Several Alpine villages in Switzerland and Italy are offering financial incentives to attract new residents, as they struggle with declining populations. The schemes range from direct cash payments to subsidised housing, aiming to revitalise communities that have lost families and young people to larger towns.
In Albinen, Switzerland, residents will vote on 30 November on a proposal to pay 25,000 Swiss francs (£19,130) per adult and 10,000 francs per child to those who buy or build a house worth at least 200,000 francs. Applicants must be under 45, commit to living there for ten years, and second homes are banned. The village of 240 people has seen its school close after families moved away.
In Italy, Bormida in Liguria offers municipal housing for 50-120 euros a month, attracting 50 newcomers. Meanwhile, Candela in Puglia provides cash bonuses of 800-2,000 euros depending on family size, along with tax credits. Applicants must register as residents by 31 December 2017, rent a house, and have a minimum salary of 7,500 euros. Six families from northern Italy have already qualified.
Another Italian village, Bormida, saw its mayor's suggestion of a 2,000 euro relocation bonus go viral, but the plan remains a proposal for 2018. The mayor clarified that the news was misinterpreted and that funding is not yet available.
These initiatives highlight the challenges faced by rural communities in maintaining their populations, with some offering significant sums to attract new residents. However, strict conditions apply, and the number of beneficiaries is limited by available funds.
