stipulation of the scheme is that residents must commit to living in or renting out the property for a decade or face repaying the grant. Furthermore, participants can apply for contributions for up to three properties in each village, but must keep rental prices at a “moderate” rate.
Renovation costs are capped at €200,000 (£167,197), meaning new owners cannot spend more than €120,000 (£100,319.40) of their own money on property upgrades.
According to CNN, anyone under 45 already residing in the area is ineligible for the programme.
“It is a measure aimed at creating an identity community network in contexts of strong depopulation,” said the Trentino province in a statement.
Maurizio Fugatti, president of Trento, described the initiative as an “experimental action” designed to “strengthen social cohesion in the Trentino area,” reports the Mirror.
Immobiliare News has revealed that Trento’s local council is set to invest €10 million (£8.4 million) over two years into a project aimed at revitalising the area.
The full list of towns set to benefit from this funding is yet to be announced, but it is expected that places like Val di Non, where depopulation has exceeded 11 percent, will be included.
The Trentino region is renowned for its stunning landscape, which includes the Dolomites and numerous historical sites.
Visitors are drawn to the area’s blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, as well as the charming villages scattered throughout the region.
Situated in the north-east of Italy, in the heart of the Italian Alps, the region is conveniently located between Lake Garda and the Dolomites.
Major cities such as Milan, Venice and Verona are all within easy reach, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider area.
Trento, the region’s main city, is known for its rich history, including hosting the Council of the Sixteenth century, and for producing Trentodoc – a sparkling wine.
The city boasts Renaissance frescoes adorning the walls of buildings in the historical centre, and attractions such as MUSE – the innovative museum of natural science – and the Castello del Buonconsiglio, home to the Gothic frescoes of Torre dell’Aquila.
In addition to its cultural offerings, the region also provides ample opportunities for outdoor activities. In winter, there are more than 800 kilometres of skiing slopes available, while summer visitors can enjoy hiking, mountain biking and climbing in the area.
