Italy’s trend of offering financial incentives to revive depopulated areas continues in 2026, and the Autonomous Province of Trento has confirmed that its popular €100,000 grant scheme will continue with new funding allocated for this year.
Here’s what you need to know about the scheme in 2026.
Up to €100,000 to buy and renovate
Italy has gained international attention for its infamous "1 euro houses" — abandoned properties sold at an almost symbolic price to encourage people to move to rural areas and restore them. However, Trentino's new €100,000 grant initiative takes a different approach, offering more substantial financial support for those willing to relocate to the region.
The grant offers up to €100,000 per applicant, broken down as:
- €80,000 towards renovation costs
- €20,000 towards the purchase of the property
The initiative is designed to revitalise properties in mountain villages at risk of abandonment, helping to tackle depopulation and breathe new life into historic communities.
The funding applies to homes located in selected municipalities identified by the Province as being at risk of decline.
Targeted municipalities
The programme focuses on 33 municipalities that have experienced significant population decline. These include:
- Val di Non: Towns like Bresimo and Livo.
- Val di Sole: Communities such as Rabbi and Vermiglio.
- Valsugana and Other Areas: Including Primiero and ski resorts like San Martino di Castrozza.
Funding confirmed for 2026
The Autonomous Province of Trento has allocated €5 million for 2025 and a further €5 million for 2026, confirming that the programme continues beyond its initial launch phase.
Applications are being accepted through scheduled application windows. The current published windows are:
- First window: May 19 to June 30
- Second window: September 8 to October 23
Applicants must submit their proposals within one of these official timeframes.
Who can apply?
The scheme is open to private individuals who purchase and renovate a property in one of the eligible municipalities.
While there is no explicit nationality restriction, applicants must meet the programme’s conditions, which typically include:
- Committing to establish residency in the municipality (or renting the property out long-term, depending on the call conditions)
- Completing renovation works within a set timeframe
- Respecting spending and documentation requirements
Foreign buyers can apply, provided they are legally able to purchase property in Italy. Non‑EU citizens would also need to ensure they have the appropriate visa or residency status if required under the scheme rules.
As always, applicants should consult the official call (bando) for detailed eligibility criteria.
Eligibility criteria
To qualify for the grant:
- Residency status: Applicants must not be current residents of the targeted municipality, unless they are over 45 years old.
- Property acquisition limit: Each individual can acquire and renovate up to three properties under this programme.
Important conditions to consider
As with similar Italian incentive schemes, the funding is not a “no-strings-attached” payout. Properties must be renovated according to provincial guidelines, and beneficiaries must comply with strict timelines and usage conditions.
Failure to meet the requirements can result in repayment of the grant.
A continued push to revive mountain communities
With funding secured through 2026, Trentino’s initiative remains one of Italy’s most substantial rural revitalisation programmes. For buyers willing to commit to renovation and relocation in a mountain setting, the scheme represents a significant financial incentive — but one that comes with clear obligations.
Before applying, prospective buyers should carefully review the official provincial documentation and seek professional advice regarding renovation costs, residency requirements and tax implications.
