Sardinia’s government is giving people money towards buying a home
(Picture: Pixabay - Simon)Moving to Sardinia is becoming more affordable - to the point that the Italian island’s government is offering £12,700 grants as an incentive to relocate.
Around £38million has been set aside for the scheme as an initiative to populate more rural parts of the country and boost local commerce.
The Mediterranean’s second largest island (behind Sicily) boasts unique sea views and hundreds of miles of beaches as well as beautiful countryside.
Historic city Cagliari is the region's capital and offers a range of delights.
But it has a declining population and an economy hit by younger people moving to mainland Italian cities for work.
Sardinian president Christian Solinas said: “Thanks to the contributions to their first houses, this is strengthened and becomes fertile ground for those who will move there or decide to build a family.
“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.”
He added: “We have created the conditions for young people to decide to stay and develop the economic fabric of the most fragile territories.”
The scheme does come with a few terms and conditions. The grant money can only be used to fund the purchase or renovation of a home in Sardinia and that home must be in an area where the population is under 3,000 people. Purchasers must also live in the house on a full-time basis and register for permanent residence within 18 months of arriving.
Also, anyone moving from the UK might need to learn Italian with English not widely spoken.
