Who wouldn’t love a home nestled in the peaceful embrace of the mountains, far from the constant hum of traffic and the never-ending rush of city life? If that sounds like a dream, an opportunity in northern Italy’s Trentino region might be exactly what you’re looking for. But, as with any great deal, there’s a catch.
The Autonomous Province of Trento is offering up to €100,000 (about $109,000) to individuals willing to restore one of the region’s many abandoned homes. The initiative includes €80,000 toward renovations and an additional €20,000 to assist with the purchase. However, there’s a key requirement: anyone who takes advantage of this offer must either live in the home for at least 10 years or rent it out for that same duration to a single long-term tenant. Failing to do so means paying the grant money back.
This program is part of a broader effort to combat depopulation in smaller Italian towns. The 33 communities under consideration, all located where the Dolomites meet the Alps, have seen their populations dwindle to the point that empty houses outnumber those that are occupied. Some of these areas have become so sparsely populated that essential services—like grocery stores, schools, and gas stations—are disappearing.
Rather than selling homes for a symbolic one euro, as has been done in parts of southern Italy, Trentino’s plan takes a different approach. The province has allocated €10 million over the next two years to encourage both the purchase and renovation of homes, not only to attract new residents but also to boost the local construction industry.
“The goal is to revitalize local communities and promote territorial cohesion,” said Maurizio Fugatti, president of Trento, when unveiling the project.
Of course, there are some restrictions. The renovation costs are capped at €200,000, meaning a new owner must cover up to €120,000 out of pocket. This prevents extravagant developments that could clash with the charm of these traditional villages. While there’s no cap on the purchase price, the €20,000 grant is meant to cover around 35-40% of the expense. Additionally, short-term vacation rentals are off the table—this program is strictly for those willing to live in the community or provide stable housing.
Each individual is limited to owning three properties under the program, ensuring that no one investor can buy out an entire village. Another restriction excludes those under 45 who already live in the region, as the goal is to attract new people rather than fund renovations for existing residents. Only truly abandoned homes that might otherwise become safety hazards or eyesores are eligible for the initiative. It is expected that the final list will be confirmed by April.