If you are considering leaving the UK for a fresh start elsewhere but lack the funds, you may be in luck. Several nations provide financial incentives to encourage relocation. These grants are part of efforts to rejuvenate communities or bring empty or derelict properties back into use. However, they often come with conditions, such as a commitment to reside there for a specified number of years. But when you imagine relaxing in your own garden on a Greek island, that commitment may not seem so daunting.
Greece
The remote island of Antikythera offers an almost too-good-to-be-true deal: a free house and €500 per month (approximately £433) for three years. This scheme aims to revitalise the island’s community, with priority given to families with children and professionals such as craftsmen, farmers, bakers, fishermen, and construction workers.
Switzerland
The village of Albinen provides 20,000 Swiss Francs (around £18,800) to families who move there, plus an additional 10,000 Swiss Francs (£9,400) per child. To qualify, you must be under 45, agree to live there for 10 years, and purchase a home worth more than 200,000 Swiss Francs (approximately £188,000). You must also become a Swiss citizen or hold a permanent settlement document (C-permit).
Ireland
The Irish Government offers grants of up to €84,000 (about £72,800) to buy and renovate abandoned or derelict buildings. For properties on the mainland, grants are €50,000 (£43,000) for an empty building or €70,000 (£60,000) for a derelict one. On offshore islands, this rises to €84,000 (£72,800) for derelict buildings or €60,000 (£52,000) for empty ones. The property must have been vacant for at least two years and built before 2008. You must live in it or rent it out, and the grant must be repaid if sold within 10 years.
Spain
Several rural areas in Spain offer grants or monthly payments. For instance, the Ambroz region provides grants of nearly €15,000 (just under £13,000) for those committing to live there for at least two years. The village of Rubia pays between €100 and €150 (£86–£130) per month to new residents. Other incentives vary by location.
Chile
The Chilean government offers equity-free grants of up to £74,000 to tech-based start-ups that establish themselves in the country. This scheme is open to people from any nation and includes a two-year work visa, access to mentors, networking opportunities, and office space.
Italy
Italy sells abandoned or derelict homes in certain areas for just €1 (about 88p) to revive dying towns. However, buyers must undertake serious repairs and complete renovations within three years. The total cost may still be less than buying a ready-to-move-in home. Some areas require the property to be used as a primary residence rather than a holiday home or B&B.
Japan
Japan offers families one million yen (around £4,600) per child to move to rural areas outside Tokyo. At least one family member must work at a company in the new area, start a local business, or work remotely. The family must stay for at least five years; otherwise, the money must be returned. The scheme is only open to current Tokyo residents.
