British expats: Italy’s Sardinia will pay British people £13,000 to move there | Travel News | Travel
Sardinia is home to gorgeous white sand beaches and crystal clear water. But it could also become home to some new residents, each of who will be offered 15,000 euros (£13,000) to move there.
In recent years, many beautiful Italian towns have suffered from depopulation as younger residents move to the country’s cities.
As a result, several areas have fallen into disrepair and many homes are in need of urgent renovation.
Sardinia’s brand new scheme will offer foreigners £13,000 to move to the island. However, they will need to put the money towards renovating a home.
The new residents must choose a home in a Sardinian town with fewer than 3,000 residents.
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Applicants must also live in the town full-time and aren’t allowed to use their funds to renovate a holiday home.
The second largest island in the Mediterranean, Sardinia is one of Italy’s most popular holiday destinations.
Stunning towns such as Calasetta, which has white-sand beaches, and Galtelli, which is near hiking trails, are on offer through the scheme.
Sardinian president, Christian Solinas, said: “We have created the conditions for young people to decide to stay and develop the economic fabric of the most fragile territories.
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“There can be no growth without a real enhancement of the territories, of the interior and most disadvantaged areas, which must pass through new policies for their repopulation.”
Over £900,000 has been set aside for the new project and will be distributed between new residents.
It’s estimated that around 7,000 families or individuals will be able to benefit from the unique scheme.
Home buyers will need to register their residence in Sardinia and must do this within 18 months of arrival.
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Sardinia’s beaches attract visitors from all over the world and are famous for their stunning white sand.
The island’s most famous beach is Spiaggia Rena Bianca is one of Sardinia’s top rated attractions on Tripadvisor.
One visitor wrote: “A wonderful turquoise haven overlooking Corsica. The waters of this beach are simply stunning, clear, clean and turquoise blues!
“Highly recommended for perfect swimming conditions!”
Sardinia isn’t the only Italian region to offer the scheme with options also available in Calabria.
Italy’s one euro (87p) house scheme has been popular with many people securing a bargain new property.
However, it is a serious commitment and new residents will have to be prepared to oversee significant renovations.
Outside of Italy, Spain, Switzerland and Greece all offer schemes which pay foreigners to relocate.
