A province in a gorgeous European country is paying Brits up to €100,000 (£85,330) to move there. Despite fears of overtourism in places like Venice and Rome, population numbers have dwindled in some Italian regions, and many homes have fallen into disrepair.
It led to famous schemes like Italy’s €1 houses, which incentivise people to renovate them and bring life back into the area. However, one northern Italian province, Trento, famous for its Alpine mountains and the Dolomites, has taken a different approach. This year, it launched a cash incentive to supplement renovation costs in some municipalities, which the provincial council identified as “at risk of abandonment.”
People can receive a grant worth 40% of their renovation expenses for properties within historic centres, according to the province’s government website.
The maximum eligible expenditure is capped at €200,000, meaning €80,000 is up for grabs. For homes outside of the historic areas, a 35% grant is available, equivalent to €70,000.
Purchasing assistance is also available. Up to a maximum of €20,000 could be granted towards the purchase of the property, a share equal to 20% of the contractual amount, net of tax charges.
To keep the money, the person must use the building as their main dwelling or for rental at a “moderate rent” for at least ten years from the end of the renovation works. Failure to do so may result in having to repay it.
The programme can be used up to three times and purchasers must not be current residents of the targeted municipality, unless they are over 45 years old.
The programme focuses on 33 municipalities that have experienced significant population decline. You can see the full list here.
The second window for grant applications has been postponed, and the new deadline will be from 14 November 2025 to 31 December 2025.
