Idyllic Italian town is offering €30,000 to move there
Presicce in Puglia is the latest destination to attempt to lure new residents
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Another picturesque Italian town has announced it will pay people who move there, in an attempt to boost dwindling population numbers.
Presicce, in the Puglia region of Italy, is enticing new residents with the promise of up to €30,000 - although, as always, there are strings attached.
Those who take up the offer must use the money to buy an empty property and renovate it.
Like other towns and villages across Italy, Presicce has numerous abandoned homes in varying states of disrepair.
The town is selling these off to new residents for around €25,000.
“There are many empty homes in the historical centre built before 1991 which we would like to see alive again with new residents,” local councillor Alfredo Palese told CNN.
“We will be offering up to €30,000 to people willing to move here and buy one of these abandoned dwellings.
“The total funding will be split in two: it will go partly into buying an old home and partly into restyling it, if needed.”
He added: “It is a pity witnessing how our old districts full of history, wonderful architecture and art are slowly emptying.”
While the details are still being ironed out, the plan is to launch the scheme in the next few weeks on the town’s website.
Presicce is in southern Puglia, the region best known for being the “heel” in the “boot” of Italy.
The town isn’t far from rugged coastline and beaches, and is surrounded by countryside.
It’s the latest in a long line of rural Italian communities who’ve sought to attract new inhabitants with cash incentives, following an influx of young people moving away to find work.
Many towns have signed up to the €1 homes scheme, whereby outsiders can buy a vacant house for the symbolic price of €1.
Rules differ from town to town, but usually prospective candidates must commit to paying to renovate the home and complete works within a certain timeframe - often three years - and to use it as their primary residence.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments