"Italy's smallest towns have a long history of selling abandoned homes for unbelievable prices to attract newcomers to take up residence. But now, rather than offering dilapidated houses for a euro, the town of Radicondoli, which sits about an hour outside of Florence, wants to give you a little startup capital for your relocation instead. After its population dwindled from 3,000 residents to just 966, Radicondoli took a drastic measure to draw more people in 2023."
"The town began offering up to 20,000 euros (roughly $23,000) to people who purchased homes there, along with an additional 6,000 euros homebuyers could use for expenses like heating. And the plan worked. The mayor, Francesco Guarguaglini, told CNN that since 2023, it has funded 23 property sales and attracted 60 new residents. But the town wants more-and it will cover half of the first two years of rent for new tenants who apply by the end of December 2025 and move there by early 2026."
""We distinguish ourselves from the sale of houses at one euro. Here, our homes have a value," Guarguaglini said. "Sociality, hospitality, and numerous cultural initiatives are the added value alongside the strategic location of the village.""
Radicondoli launched financial incentives to reverse steep population decline, offering up to €20,000 to homebuyers plus an additional €6,000 for expenses such as heating. The program funded 23 property sales and attracted 60 new residents since 2023. The town will also cover half of the first two years of rent for qualifying new tenants who apply by December 2025 and relocate by early 2026. Officials allocated over €400,000 this year for purchases, rentals, student aid, commuter support, and green energy subscribers. Available properties range from renovated historic apartments to expansive estates, emphasizing community and location value over one-euro fixer-uppers.
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