"For the last few years, it's been common to see small enclaves across Europe offering real estate at knock-down prices, sometimes as little as one euro, in order to attract new residents. In other instances, some communes and towns offer to pay you if you really commit to living there, and even more if you have babies and school your kids there."
"There are no shortcuts to a new life in Europe, however. One-euro houses are never just one euro. To be approved and become a resident, you need to commit to spending a fair few thousand on renovations. Villages that pay you will require you to stay. And once the restoration is done, you still need access to shops, services, transport, possibly schools, and friends."
"Mussomeli showcases what many of these old European towns offer. A 60-minute drive south is Agrigento, an ancient Greek settlement, still home to ancient temples that sit among blooming pink almond trees. A 90-minute drive away is Villa Romana del Casale, a country estate that has what UNESCO calls the finest mosaics in situ anywhere in the Roman world. And head north to Kefa La Diana, you'll find the Arab-Norman baths where thermal water still flows. Beyond is Mount Etna."
Many small European towns offer severely discounted property or cash incentives to attract new residents, often requiring significant commitments. One-euro homes require buyers to finance substantial renovations and meet residency conditions. Some communes pay newcomers and provide extra incentives for families who have children and enroll them in local schools, but usually require long-term residence. Examples include Mussomeli in central Sicily and villages in Sardinia. Mussomeli is near cultural sites such as Agrigento, Villa Romana del Casale, Arab-Norman baths and Mount Etna. Low fertility rates in Italy, especially Sardinia's 0.91 children per woman, motivate these repopulation efforts.
Read at Forbes
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