New opportunities are afoot for those dreaming of fixing up a rural idyll far from the chaos of modern life. Ireland has just announced a scheme to revitalize more than 20 of the idyllic islands that lie off its western seaboard, including Inis Mór, whose breathtaking landscape you might recognize from the Hollywood hit “The Banshees of Inisherin,” as well as 10 Irish-speaking Gaeltacht islands.
Increased grants of up to €84,000 (nearly $92,000) will soon be offered to people willing to refurbish vacant or derelict homes and then live in them, with Vacant Home Officers now on the case to identify eligible properties.
Would-be islanders should be aware that while there are no restrictions on who can buy property in Ireland, owning a place doesn’t guarantee you the right to live there. The government website has the latest deets on the Our Living Islands policy and the existing refurbishment scheme.
Several other communities around Europe have launched schemes to entice new residents.
In Italy and Spain particularly, rural towns and villages are using cash incentives to boost their dwindling populations.
The mountain town of Ponga in northwest Spain will pay Brits £2,600 (€2,971) each to relocate there.
The white-washed town of Presicce-Acquarica in the southern Italian region of Puglia will pay new residents up to €30,000 to make the move.
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