In recent years, city authorities across Italy have created clever schemes to attract new residents. Recently, the picturesque town of Presicce, in the sunny southern region of Puglia, joined another such program. Officials have promised to pay people up to 30 thousand euros if they move in and settle down in this small village.
Houses for sale in the deal cost from 25 thousand euros. Like other properties for sale throughout Italy, they have long been abandoned.
As an added bonus, officials point to the homes’ incredible location: surrounded by the nature of the Salento area, close to clean beaches and the turquoise clear waters of Cape Santa Maria di Leuca.
Prezicce authorities hope the cash incentive will breathe new life into their depopulated town, where every year there are fewer residents.
“There are many empty houses in the historic center that were built before 1991, we would like to see them become ‘alive’ again, with new residents,” said local councilman Alfredo Palese.
“It’s a shame to see our old neighborhoods, full of history, beautiful architecture and art, slowly becoming empty,” he added.
Alfredo explained that the funds allocated would be divided into two parts: one part would go toward the purchase of the old house, and the other would go toward its restoration, if necessary.
In order to qualify for the €30,000 incentive, buyers must move into Preziccea and purchase one of the pre-1991 properties identified on the city map.
Alfredo said that prices for housing starts at 500 euros per square meter. Thus, about 25 thousand euros should be enough for a house of 50 square meters in need of renovation.
Prezicce is called the “city of green gold” because of the lush olive groves that give top-grade olive oil.
In addition to tours of the underground oil mills, olive oil festivals and food tastings, the town has a museum of peasant civilization with objects from the past.
