Remember the buzz around Italy’s famous €1 homes a few years back? Tiny towns nationwide made headlines by offering fixer-uppers at symbolic prices to attract new residents—and it worked. Northern Italy’s stunning Trentino region is stepping it up a notch. Instead of cheap houses, they offer significant incentives—up to €100,000—to those willing to move in and breathe new life into its sleepy villages.

Sounds like a dream, right? Well, as always, there are some essential strings attached.

According to CNN, Italian citizens and those of Italian descent living abroad can apply for this program. The government is offering grants totaling up to €100,000 per person: €80,000 for renovating a neglected home and up to €20,000 toward buying it in the first place.

But don't expect a lump sum handed to you upfront. As outlined by Immobiliare News, the money will cover up to 40% of the actual costs associated with the home purchase and the renovation.

Live There Long-Term or Not at All

There’s one big non-negotiable: you have to commit. Applicants need to make the house their primary residence or rent it out to a local for a minimum of ten years. Short-term vacation rentals and quick flips are off the table. Fail to honor that agreement? You could be asked to return all the money.

The list of eligible towns hasn’t been published yet, but it’s expected soon. Likely candidates include lesser-known yet breathtaking mountain villages like Val di Non, Val di Sole, Vallagarina, Castello Tesino, and other areas nestled in valleys such as Val di Cembra, Val di Fiemme, Valfloriana, and Val di Fassa.

These places are rich in charm but have been struck by depopulation. “These are areas with deep cultural roots and amazing landscapes, but their remoteness from urban services makes daily life more challenging,” noted Nicola Teofilo of Immobiliare News.

Photo: unsplash.com/@lauraadaiphoto

Trentino is investing €10 million over the next two years in this initiative. That’s enough to help at least 100 individuals or families cover the costs of relocating and restoring these properties. And if you're thinking bigger, you can even buy and fix up to three homes—perfect for getting friends or extended family involved.

This funding is part of a broader federal strategy introduced in 2024, targeting towns with fewer than 5,000 residents. Due to a steady decline in population, these communities have been struggling economically, and the government is determined to turn things around.

Photo: unsplash.com/@uguccione65

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of starting over in an Alpine Italian village—surrounded by fresh air, forested hills, and old-world charm—Trentino might be the place to do it. And with this new offer, your dream could come with a pretty hefty welcome bonus.