The administration of the Italian island of Sardinia is continuing its program to combat depopulation in small settlements by offering grants for purchasing or renovating housing. As stated in the official regional documents, the maximum amount of non-repayable assistance is up to €15,000. However, the compensation only covers a portion of the expenses, and participants must meet several mandatory conditions.
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The initiative aims to attract new residents to small towns and villages, whose populations typically do not exceed 3,000-5,000 people. Applications are open not only to Italian citizens but also to foreigners who have legal grounds for residing in the country.
To receive a grant, several requirements must be met:
- purchase or renovate a property in one of the designated small municipalities of Sardinia;
- relocate to this settlement and register your place of residence there;
- reside at the new address for at least five years;
- use the funds solely for purchasing or renovating housing in accordance with the program’s rules.
Among the settlements where the program is active are the towns of Ollolai, Orgosolo, Aritzo, Desulo, Gavoi, Sadali, Bortigali, Montresta, and about ten other small communities.
Grant covers only part of the costs
Despite the appealing amount of assistance, it is not possible to fully finance the purchase of real estate with the grant. The maximum compensation is 50% of the confirmed expenses, but no more than €15,000.
For instance, if a house costs €60,000, the owner will have to self-finance at least €45,000. If housing was purchased for €20,000, the maximum compensation would be only €10,000, as the grant covers half of the expenses.
Additionally, buyers need to consider:
- costs for the notary and transaction processing;
- taxes and administrative fees;
- renovations, if the purchased property requires restoration;
- moving and furnishing expenses;
- potential costs for obtaining permits or approvals during reconstruction.
At the same time, real estate prices in many villages remain among the lowest in Italy.
Old houses requiring major repairs can be found for approximately €5,000-€30,000, while habitable, relatively comfortable housing can be acquired for €30,000-€80,000.
Who can benefit from the program
The program is primarily designed for those who genuinely plan to relocate, rather than seeking to buy cheap real estate for investment or seasonal holidays. The five-year commitment to live in the purchased property is one of the key conditions for receiving funds.
Therefore, before submitting an application, it is advisable to assess not only the grant amount but also the total personal expenses, employment opportunities, and the prospects of living in a small settlement with a limited social circle.
For those who work remotely or are looking for a quieter place to live, such a program could be a way to significantly reduce housing purchase costs, but it is unlikely to suit individuals unwilling to change their place of residence for an extended period.
Recall
As Minfin reported, government analysts and realtors are observing a clear financial divide among European capitals regarding housing costs. For example, to purchase a new 70-square-meter apartment, a resident of Prague with an average income today needs to spend 15.9 annual salaries.
And to buy housing in Bratislava, one would have to forgo eating, drinking, and using public transport, solely accumulating their salary for almost 14 years.